Lebanese singer, Melhem Zein Lebanese singer Melhem Zein has said that he doesn't like being dubbed “El Sheikh Singer” by his peers, and he intends to specialise in religious songs in the future. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, he said he will not continue his singing career for too long, and that he was completely against his children joining the entertainment industry.
About singers Asalah and Fadl Shaker politicising their performances at the “Renaissance Stage” in Morocco's Mawazine Festival Melhem said: “It’s a shame that a singer has to behave like this at an event like the Mawazine Festival."
Following is excerpts from our interview with the star:
Arabstoday: Some websites say that your last song is very similar to Iraqi singer Mohammed Salem’s “Qalb…Qalb…Wain…Wain”...any comments on this?
Melhem Zein: Actually, the two songs are very similar and I discovered that after I listened to Iraqi Mohammed Salem’s song. However, this doesn’t mean that “Kabadbad” is a copy of the other song, but anyway, every song has its own charm; Salem’s song has its fans and so does mine. The most important thing here is that the fans like the song.
AT: What is the meaning of “Kabadbad”?
MZ: It’s an Iraqi slang that literally means "Oh my liver", but is a term used between lovers to indicate their deep passion for each other...almost like saying "You're a part of me".
AT: Lebanese actress Vivian Murad has said she suggested the title "Yalla" for your new duet...is that true?
MZ: Actress Vivian Murad and the Maurice Fadel Prize organisation has chosen me to support youth in their investment and business projects. The song aims to encourage the young to work hard...there was a lot of buzz surrounding the song after its announcement, and I will sing soon with Vivian. It's not a commercial initiative and is intended for humanitarian purposes, so we won't be shooting a video and will only sing it in small concerts.
AT: Singer Fadl Shaker, has said that he intends to retire from this "immoral industry"...do you agree with him?
MZ: First of all, I don’t like to having a nick name like "El Sheikh Singer”. Also, in future, I only intend to sing religious songs. I will sing praises to God all my life...and I am also totally opposed to the notion of my children ever joining this industry!.
AT: Fadl Shaker and Asalah converted the “Renaissance Stage” in that latest Mawazine Festival to a political platform, what do you think about their behaviour?
MZ: An artist must respect the country that invited them to sing, without getting involved in politics. It's a shame that an artist does this at a big festival like Mawazine in a generous country like Morocco.
AT: Asalah gave messages and riddles for the Lebanese, which annoyed journalists and they left the concert, what is your response to this?
MZ: Lebanon is a great country, no one can deny that. As for my support for the Syrian regime, it’s a personal perspective, I am a citizen and I have my own political point of view and I declared it only in Lebanon which is enough and an honour.
AT: What’s your opinion of what is happening now in the Arab countries?
MZ: To be honest, I am with the enlightened dictatorship.
AT: There were rumours of your death in Australia...who do you think wishes you dead?
MZ: This rumour has a message, and for sure there are people who wanted to threaten me through it, but I only fear God.
AT: We know that Qatar issued a communiqué stating that you are banned from entering the country, why is that?
MZ: I was surprised by the news, I still can’t believe it. But I think Qatar’s opposition to the Syrian regime and their refusal to sympathise with them are why they banned me from travelling to their country...I as an artist have no problem with any of the Gulf countries. I love my fans and I hope that becomes clear and I am not banned again from singing in any Arab country.
AT: Are you thinking of doing a new duet?
MZ: I like to be individual, but if I change my mind I will sing a duet in my signature “Rai” style because I like it so much and I think it gives the singer a change...I hope I'm good at performing it!