Shahd Barmada: working with Samir Safir a dream come true

Rising star Shahd Barmada Beirut – Ghinwa Diryan Syrian star Shahd Barmada will be singing using a Gulf accent as a new step in her singing career following the success of her album “After what happened.\" The star exclusively told Arabstoday that she will be cooperating with composer Abdullah Al Qouod and the poet Saud Al Sharbatli. Shahd told us more about this and about her concerts starring alongside George Wassouf in the chat below.

Arabstoday: How would you evaluate your new experience?
Shahd Barmada: I was happy working with the composer Abdullah Al Qouod who I met through Super Star and is a brilliant person, and with the poet Saud Al Sharbatli as he has given the biggest stars one of the most beautiful poems out there.

AT: Did you find it difficult singing using a Gulf accent?
SB: not at all, as I love the accent as it adds a different feel to the song, in addition to its deep meanings and beautiful music.

AT: Do you aim to expand your popularity and spread in the Gulf?
SB: my only aim is to add more songs to my profile in different accents and types of music.

AT: Who draws your attention from Gulf singers?
SB: The singer of all Arabs Mohammed Abdu, and the Ambassdor of Gulf music Abdallah Rwaished, Kuwaiti Nawal, Ahlam and Rashed Al Majed.

AT: Who do you admire most from those Arab stars who tried singing using the gulf accent?
SB: I consider Asala and Angham as the best two artists at singing using the Gulf accent, and also Yara in her song “Sodfa.” Most of those who sang using the accent did so with demonstrated proficiency.

AT: It is frequently said that you have not yet taken the most out of the entertainment business, what do you say about that?
SB: on the contrary, as in Super Star I did well and my first album “After what happened” was a huge success, but the problem is that the music scene is crowded so I try to carefully choose my next work. I believe that it takes time to get what you really deserve, it cannot be done overnight.

AT: How do you deal with any difficulties you face?
SB: I have a team that supports me, in addition to Ninar, the company that technically supports me, which has helped me avoid numerous difficulties so I do consider myself lucky.

AT: Have you ever regretted getting into the entertainment business?
SB: not at all, I absolutely love what I do and pray to God to make my dreams come true.

AT: How do you evaluate the entertainment business?
SB: it has its good and bad points, just like any other field.

AT: Are you happy with what you have achieved in your life to this day?
SB: of course not, and I wish I would reach the highest levels really soon, but at the same time I believe in going up the career ladder step-by-step.

AT: Who supports you along the way in your career?
SB: God. I am faithful and my parents always pray for me and I hope that I can make their dreams come true in leaving a special mark in the business that they could be proud of. There are other noble people who support me so I mean not afraid of anything.

AT: Will you be working with composer Samir Safir again?
SB: for sure, as he is like a father to me and has been there for me in my career, sponsoring me in every big or small step throughout.

AT: How do you feel when you sing his music especially that you have been a fan of his since childhood?
SB: I feel very emotional as I never thought my childhood dream would come true as I’ve always envied those who worked with him.

AT: And how does it make you feel when he praises your voice and performance in every TV appearance he is in?
SB: it makes me even more determined to continue in the road I chose for myself so that I remain the same in his eyes.

AT: What about concerts?
SB: following the success of the concert I recently held in Qatar, I am taking my time in choosing the offers I’m receiving.

AT: What has changed about your personality since you entered the entertainment business?
SB: I have matured and became more ‘immune’ and powerful, and I try to learn from all my experiences so that I don’t make the same mistake twice.

AT: What does fame mean to you?
SB: it doesn’t mean a lot to me, as away from the studio and theatre I love my life as any other normal person.

AT: You have recently hosted a concert with George Wassouf for the first time. Tell us about that?
SB: I was extremely happy to sing alongside an artist like him and this will not be the last time we perform together; we will have many more concerts to come together.