Controversy surrounds the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan sparked widespread controversy after announcing his exclusion from performing at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast. In a video posted to his official Instagram account, Ramadan revealed details of what happened, describing the situation as "disturbing" and humiliating to him as an Arab artist representing Egypt.

Background of participation and general context

This controversy arises from Mohamed Ramadan's participation in the tournament's official song, "Akwaba," which brought him together with prominent African stars such as the Ivorian band Magic System and Nigerian singer Yemi Allied. The song achieved widespread popularity and was considered a symbol of African unity through art and music. It was natural for the public to expect to see the song's stars perform it live at one of the tournament's two main ceremonies, the opening or closing ceremony, given its significant symbolic and media impact.

Details of Mohamed Ramadan's novel

In his account of the events, Ramadan explained that he was delighted to participate in this important continental event and that he had dedicated time and effort to filming the song in Marrakech, Morocco. He noted that he was initially informed his performance would be at the opening ceremony, before being told it had been postponed to the closing ceremony. However, the shock, as he described it, came just one day before the final, when he received no official communication from the organizers to confirm his participation or arrange logistical details. He considered this unprofessional and unbecoming of the event's scale and his artistic stature.

Importance and expected impact

Participating in major sporting events, such as the Africa Cup of Nations, is a golden opportunity for artists to enhance their international presence and reach a global audience. The absence of an artist of Mohamed Ramadan's stature, who enjoys a wide fan base in Africa and the Arab world, from the closing ceremony came as a surprise to many of his followers. This situation raised questions about the organizational efficiency and communication of the tournament's organizing committee, which is affiliated with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ramadan concluded his remarks by expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the way he was treated, officially announcing his withdrawal from the event and emphasizing that an artist's dignity and respect come first.

Artist Mahmoud Bashir passed away at the age of 76

The renowned Egyptian actor Mahmoud Bashir passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with illness, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a special place in the hearts of viewers who cherished his memorable roles in classic Egyptian dramas. The news of his death was announced by actor Mounir Makram, a member of the Actors' Syndicate, on his official Facebook page, where he offered a heartfelt eulogy, confirming that Bashir's passing came after a period of health struggles in his final days.

Details of the last days

The late artist Mahmoud Bashir had suffered a severe health crisis recently, requiring his transfer to a major hospital in Cairo for treatment. His condition deteriorated significantly, prompting doctors to place him on a ventilator in the intensive care unit, where he ultimately passed away, bringing to a close an artistic career spanning decades.

A prolific artistic career at the heart of Egyptian drama

Mahmoud Bashir was born on March 9, 1950, and began his artistic career at a time when Egyptian television drama was flourishing. He wasn't a leading man in the traditional sense, but he was one of the most memorable and essential figures in the works he participated in. He excelled at portraying supporting roles with sincerity and professionalism, making his presence a key element in the success of many series that have become part of the collective memory of entire generations.

His role in the iconic series "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe" is considered one of his most prominent artistic milestones, where he left a clear mark despite the limited screen time. He also shone in other works that achieved widespread popular success, such as "Morning and Evening Talk," "The Night and Its End" with the star Yehia El-Fakharany, and "Abbas El-Abyad in the Black Day." His diverse roles reflected his ability to move seamlessly between social and historical settings, proving that he is a talented artist in command of his craft.

The importance and influence of Mahmoud Bashir in the art scene

The passing of Mahmoud Bashir represents a loss for one of the "second-tier" artists who formed the backbone of Egyptian drama for decades. These artists, despite not being at the forefront of the spotlight, were instrumental in creating a complete and realistic dramatic world that resonated with audiences. Bashir was a familiar and reassuring face for viewers, his appearances associated with high-quality family dramas that brought Arab families together around the screen. His last appearance was in the series "Aho Dah Elly Sar" in 2019, marking the end of a quiet yet impactful and profound artistic career.