Few artists in the Arab world can spark as much conversation as Mohamed Ramadan, and his latest feud with rising star Ahmed Bahr, better known as Kozbara, is no exception. As the drama unfolded, social media became a battleground for fans and critics of both parties. Supporters of Kozbara praised him for speaking up, while some accused Mohamed Ramadan of using controversy as a tool for self-promotion.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of its roots and the fiery exchanges that reignited the feud after more than a year of simmering tensions.
The Origin
The clash began over a year ago when Kozbara reportedly removed Mohamed Ramadan’s hit song Khamsa from digital platforms. The dispute, rooted in intellectual property disagreements, caused frustration on Ramadan’s end but has never escalated to become public. At the time, both sides seemed to move on, leaving fans to speculate whether the matter had been resolved or simply brushed under the rug.
The Resurgence
The feud reignited during the premiere of Kozbara’s hit film, El Harifa 2. When asked by a journalist about his relationship with Mohamed Ramadan, Kozbara’s reply was both dismissive and sarcastic. The response, which carried a double-edged meaning, sparked waves of reaction online. Fans debated whether it was a playful jab or a pointed attack, but the ambiguity was enough to provoke Ramadan’s rebuttal.
The Clapback
In a conference held at the historic Cinema Radio in downtown Cairo, Ramadan addressed Kozbara’s comment with characteristic sharpness. His retort was delivered with biting humour using wordplay, a jab at Kozbara’s stage name, which was both creative and stinging. While some found it funny, others criticised Ramadan for escalating the feud unnecessarily, arguing that his position as a leading star comes with a responsibility to avoid public confrontations.
The Call for Respect
Refusing to remain silent, Kozbara took to social media to express his frustration. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he addressed the recurring mockery of his stage name and how it has impacted his mental health, explaining that someone tries to undermine him every time he achieves a milestone. Even the joke about his stage name feels demeaning to the extent of considering retiring because of the constant negativity. He urged his peers to focus on producing quality art rather than engaging in personal attacks, subtly highlighting the toll such public disputes take on artists.
The Bigger Picture
The Ramadan-Kozbara feud reflects a wider trend in entertainment, where celebrity disputes often play out on public platforms, fueling media buzz. These conflicts, while entertaining, raise questions about professionalism and the impact of public scrutiny on mental health.
As Kozbara works to establish his career, he faces the challenge of overcoming not just industry hurdles but also the weight of comparisons to household names like Ramadan. Meanwhile, Ramadan’s knack for stirring controversy solidifies his reputation as a polarising figure, loved and criticised in equal measure.
Will the Feud Simmer Down?
For now, the feud serves as a reminder of the fine line between rivalry and respect in the competitive world of entertainment. The question remains: Will this feud be remembered as a stepping stone for Kozbara or another chapter in Mohamed Ramadan’s storied career of controversy? Only time will tell.
