A sultry pop singer dubbed the “Muslim Madonna” is facing the wrath of religious fundamentalists after releasing a sexy video for her first British single. Deeyah, 27, has become the target of violent threats from members of the Muslim community offended by her glamorous image. Her video is reportedly being shown on Indian channels.

The singer, of mixed Pakistani, Afghan and Persian descent, has received intimidating phone calls, aggressive emails and verbal threats from Asian youths warning her to “tone down and cover up”.

But Deeyah has vowed to defy them all in her attempts to carve out a pop career. She said:

“It is not going to make me go away. This is such a liberal, multicultural country and I never thought my background could become such an issue to some people.”