Sofia Al Marikh, daring within limits
Sofia Al Marikh, a participant from the talent show “Star Academy,” has garnered a large number of fans despite losing the competition and the title.
Rumors claim that Sofia had a relationship with the Kuwaiti participant Bashar Al Shati and later with the music distributor Michael Fadel.
According to the London daily Elaph, Sofia is beautiful and outgoing. She aims high but wants to keep her unique style.
Sofia, originally from Morocco, was presented an award by the King of Morocco. She has a great responsibility towards her country.
Sofia’s first music video clip was simple, and her second was more daring, but with the limits that she sets for herself. In her second clip Sofia falls deeply in love.
Sofia says that a woman is the one who sets her limits and determines what she wants, so that nothing can be forced upon her. She doe not like to be controlled by a man in a romantic relationship and she wants to have the freedom to make her own decisions. Sofia also revealed that she is extremely stubborn and it was caused a few of her relationships to fail.
Sofia chose director Randa Alam for her latest clip. The album was produced by the production companies “Melody” and “Music is My Life.” It took nine months to produce the new album.
Sofia is now preparing for a third video clip for the album.
She has also started preparing for a new album and will travel to Egypt to meet with composers.
She will also have a busy schedule this summer performing in various Arab countries like Syria, Morocco and in Jordan with the Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alameh.
 

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Shireen and her husband at peace over their daughter
The famous Egyptian singer Shireen Abed Al Wahab denied media reports there is a dispute between her and husband music distributor Muhammad Mustafa over their daughter Maryam.
Rumors claim Muhammad is against Maryam’s potential appearance in a film.
Shireen announced that the couple both agreed not to have the baby’s pictures released in the press, because they want her to live a normal life just like any other baby.
Shireen revealed that she has taken 117 pictures of her daughter, but only for personal reasons. She said that she respects herself and her family.
Shireen just finished recording a song for a new film called “Nasaf Ala Al Izaj” (Sorry for Bothering You). The new film stars Ahmad Hilmi with the sound engineer Hani Mahrous. The words for the song were written by the poet Ayman Bahjat Qamar and composed by Muhammad Yehya.
 

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Suhair Al Babeli back in the theater
The famous Egyptian actress Suhair Al Babeli agreed to return to theater after a 12-year absence.
Al Babeli had decided to stay away from the spotlight after she decided to wear a ‘hijab’ (Muslim women’s head cover). She returned on the condition that her ‘hijab’ was written into the script.
Al Babeli has also entered the broadcasting business. She signed a contract with the satellite channel “Modern” to host the show “Qolube Al Khair” (Hearts of Good Deeds) that discusses social problems and how to solve them. On the show she will raise the issue of rising prices and help to those in need by making calls to business people that want to help.
 

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Majida Al Roumi and Melhim Barakat at “The Carthage Festival”
The launching of the Tunisian “Carthage Festival”, which is considered to be one of the major events of every summer season, will take place in about a month. Many Arab artists seek to have more fame and successful songs throughout the Arab world, and being part of a major Arab festival like Carthage is a dream to many.
The management at the Carthage festival is being very secretive about who will be the guest of this year’s festival season; however, manager Samir Bilhaj who was also manager for the festival between 1998-2003 revealed that Lebanese famous singer Majida Al Roumi, who has a very close relation with the Tunisian fans, will definitely be part of the festival this year. Many believe that Majida made her earlier success and fame through Carthage.
According to the London daily Elaph, Majida’s Carthage concert is estimated to be packed with fans since she’s been absence from it for a long while now. An invitation to the Lebanese musician Melhim Barakat has been sent to participate in the festival as well and it won’t be his first participation either.
 

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Rida Botros's new solo stolen
Lebanese artist Rida Botros, who is currently in the United States on a family vacation, was shocked to find out that her new solo single called “Habitak” (I loved you) is included on a variety songs CD and being sold in Beirut’s streets and played on various radio stations.
Rida made clear that the new song hasn’t been launched officially in stores yet and doesn’t know how it got on the streets. The new song is written by Samir Nakhlah, composed by Tareq Abu Jodeh and distributed by Jan Marry Riachy.
According to the London daily Elaph, this matter has confused Rida and she doesn’t know if she’s going to go ahead with making a video clip for the new solo or not, as it was scheduled after her return from America. Rida is thinking of making a video clip for another song instead, but she’ll make a final decision on that once she’s back from her trip.

