Nightclub shut down after British DJ plays Muslim call to prayer remix at Tunisia festival
A BEACHSIDE nightclub in Tunisia was shut down after a British-born DJ played a remixed recording of the Muslim call to prayer.
A nightclub was shut down after a DJ played a remixed recording of a Muslim call to prayer
Footage of the partygoers dancing to the provocative track sparked a social media storm, leading to the club being closed down, with no plans for it to reopen.
Dax J, a London native, took to the decks on Friday night as part of electronic music festival in nightclub Orbit, in Nabeul, a tourist hotspot some 37 miles (60km) south of Tunis.
The governor of Nabeul, Mnaouar Ouertani, said the club would remain closed “until further notice”.
He said: “We will not tolerate attacks against religious feelings and the sacred.”
Mr Ouertani added that the club’s manager had been detained for “violation of good morals” and “public outrage against modesty”.
The Tunisian minister of religious affairs echoed Mr Ouertani’s remarks and denounced an “attack on the sacred and on religious rights” adding “mocking Tunisians’ religious beliefs and feelings” was “unacceptable”.
Dax J, a London native, took to the decks on Friday night
We will not tolerate attacks against religious feelings and the sacred
The organisers of the Orbit Festival apologised for the DJ’s misstep in a post published on the event’s Facebook page, but denied responsibility for the blasphemous tune.
The statement said: “Dax J is British and played the song recently in Europe.”
The statement added: “This incident can happen in any party's and any country. Dax J did not intend to provoke your anger or offend you.
He was playing as a as part of electronic music festival in nightclub Orbit
“It is clear, after his apologies, that Dax J is sincere and has no reason to hurt our dear festival-goers.
“It is unfair that 20 sec of music ruined a two day event which we prepared for many months. We do not want to interfere in religious debates.
“So my friends, forgive, and don't forget that the music is the answer.”
Dax J also took to Facebook to offer his “sincerest apologies”, adding he had “never meant to upset or offend anyone”.