Atmosphere unsuitable for art, says Latifah

Tunisian singer Latifah has told Arabstoday of her indignation at the attacks against art and artists in Arab countries, especially in Egypt and Tunisia. “Unfortunately, art, which is an expression of countries’ culture and conscience and whose stars societies admire, has acquired a bad name in our Arab world and its stars are subjected to daily insults,” the singer told Arabstoday. “These insults that are directed at artists in Egypt and Tunisia make me feel like we’re going backwards,” she added. “As an Arab artist, I can’t work under these conditions anymore,” she said, adding “the atmosphere in the Arab world now is unsuitable for the artist’s work and doesn’t induce creativity.” “I have had to postpone the release of my album, which I finished recording a long time ago, and have also put off my acting project due to this atmosphere,” Latifah said. The Tunisian singer’s new album was set to be released in January 2012 and was put back until stability is restored to the Arab world. In the album, Latifah works with a number of lyricists and musicians, including Mohammed el-Refawi, Mohammed Yehia, Mohammed el-Sawi, Hani Damak and Wael Qaeed. The album includes songs in both Egyptian and Tunisian accents.