On the other hand some censors pointed out that some artists leak their new songs in order to see if it sells well in stores and if people like it or not before investing in it more and making a video clip for it.
On other occasions the artists leak their songs to be around in the market and to let people know that they are still around and existing and it is a new way to put pressures on the producers of their albums.
As for other artist, Egyptian Shireen Abed Al Wahab, had in fact launched her song on the internet when she was having problems with her previous producer Nasr Mahrous. The same goes for Lebanese artist Wael Kfoury who leaked one of his new songs into the market when he was having problems with the music production company ‘Rotana.’
Moroccan singer Samira Said also had a song leaked in stores while she was having problems with producer Muhsin Jaber over the cost of a video clip for the new song. The famous Egyptian star Amer Diab leaked his entire album when he was facing problems with ‘Rotana’ on the “Music Award” he received that year.

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Assi Hilani and Asala Nasri sing a new duet
The Lebanese superstar Asi Hilani and the famous Syrian singer Asala Nasri will sing their own duet.
Hilani said the song will be recorded in the near future. As for now the writing and composing of the new duet is underway and the two will also film a music video clip.
Hilani said he was wanted to sing with Nasri for some time, but the project was postponed several times.
 

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May Kassab sings for love
The music artist May Al Kasab just finished recording a song for the new film “Elan Halet Hob” (Announcing a Case of Love).
The song is written by the poet Al Sheikh Daij Al Khalifa Al Subah, composed by Mashari Al Awadi and distributed by Muhammad Al Ashi.
The producer of the new film, Musab Al Fikawi, said that he chose May Al Kasab since she has a great deal fans in Egypt and in the Gulf countries. The song for the film is sung in the Khaliji dialect, which May has mastered.
According to the London daily Elaph, “Elan Halat Hob” is directed by Khaled Bati.
The film stars Ahmad Salah Al Deen, the star of “Star Academy,” Mashael Al Zinkoy, Amirah, Muhmmad, Nawaf Al Nijim, Shahab Hajyeh, Ala Mursi, Muhammad Ramdan, Fahed Al Zayed and Noof.
 

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Nelly Maqdisi, an Ambassador for jewelry
Lebanese artist Nelly Maqdisi presented a new collection for a famous brand of jewelry in Dubai.
She also performed a number of her songs at the celebration that was held for the opening of a new branch for a famous international company in the Middle East. She performed in front of a number of well-known personalities in Dubai, members of the press, and representatives from the jewelry company.
According to the London daily Elaph, Nelly is very pleased to be the new face for the brand of jewelry brand in the Middle East, stating that advertising for a commercial brand adds to the accomplishment of an artist.
 

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Najwa Karam “Music career and marriage don’t agree with each other”
Lebanese singer Najwa Karam recently appeared as a guest on the entertainment show “Mahatat” (Stations), aired on “Al Arabiya” satellite channel.
During the show Najwa talked about her music career and that she started when she was 18-years old. She said that she wanted to quit several times, but persevered.
According to the London daily Elaph, Najwa is known for her traditional Lebanese songs, sung in the Lebanese dialect. She has tired to add different styles to Arabic music.
Najwa also talked about money, power and her opinion on marrying an artist.
Najwa has led a unique and successful music career, yet when it comes to marriage, Najwa said that “marriage and art don’t agree with each other.”
Najwa is enthusiastic about recording the songs for her new album, to be released by the end of May. She has worked with a number of composers, like Imad Shams Al Deen, Wisam Al Amir, Nizar Francis and the famous musician Melhim Barakat.

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Haifa’s performance set the stage on fire
The ceremony for choosing Miss Lebanon of 2008 was held in the Lebanese channel (LBC) (Lebanese Broadcasting Company).
The celebration was glamorous, and the garden was made to look like a castle from Spain. The famous Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbe’s appearance added another beautiful touch to the celebration. Haifa’a appearance fired up the audience with her beauty and sexy moves while singing.
As usual Haifa, who is glamorous in everything she does, just released her new album “Habibi Ana” (My Love). She chose the Lebanese channel ‘LBC’ to air her new songs.
When Haifa started her performance the firework hit the decorations on stage and started a fire. Haifa tried her best to stay calm and managed to finish her song while workers from ‘LBC’ extinguished the fire.
According to the London daily Elaph, Haifa also had an accident when she was filming her video clip for the song “Hasa Ma Beena” (I Feels What Is between Us), which is being aired exclusively on ‘Mazika’ music channel.
 

