Shyma-Egyptian singer is jailed for 2 years for suggestively eating banana in music video

An Egyptian singer has been jailed for two years for suggestively eating a banana and appearing in her underwear in her music video.

Shaimaa Ahmed, 21, aka Shyma, released the video for her single “I Have Issues” and it attracted over a million views within days.

She is seen in the video dancing in underwear before appearing in front of a classroom of adult men and pouring milk over a banana before eating it. The video caused a storm and she was accused of “inciting debauchery”.

The director of the music video was also accused of inciting debauchery and producing a video harming public morality in the traditionally conservative country. Shyma was arrested on November 18 and referred to the prosecution for investigation. She denied the accusations, reportedly saying the director included the controversial scenes without her consent. She also posted an apology on her Facebook account, promising to stick to “true art” from now on.

Shyma was sentenced to 2 years in jail and was also fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds (£420). The director was also fined and sentenced to two years in prison in absentia.

Watch the offending music video below.