Tunisian artists fear Islamist repression

Tunisian singer and actress Lubna Noman Tunis – Azhar Jarboui Tunisian singer and actress Lubna Noman has told Arab Today that she and her fellow colleagues in the entertainment industry feel threatened by the ruling Ennahda Party, because their Islamist concepts contradict freedom of expression and creativity.
Noman said that performers are struggling to find work because production companies are closing down, and the Ministry of Culture refuses to fund new projects.
Noman, known for her traditional music, said she aims to touch the listener\'s soul with her beats, and described modern day music as \"deceiving.\" Her new film, Bastardo, goes on general release in Tunisia, from October.
Noman\'s is also recording her new album which includes the songs Beit Bela Nafeza and al-Rih Ateya. All the songs have been composed by her and her partner Mahdi Shakroun.
The Tunisian veteran said she is interested in compiling an album which revives Tunisian heritage, and combines that with other traditional Arab and foreign songs. Noman said she would speak to other singers in the Middle East about this project. The theme of the album will be freedom, and Noman\'s single Kan Yama Kan will be on the track list.
Noman told Arab Today that Tunisian artists are being forced to move abroad to revive their careers, because Tunisia\'s copyright legislation isn\'t strong enough. She urged the government to change its policy towards arts funding, and promote freedom of expression by limiting the role of the Ministry of Culture.
Noman explained that despite doing a course in acting, she opted for a career in singing, before playing a small role in Tunisian director Ridha al-Bahi\'s Brando Brando. The actress said she was excited about playing the lead role in Nejib Belkadhi\'s Bastardo.
Noman also defended her colleagues for making political statements in public, claiming that celebrities have a public duty to speak out against oppressive regimes, and defend people\'s rights.
She accused the ruling Islamic regime of limiting freedom and creativity in Tunisia, and called for a specific law to protect individual rights.