Head of Lebanon's Victorious Mayyas Dance Troupe Chides Politicians

Members of the Lebanese dance group Mayyas pose for a group photo while surrounding their choreographer Nadim Cherfan (C) upon arrival at Beirut International Airport on September 16, 2022 after winning the "America's Got Talent" TV contest ANWAR AMRO AFP
Members of the Lebanese dance group Mayyas pose for a group photo while surrounding their choreographer Nadim Cherfan (C) upon arrival at Beirut International Airport on September 16, 2022 after winning the "America's Got Talent" TV contest ANWAR AMRO AFP
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Head of Lebanon's Victorious Mayyas Dance Troupe Chides Politicians

Members of the Lebanese dance group Mayyas pose for a group photo while surrounding their choreographer Nadim Cherfan (C) upon arrival at Beirut International Airport on September 16, 2022 after winning the "America's Got Talent" TV contest ANWAR AMRO AFP
Members of the Lebanese dance group Mayyas pose for a group photo while surrounding their choreographer Nadim Cherfan (C) upon arrival at Beirut International Airport on September 16, 2022 after winning the "America's Got Talent" TV contest ANWAR AMRO AFP

The choreographer leading a Lebanese dance troupe that shot to fame by winning the 'America's Got Talent' TV contest castigated Lebanese politicians and called for revolution upon landing back in Beirut Friday.

Dozens of relatives offered the Mayyas troupe flowers at Beirut airport while thousands of Lebanese were glued to their televisions to catch a glimpse of the performers who filled them with pride and joy in a country wrecked by nearly three years of economic crisis, AFP said.

"We don't need you (politicians), Mayyas made Lebanon proud without your help" choreographer Nadim Cherfan told AFP at Beirut's airport, echoing the frustration of many Lebanese who blame the political class for the country's woes.

His comment came as a snub to top Lebanese politicians who had praised the group -- including the country's president and prime minister.

Amid Lebanon's worst-ever economic crisis, the national currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value on the black market since 2019 while poverty and unemployment have soared.

In a reflection of deep popular discontent, five banks were stormed Friday by depositors seeking to unlock savings frozen in the banking system after the economy crumbled.

"People should break all the banks, shake up the country and turn the table over politicians’ heads," Cherfan said.

Mayyas this week snatched a $1 million prize and the chance to headline a Las Vegas show for their extravagant television performance featuring belly dancing, feather fans, and white orbs of light.

Judges and viewers hailed the troupe for their hypnotic and mesmerizing performances -- despite enduring hardships at home that include long daily power cuts.

Lebanese authorities can barely provide citizens and residents with bare necessities.

Lebanon suffers from electricity cuts that last up to 22 hours as the cash-strapped state can no longer afford fuel.

"Your job is to feed the hungry people and bring electricity," Cherfan said, addressing the politicians.

"As artists we are doing an artistic revolution," he added, in an apparent reference to a 2019 anti-government protest movement that many Lebanese dubbed a revolution.



Riyadh Film Music Festival Returns for Second Year

Riyadh Film Music Festival Returns for Second Year
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Riyadh Film Music Festival Returns for Second Year

Riyadh Film Music Festival Returns for Second Year

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the launch of the second annual Riyadh Film Music Festival, scheduled to take place July 30 to August 9 at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The festival will bring together renowned film composers from around the world.

This year’s festival offers a unique audio-visual experience that combines screenings of iconic films with live orchestral performances, underscoring the commission’s commitment to fostering the arts and stimulating cultural activity in the capital, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Riyadh Film Music Festival is one of the key initiatives under the Lifestyle Sector of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and is part of the events held in conjunction with the Esports World Cup.

It aims to host some of the world’s largest cultural and entertainment events, offering diverse artistic and recreational options for residents and visitors alike, while reinforcing Riyadh’s position on the global cultural map.