BANGKOK: Popular Thai rapper Joey Boy and his songwriter yesterday apologised to Muslims over one of their songs containing verses from their holy book, and said the album would be withdrawn from the market.
Joey Boy, whose real name is Abhisit Opasiemlikit, said he had no idea that the song, which was produced eight years ago, contained passages from the Muslim holy book.
"I have sent a formal written apology to the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand (Muslim Spiritual Leader's Office)," he said.
At a press conference the spiky-haired singer repeatedly offered the Thai "wai" gesture of respect by pressing his palms together in front of his face.
The incident comes amid continued fury across the Muslim world over cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad that were first published by a Danish newspaper.
Muslims for Peace group leader Mureed Temasen said Thailand's minority Muslim community accepted the explanation from the rapper over the offending song Choey, which means "Stay Put".
"Joey Boy has formally apologised and recalled all CDs, which we consider to be a prompt reaction to our complaint. Otherwise, we were planning to mount protests against him," he said.
Suki Kamol Sukosol Klamp who wrote the song said he had "sampled" the offending section from a world music album.
"I deeply apologise to all Muslim people for my unintentional mistake," he said. "I just learned what was featured in the song's introduction... and as soon as I realised, I asked Sony BMG to immediately recall the CDs from the market."–AFP |