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Adel Imam - Hasan And Marqas
Adel Imam just finished filming “Hasan And Marqas,” written by Yousif Maati and directed by his son Rami Imam. The great Egyptian actor Omar Al Sharif will also star in the film.
The film, produced by ‘Good News’ Production Company, will be screened this July.
The film is a comedy about relations between the Muslim and Aqbat (Egyptian Christian) communities.
 

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Ahmad Al Sharif creates commotion in Aleppo
Tunisian superstar Ahmad Al Sharif created uproar when a surplus of his fans arrived at the Sheraton in Aleppo Syria to see his performance.
 According to the London daily Elaph,Over 800 fans were competing for only 400 seats.
The audience was thrilled with Ahmad’s performance. Fans of all ages danced to the beat of the songs “Badi Teer” (I Want To Fly), “Sahran Maak” (Staying Late With You) and “Twadana” (We Said Good Bye).
 

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Elaine Khalaf, in Love with a younger man
Lebanese singer Elaine Khalaf recently appeared on the television entertainment show “Waqif Ya Zaman” (Time Stand Still), aired on the Lebanese satellite channel ‘LBC.’
Host Wisam Baridi explored Elaine’s life story and her music career.
According to the London daily Elaph, Elaine talked about her first song “Ya Sababeen Al Shai” (You Who Pour Tea) that became a major hit in 1997.
Elainn said that her previous manger Jiji Lamara let her down when he decided to work with the famous Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, instead of her.
Lamara’s decision damaged her singing career for a while, said Elaine.
On the show Elaine revealed that she is in love with a younger man. Previously, she also faced fierce rumors in the press regarding her love life.
Elaine will sign a new contract with an Egyptian production company in the near future.

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Diana Haddad films new clip
Lebanese singer Diana Haddad has released a new music video clip for her latest song “Athab Al Hawa” (The Torture of Love).
According to the London daily Elaph, Diana worked with Emirati director Nahla Al Fahed for the second time on the clip.
Diana just returned from a leave of absence because of her pregnancy. After giving birth she wanted to spend time with her new baby.
Al-Fahed chose to film Diana’s newest video clip in the desert, at the “Bab Al Shams” (The Sun Door) resort in Dubai. The clip also features a Lebanese dance group, because the song is a traditional Lebanese tune.
Diana decided to film a clip for the song “Athab Al Hawa”, since her fans love her
traditional Lebanese songs.
Diana was started working on a new album to be released in about two months. She has already recorded Khaliji (Gulf Countries Dialect) songs in Dubai and other songs in the Lebanese dialect in Beirut.
“I am very pleased to be working with Diana on her new project,” said Al Fahed, “it is very easy to work with Diana Haddad, since we have great relationship and agree on many things.”
Al Fahed said that she chose the desert over the Lebanese mountains to film the clip, since she thought it was more original.

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Hanan Turk defends Shahinaz’s decision to wear a Hijab
The famous Egyptian actress Hanan Turk said that she has no influence over Egyptian actress Shahinaz’s decision to wear a Hijab (Muslim Women’s Head Covering).
“Such a daring decision is between a woman and God,” said Turk, “and no matter how close the relationship between two women, they can’t influence each other on making such a decision.”
Turk said that wearing a Hijab is a life-long commitment, and that it honors and has a positive effect on other women.
The news of Shahinaz’s decision to wear a Hijab has been circulating through the media. Rumors claim that Turk is the one who influenced her to wear it, after the two celebrities were seeing at religious gatherings. Many described Turk as ‘the preacher’ among celebrities.
 

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Wael Kfoury
A construction worker in Lebanon, Farid Khoury, has accused famous Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury of pointing a weapon in his face.
There seems to have been a misunderstanding between the two over the construction worker’s salary for services he performed at Wael’s villa at the Ghazir area in northern Lebanon.
According to the London daily Elaph, Wael has signed an agreement to film a music video clip for a song from from his latest album, “Biheen” (During), to be aired on various music satellite channels. Wael chose the song “Badi A’ref Sho Mbakiki” (I Want TO Know What Makes You Cry), written by Munir Bo Asaf and composed and distributed by Jan Meryrichi.
 

