Watch: An Egyptian singer was arrested for eating a banana in a music video
Shyma may face up to three years in prison for ‘eating fruits’ suggestively.
An Egyptian singer who goes by the name of Shyma was arrested in her home on November 18 for “inciting debauchery”. She was detained in prison for a few days. If charges are pressed against her she, may end up serving up to three years in prison.
The reason for her arrest? The music video (above) for her song I have issues. The video features the 21-year-old singer, whose real name is Shaaima Ahmed, teaching a class to young men while she “suggestively” eats a banana and an apple.
The video triggered a massive outcry in Egypt for “corrupting public morals” and “inciting debauchery”. MP Jalal Awara said, “The content of the video clip is harmful to the Egyptian society. There must be a firm stance against promoters of this substandard art.” Scoop Empire, an Egyptian website, described the video as “pure filth”, writing, “The word filth may not even be enough to describe her first offering to the world of music.”
Shaimaa was quoted as telling investigators, “I was a tool in the hands of the director, who guided my movements and requested me to do some displays.” Mohammed Gamal, the director of the video, has also been arrested. Shyma said, “I had the best intentions at heart, but was seduced by fame.”