Rapper Zap Tharwat's book, "Habibaty" (Arabic for My Beloved), drew wide criticism on social media platforms and with intellectual groups following the musician's book signing event at the Cairo International Book Fair.
Critics claim the book is a 'weak cultural product', but Shaaban Youssef, one of the coordinators of the fair's cultural program, said whoever fights the book is close-minded and unable to communicate with the new generation. Youssef believes this negative mindset is simply a way to impose their conservative perspectives on the youth.
Tharwat's book signing was initially put on a waiting list by Youssef, but when writer Ashraf Ashmawy pulled out, Tharwat was given the chance to present his book.
Youssef said the decision to invite Tharwat was made to spotlight new voices, particularly those that have become a national phenomenon. He added that he was not concerned with the fact that he is a rapper or singer as much as he is impressed by his success, saying that so many famous people have written books that were not nearly as successful.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
