Iranian state television has banned Rouzbeh Nematolahi, a young singer who was due to appear on “Ramadan Feast” (Jashne Ramazan), a live program aired on Wednesday June 24.  

“I was supposed to have a live performance on ‘Ramadan Feast’”, Rouzbeh Nematolahi told Ghanoon Newspaper. “But I realized 90 minutes before the show started, that I had been banned.”

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) banned a TV program about music a few days earlier. After two years on air, the broadcaster told the producers of “Dastan” that it was canceled.

IRIB has a history of banning popular music on television. Six years ago, it banned Mohammad Reza Shajarian, one of Iran’s most famous and beloved singers.

Ayatollah Khameini, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has considerable influence over IRIB, and chooses its director general. Currently, Mohammad Sarafraz heads up the organization.

IRIB also introduced its gender segregation initiative this week.