Tunisian Festival Apologises After British DJ Plays Remix Featuring Muslim Call To Prayer

A British DJ has deleted most of his social media accounts in the wake of major backlash that arose following his decision to play a remix that features the Muslim call to prayer at a festival in Tunisia.

As BBC reports, London-born, Berlin-based musician Dax J performed at Orbit Festival, in the town of Nabeul, late last week.

After his set, video was posted online that captured the remix in question, sparking serious, widespread outcry — even ongoing death threats — that led to Dax J obliterating his Facebook and Twitter accounts, although, before he did, he conveyed his "sincere apologies to anyone who may have been offended" by the act.

(The video is still widely available online, but we won't be linking to or embedding it, so as not to further fan the flames.)

According to the BBC, the repercussions extend beyond that for the nightclub itself — which, Nabeul mayor Mnaouar Ouertani said, will "remain closed" indefinitely — and its manager, who was held "for violation against good morals and public outrage against modesty".

There is now an investigation being conducted into the incident.

"We will not allow attacks against religious feelings and the sacred," Ouertani said.

Tunisia's religious make-up is about 98% Muslim.

The organisers of Orbit took to their own Facebook page to issue an extensive explanation to those who were offended by Dax J's apparently unintended provocation.

Roughly translated from French (one of Tunisia's official languages), the Orbit crew explained that the Brit "did not intend to provoke your anger or offend you".

"It is clear, after his apologies, that Dax J is sincere and has no reason to hurt our dear festival-goers," they wrote, asking their punters to absolve the DJ in the spirit of Islam — "a religion of peace and forgiveness".

"My friends, forgive … and don't forget that music is the answer," they said.

The broader festival was held over Friday and Saturday, and featured performances from the likes of La Fleur, Haze-M, Leoh and others.