Jordan imposed a ban on the popular yet controversial rock band Mashrou' Leila, otherwise known as Leila's Project, from performing at the Roman Amphitheater in Amman on April 29. The band was also unofficially informed that they are no longer allowed to perform in Jordan in subsequent events.
According to ABC News, Mashrou' Leila was banned from performing at the Roman Amphitheater in Amman on April 29. Governor Khalid Abu Zeid said that the popular alternative rock band's songs contradict religious beliefs.
Mashrou' Leila, otherwise translated as Mashrou3 Leila or Leila's Project, is known for punching out tracks with witty and satirical lyrics with themes that reflect the flaws of Lebanese society among others. The band's other lyrical themes include war and politics, homosexuality and sexual freedom, as well as immigration.
The ban was confirmed on April 26 by the band itself through social media. According to a statement issued by Mashrou' Leila as posted on Jadaliyaa, the band was notified that their authorization to play at the concert had been withdrawn due to a clash of interests with the Ministry of Tourism.
An excerpt from the statement read, "We denounce the systemic prosecution of voices of political dissent. We denounce the systemic prosecution of advocates of sexual and religious freedom. We denounce the censorship of artists anywhere in the world."
Frontman Hamed Sinno said, "We're disappointed to see that this kind of reasoning is starting to take over the Middle East. It's disappointing to see how adamantly regional governments are trying to curtail the spread of dissent into popular culture. It's also quite empowering. If anything, we've been reminded, yet again, of just how much music can actually change."
In addition to the ban from the Roman Theater, the group was also "unofficially informed" that it was not allowed to perform in Jordan in future events. According to another article on Step Feed, Sinno said that although their music hasn't been an issue for the last three years, an unnamed religious figure may have prompted the public to make a move against Mashrou' Leila "to safeguard national morality". He added that he remains optimistic that authorities will reverse the decision soon enough.
Mashrou' Leila has performed at the Roman Ampitheater three times in the previous years. Two of its band members are openly gay, including Sinno. The vocalist revealed that the concert would have been the last they would have done in the Middle East before embarking on a North American tour for the promotion of their new album "Ibn El Leil" (Man of the Night).
