Music critic Tarek El-Shennawy stated that the latest decision by Hany Shaker, the singer who was recently elected head of the Musicians Syndicate, mandating female singers adhere to a dress code, is an "amateurish act."

“Instead of focusing on the dress code of singers, Shaker should be focusing on developing art and refining it during these difficult times,” Shennawy said in an interview with MENA.

“For the time being, art is suffering from stagnation, especially with the spread of piracy that has led many producers to be reluctant with projects and hindered large art and music events,” he added.

Some commentators have previously expressed displeasure at some singers’ outfits, claiming that the female artists dress immodestly.

Shennawy pointed out that even if Shaker were to impose a dress code on local singers such as Bardis, Shakira, and others, he would be unable to impose much on big stars such as Haifaa Wehbe, Nancy Ajram, and Elissa.

“Honestly, I don’t know how Shaker will be able to specify the type of attire appropriate for each singer or who will even determine this,” Shennawy said.

He added that with this statement, Shaker, whom Shennawy said he respects as an artist with a long history in the music scene, is asking for a fight with a large number of people who work in the scene. 

Shennawy said he believes that the decision will be deemed ridiculous by everyone since Shaker has himself previously acted in films featuring belly-dancers.
 

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