Morocco’s Mawazine fest in trouble over J Lo’s attire

RABAT: Morocco’s Mawazine festival opened over the weekend to record crowds but faced some controversy, with 300,000 fans flocking to see star attractions such as Jennifer Lopez and Pharrell Williams, organizers said.

Last year’s installment — the festival’s 13th — drew 2.6 million people in Rabat and organizers said this year’s edition saw 160,000 music fans turn out just to watch Lopez on opening night on Saturday.
But local media criticized the pop star for her “suggestive poses” and for being “scantily” dressed during a show that was broadcast on public television, albeit with a slight delay. Government spokesman Mustapha Khalfi, a member of the Islamist Justice and Development party, strongly denounced the broadcast on state television.
“What was broadcast is unacceptable and goes against broadcasting law,” Khalfi wrote on Twitter.
Although thousands of the festival-goers were in awe of the Latina’s sensational performance, the persons complaining described her stage attire as “skimpy.” While many thought the pop diva would tone down her look and dance moves in tune with Morocco’s culture, she wore very little and showed a lot of skin instead. Many can argue that the brunette bombshell’s wardrobe and choreography were too risqué for Muslim Morocco. However, some Arab stars, such as Lebanese Myriam Fares, dress and dance in a way very reminiscent of JLo’s!
The performance of Williams, now world famous for his 2014 smash hit “Happy,” received more universal approval.
“I loved it, there were lots of young people and Pharrell Williams’ performance was full of joy. I want to go back!” one fan told AFP.
On Sunday, Nigerian R&B duo P-Square delighted tens of thousands of onlookers, with one young fan who came with a group of friends saying, “It was great! We love you, P-Square, thank you!”