Tamer Ashour Has Some Harsh Words for Rotana

Tamer Ashour feels he was screwed over by the mangers at the Saudi base music production and distribution house Rotana. The Egyptian composer turned singer feels was hoodwinked by Rotana who chose to release his new album in the midst of the Egyptian revolution in the Gulf and via the internet.

Upset by this move, the singer distant himself form the company and took on Rotana and attacked their decision in a public feud. Tamer who states in an exclusive interview with Elaph that the company had his album and they have not talked since January 25th the day the protests broke out in Egypt.

Tamer states he tried to get a hold of Salim Al Hindi the powerful manager at Rotana but Mr. Al Hindi did not pick up the phone. And his secretary could not explain the reasons behind releasing Tamer's album on that date. The secretary claims the album was leaked and not released, but Tamer does not buy.

Perhaps the most fiery claim made by Mr. Ashour is that Rotana wants to play ball with him and asked him to retrieved his press release where he accused the company of disrespecting the people of Egypt. In exchange Rotana will up the marketing for the album, produce 4 music videos, allow him to screen his music videos on other channels and give him royalty rights for the ring tones. Tamer turned down the offer and sued the Saudi company for royalty rights as he has not giving them any rights or documents as he still owns his material. Ashour argues the company only paid 40 percent of the production costs.

Ashour also states that the company only produced two albums for him in five years when they were supposed to produce five. On happier news Tamer is happy to see some demand on his music as some of the song son his album are happier ones, the kind you play at weeding parties.