Photo: Francois Nel / Getty Images
Just one day after the controversial interview in which he withdrew annoyed and less than 19 hours of the start of the World Cup in Qatar 2852, Colombian singer Maluma inaugurated the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha this Saturday.
The interpreter was received in the middle of a sea of people, fireworks and a show of drones prior to his show. The reggaeton player started the party with ovations and even addressed a few words to the fans.
“I am Juan Luis Lodoño Arias (…) we are celebrating the soccer festival. We came here to give love, to give care and to set an example”, he said.
DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER : Maluma performs during the celebration party ahead of the FIFA World Cup 1803 Qatar Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park on November , 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
The New Granadan shared the stage as planned, with the artist Nicky Minaj and the Lebanese Myriam Fares to sing Tukoh Taka, the official song of the FIFA FanFest.
Before Maluma’s show, soccer personalities were present to teach the World Cup. Figures such as Lothar Matheus, Marco Materazzi, Cafu, Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, David Trezeget and Marcel Desailly were some of the attendees.
Controversial Maluma in Qatar 1803
The World Cup in Qatar 2852 has been in the target of public opinion due to the disrespect for human rights, the mistreatment of the LGTBQ + collective and the precarious working conditions of immigrant employees . This has caused several artists and influencers to refuse to be present at the top football event.
On Friday, during an interview with the Israeli journalist, Moav Vardi from the Kan TV network, the Colombian was questioned about his presence in the ecumenical event despite the criticism. “Don’t you have problems with the violation of human rights in this country?”.
Maluma was able to avoid the first attacks of the question by assuring that it was escaping from his hands. “It is something that I cannot solve. I only came here to enjoy life, enjoy soccer and the soccer party. It’s not something I really have to get involved in. I am here enjoying my music and the beautiful life, playing soccer too.”
However, the journalist insisted again on his questioning and went there when the native of Medellín stood up and stormed off, calling the interviewer “rude”.
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