Growing outrage has erupted in Kashmir ahead of Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam’s upcoming concert at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on 26 October, with many locals and social media users calling for a boycott of the event over his past remarks considered Islamophobic.

The controversy stems from Nigam’s 2017 comments criticising the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer (Azaan), which he described as “forced religiousness”. His visit to the Muslim-majority Valley has reignited anger, with residents accusing organisers of being insensitive to local sentiments.

Dozens of influencers and community voices have appealed for a peaceful boycott. YouTuber Umar Sofi wrote on social media, “Here, mornings do not begin with alarms; they begin with the Azaan. That sound is not noise, it is how this valley breathes.” His post urging Nigam to understand the spiritual significance of the Azaan was widely shared.

Instagrammer Mehak Ali also released a video urging Kashmiris to “show zero presence” at the concert, calling it a dignified response to those who “make fun of our religion and our Azaan”. 

Another social media user, Rahil, shared a video message criticizing Nigam, pointing out that while he had previously expressed concerns about the Azaan being played on loudspeakers, his upcoming concert will feature loudspeakers at full volume. Rahil urged Kashmiris to boycott the concert, claiming that Nigam had disrespected something deeply revered in Islam, which is held very dear to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Hashtags such as #BoycottSonuNigam and #RespectAzaan trended across Kashmiri social media platforms.

Nigam will lead a special live concert on October 26 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), overlooking the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar. 

Organised by NDTV Good Times, the concert will showcase a blend of Nigam’s most popular Bollywood classics and a musical tribute to the legendary Mohammed Rafi.

This will be Nigam’s first concert in the Kashmir Valley, although he visited the region in July last year, meeting local musicians and interacting with residents, reported Rising Kashmir.