Kuwait concert headlined by Akon called off after lawmakers criticize it as immoral

KUWAIT CITY – A planned concert by Akon was called off in Kuwait after conservative lawmakers criticized it on moral grounds.

The American singer whose hits include “Smack That” and “I Wanna Love You” was scheduled to headline a weekend event also featuring local performers to raise awareness about the dangers of phone use while driving.

One of the organizers, Reema al-Yacoub, told The Associated Press on Sunday that authorities called off the show late last week but did not give a clear explanation.

Members of parliament had pressed authorities to stop the performance, with one, Humood al-Hamdan, telling local paper Al Rai that children need protection from the influence of “negative people.”

Traditional Islamic values mean that alcohol and pornography are banned in Kuwait, and women are expected to dress modestly.