A LAST-MINUTE attempt to stop a performance by well-known Moroccan singer Dounia Batma in Bahrain today has failed.
Platinum Records, a subsidiary of Saudi broadcasting giant MBC, had sought to block her appearance based on a contractual dispute, the singer’s lawyer told the GDN.
It means she can take to the stage as planned for the free concert at Seef Mall from 7pm to 11pm, which will also feature Jordan’s Oraib Hamdan and Kuwait’s Khalid Busakhr.
Lawyer Ali Thamer said two cases had been filed against Ms Batma, one in Bahrain’s Urgent Matters Court attempting to halt her performance tonight and the other in the High Civil Court over a contractual dispute.
However, the Urgent Matters Court yesterday threw out the case – ruling that tonight’s show must go on.
“They (Platinum Records) have been having issues with her since 2012 and filed two cases, one at the High Civil Court seeking compensation and the second at the Urgent Matters Court against her taking to the stage in Bahrain,” said Mr Thamer.
“However, we requested the Urgent Matters Court to kick out the case on the grounds that it is not urgent – and the court agreed.”
He said the dispute between Ms Batma, who is married to a Bahraini, and Platinum Records was based around claims that she had not fulfilled her contractual obligations after finishing as a runner -up on MBC’s hit TV show Arab Idol in 2012.
The show catapulted Ms Batma to fame in the Arab world and she has gone on to pursue a successful solo career.
A verdict in that case is due to be delivered at the end of this month.
Thousands of people are expected to turn up for tonight’s show, which is organised by Al Turk Productions and White Box Events in co-ordination with Seef Properties.
It will be followed by a second concert tomorrow at the same venue featuring Bahraini singing sensations Hala Al Turk, Hamad Buqais and Mohammed Qambar.
The Celebrate My Country concerts have been organised to mark Kuwait’s National Day and the 16th anniversary of Bahrain’s National Action Charter.
noorz@gdn.com.bh
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