Music events cancelled in Iranian city after Imam claims they are "causing droughts"

A number of live music events have been cancelled in southern Iran after a religious leader blamed them for causing drought.

According to Iran International, Friday Prayer Imam Abdolhossein Ghobishavi of the southwestern city of Abadan, had blamed a lack of rain on "sinful" music concerts, claiming they had "angered god."

As a result, the local officials have taken steps to cancel several concert permits for events scheduled in February — a move that reportedly contradicts an order from the current Iranian administration, which had instructed officials not to block music events.

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While concerts are allowed in Iran, all musicians have to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Guidance and Culture to perform and release music — with events often becoming a point contention in the battle ground between moderates and conservatives.

Cultural regulations ban women from undertaking solo shows, with prominent Iranian artist Alireza Ghorbani having a string of performances cancelled in 2023 due to featuring female performers on stage.

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Similarly musicians in Iran risk harsh punishments if their music is considered to be in violation of Iranian cultural and religious standards.

The rapper Tataloo was recently sentenced to death for "blasphemy", while female singer Parastoo Ahmadi faced prosecution when her video of her performing in an empty venue went viral. In the video, her hair is uncovered and her shoulders are bare, which violates state cultural laws.

[Via: Iran International]

Henrietta Taylor is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter