DAMASCUS, Syria, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The head of Syria's artists union, Sabah Obeid, is trying to limit the growing number of sultry music videos that have become popular in his country.
By organizing three music competitions that are only open to "decadence-free" artists, Obeid is attempting to do away with what he calls "bed and bathtub" entertainment, al-Arabiya reported Wednesday.
Obeid said his talent project is also focused on finding artists whose works focuses on humanistic or political themes.
"Some people thought my project would fail, but after the beautiful voices I've listened to in this competition, I guarantee the emergence of new artists who will captivate listeners," the union official said.
While Obeid has attacked musicians like Lebanon's Elissa and Haifa Wahbi for their sultry ways, he apparently has no problem with one of music's most polarizing artists.
"Madonna has a good voice and sings meaningful lyrics. It doesn't look that offensive when she takes off her clothes," he told the Dubai-based satellite TV station.
