The festival performer Hamo Bika sent an apology and a request to artist Hany Shakir, the head of the Musicians Syndicate, via Facebook. He stated, "Mr. Hany Shakir, head of the Musicians Syndicate, and the prince of Arab singing, I apologize to you and to the entire Musicians Syndicate for everything that has come from me. I ask you to accept my apology, as well as that of all my teachers in the syndicate. I haven’t asked for more than to work; I only want the annual permit, because I want to work and see my job and my life." He added, "I hope you accept my apology and consider me a son of yours."
Hamo Bika also responded to mockery of his post in the comments, saying, "Why do you take everything as a joke? Why do you treat everything with disdain? I think there’s nothing funny or laughable in the statement. I hope, if you don’t mind, that anyone who wants to say something nice can do so, and those who don’t have nice words to say can remain silent, that would be better!"
It is worth noting that the Musicians Syndicate Council had issued a decision in April to prohibit 20 festival performers from singing due to their lack of membership in the syndicate. As a result, festival performers are missing from the New Year's Eve concerts this year, in accordance with the decision.
