Iraqi artist Hamid Mansour stirs debate over remarks on Kazem al-Sahir

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi artist Hamid Mansour has drawn criticism after commenting on his colleague Kazem al-Sahir during a television interview. Mansour, one of Iraq's prominent singers from the 1970s and 1980s, discussed his personal life and artistic career during the conversation. When asked about al-Sahir, Mansour said, "al-Sahir is the most well-known name, but all Iraqi singers are better than him." He also described al-Sahir as "a singer, a vocalist," adding that institutions helped make him recognized. The remarks quickly spread on social media and within Iraqi artistic circles, drawing backlash from some viewers and users who called the comments unfair. Critics argued that the assessment did not reflect al-Sahir's long-standing career and international success. The exchange has since generated differing reactions among Iraqi artists and fans, though no further public response from al-Sahir was immediately reported.