Egyptian singer banned for 'mocking' River Nile

Egypt's musicians' union has banned a leading singer from performing in the country for "mocking" the River Nile.

It came after a video emerged showing Sherine Abdel Wahab being asked at a concert to sing Mashrebtesh Men Nilha (Have You Ever Drunk From The Nile).

She responded by saying "drinking from the Nile will get me schistosomiasis" - a disease caused by parasitic worms that are commonly known as bilharzia. Abdel Wahab then advised the fan to "drink Evian water" instead.

On Tuesday, the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate announced that it had reviewed the video and decided to suspend the 37-year-old over her apparent "unjustified mockery of our dear Egypt".

The union said it had opened an investigation and would not grant Abdel Wahab the necessary permits to perform until she had been questioned.

Abdel Wahab later issued a statement apologising for her "foolish joke" at the concert, which she said took place in the Gulf emirate of Sharjah more than a year ago. "My beloved country Egypt and sons of my country Egypt, I apologise to you with all my heart for any pain caused to any of you," she added.

UCJ, UNILORIN.