Fairuz refuses to sing at Morocco’s Mawazine

Arab musical icon Fairuz has refused to take part in Morocco’s annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat for a third time in as many years. Fairuz has blamed the lack of proper staging facilities at the festival, denying there were any “political motives” behind the decision. The star’s Moroccan fans have expressed disappointment at the announcement. Mahmoud Misfer, in charge of festival technical support, has told Arabstoday Fairuz prefers to sing in larger venues and opera houses. Rabat’s largest concert hall houses 1,500 spectators, he added. Morocco’s Mawazine Festival is an annual celebration of world music held between May 24 and June 1. Global pop stars, including singers from across the Arab world, come each year. Mawazine 2013 will see Rihanna and Jessie J share the bill with Loreen, Sherine Abdel Wahab, Cheb Wami and Tamer Hosni.