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Laila Elwi
According to the Saudi daily Al Riyadh, Egyptian actress Laila Elwi apologized for turning down the leading role in the new television drama series “Lailat Al Ro’ya” (Vision Night), scheduled to be aired during the holy month of Ramadan.
Elwi turned down the offer after meeting with Egyptian director Rabab Hussein a number of times over the last three months. Elwi asked for 5 million Egyptian Pounds for her role, which would have made Elwi the highest paid actor to star in a drama series.
Egyptian actor Yehya Al Fakharani was paid 4 million Egyptian pounds for his role in the drama series “Yetraba Fe Izo” (Raised In His Wealth), aired on various Arab satellite channels last Ramadan season.
Elwi’s decision came as a shock to director Hussein, because he said that the role was created for Elwi and no one can replace her.
Elwi was supposed to pay the role of ‘Amirah,’ a middle-class young woman who never finished high school, yet makes her way to college. Amirah becomes divided between her previous life and her current one. The series has a romantic twist.
 

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Asalah Nasri
On the fifth night at the Kuwaiti music festival “Hala Febrayer” was a great success, as artists and fans alike had the time of their lives.
The fifth night opened with Egyptian singer Muhammad Hamaqi. One the theater was filled with fans the Egyptian singer went up on stage to start his performance. Hamaqi had charisma that drew fans to his music.
According to the London daily Elaph, Hamaqi made smart choices regarding his musical score. He began with his song “Taminoni Anaik” (Your Eyes Comfort Me), and then sang “Ahla Haga Feeki” (What’s Best about You) as the audiences sang along with him. Hamaqi’s fans cheered until he exited the stage.
Next Kuwaiti artist Nabeel Sha’il came up on stage, and opened with “Qolo Ameen” (Say Amen), and then sang his favored song “Jani” (He Came to Me).
Nabil also performed a few of his older songs, and the audience went wild.
Nabil ended by singing “Ya Dar” (Home) as the audience waved Kuwaiti flags.
Syrian singer Asalah Nasri was a featured artist at the “Hala Febrayer” festival, after the success of her album “Sawaha Qalbi” (My Heart Did It) in Kuwait and in other Gulf countries.
When Asalah went up on stage even Asalah was surprised by the enthusiasm expressed by her fans.
Asalah thanked her fans and aid they were the most appreciative group she has seen in her 15-year career.
 

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Ragheb Alameh
There are rumors spreading about Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alameh that he married his girlfriend Rania, while still married to his wife Jihan.
Ragheb started his relationship more several months ago, but is has been hidden from the public. His wife Jihan knew about the extramarital affair.
The two stayed together for the sake of their children, Khaled and Loay.
Rumors claim that when Jihan discovered the secret marriage, she changed the locks on the doors, and asked for a divorce.
Ragheb has not commented publicly on the matter.

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Alissa
Lebanese singer Alissa has given her final approval for the leading role in a new Egyptian film, alongside actor Ahmad Al Sakka.
The film was written by Baha’ El Din and produced by ‘Rotana,’ although the search for a director continues.
Alissa recently gave a spectacular performance at the Casablanca Music Festival in Morocco. The concert was part of the grand finale of the Festival, and was described by the audience as the concert of the century.
Alissa was shocked when an audience of over 120,000 gathered to see her in action, and was moved when she discovered they had her songs memorized by heart and were singing along with her throughout her performance.
Alissa stated that she was “honored to sing for Morocco for the first time,” and that she was grateful to all the people who came to watch her, making her performance a night to remember.
 

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Rubi
Egyptian singer Rubi starts filming her new movie “Baby Doll Night” next week. Filming of the movie started last November on location in Egypt, America and Turkey.
The film features a number of famous Lebanese, Egyptian, Syrian and Tunisian actors.
There are two more weeks of filming in Cairo and then the crew will move on to Syria for ten days to film the scenes that concern Palestine, since access is restricted.
According to the London daily Elaph, director Adel Adeeb anticipates that the film will compete in the International Cannes Film Festival.
The film was written by the late Abed Al Hai Adeeb, directed by his son Adel Adeeb, and produced by his other son Imad, who heads ‘Imad Al Deen Adeeb Production Company,’ considered to be the biggest in Egyptian cinema history.
The budget for the film is 40 million Egyptian pounds due to the star studded cast and foreign film crew.
Part of the plot revolves around a man who works as a tour guide and tries to take advantage of his job when he gets assigned as a guide to a group of American tourists in Egypt.
Another part of the film includes Egyptian actor Noor Al Sharif who plays a mailman in Iraq. He is arrested by the American forces and is taken to ‘Abu Ghraib Prison.’
 

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