Lebanese stars postpone all entertainment activities

Posted: 18-07-2006 , 04:01 GMT


All music festivals, concerts and entertainment activities in Lebanon has been either cancelled or postponed to an unknown date, and until the situation is stable once more in the country that is going through a war with Israel.


The first cancellation is for the annual Ba’albak Festival and a play by Lebanese diva Fairouz called “Sah ElNoum”.



In addition the Baiblos Festival administration has also announced the postponing of its events to an undecided date, and has refunded everyone that had bought tickets.


Lebanese and other stars have also sent notifications to festival administrations in Jordan and around the Arab world of their regrets of not being able to take part in this year’s events due to the situation in Lebanon.


Most artists are finding it impossible to be holding any performance in such times, in addition to the fact that most Lebanese artists who have been in Lebanon since war broke out are stuck in the country with no means of leaving it.


Arab artists have cancelled most of their performances as a means of sympathizing with the Lebanese people.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Nancy Ajram cries for Lebanon

Posted: 24-07-2006 , 04:20 GMT


Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram has recorded a new patriotic song “Lebnan Ya Habib El Umor” (Lebanon My Only Love) to express her grief over the horror her dear country is experiencing with endless Israeli raids that are killing so many innocent civilians, and destroying the core of Lebanon, according to the singer.



The song is being aired on several Lebanese radio stations at least once every half hour.



Nancy had the chance to flee Lebanon the night the air raids began, but chose to stay with her family and her people, canceling all scheduled events around the Arab world.



Before the war began, Ajram was honored at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt at an event hosted by the Egyptian magazine “Akhbar Al Nogoom,” drawing a massive crowd for a spectacular performance.



Nancy was presented with a Golden Record award along with Lebanese singer Wael Jassar and Egyptian singer Mohammad Hamaqi for their great contributions to the music industry.



Nancy sang “Ana Masri” (I’m Egyptian) during the celebration, and expressed her gratitude and honor to receive the award. She sang a collection of her most popular hits, ending her performance with the song “Ana Masri” once more. It has been suggested that this song was her ticket to obtaining Egyptian citizenship.



Nancy just completed filming the music video for her song “Ajmal Ihsas” (The Best Feeling) from her latest album. She selected Lebanese director Saeed Al Marouq for the first time, after working with Nadine Libky.



The story of the clip revolves around two lovers who communicate with each other in sign language, an extraordinary step that reaches out to a new audience.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Maya Nasri refuses to sing while Lebanon burns

Posted: 24-07-2006 , 04:41 GMT


Lebanese singer Maya Nasri announced that she will not give any performances or resume work on her upcoming album while her country is “burning and falling to pieces” as a result of ongoing Israeli raids, according to the singer.



The London based Elaph reported that Maya fled Lebanon by land to Egypt through Syria. The singer was in Beirut for a short vacation when the war with Israel broke out and was able to leave the country and reach Cairo safely.



Maya was forced to return to Egypt since making it her permanent residence a few months back. The singer was hesitant to leave her country, and her father and brother behind amidst the violence.



The singer also cancelled her participation in the Carthage festival.

Maya’s dream of acting has finally come true. She has begun filming her new movie "Abiad Wa Aswad" (White and Black) alongside Egyptian actors Mustafa Shabaan, Ahmad Saeed Abdul Ghani, Muhsin Mansour and Muna Al Maraghi.

The film, written by Nader Salah El Din, is directed by Ahmad Samir Faraj, his first feature length film, and is produced by Hisham Abdul Khaleq.



Maya was warmly welcomed by journalists at her press conference. Maya said that she is honored to have the opportunity to star in her first film, and highlighted her previous acting experience in different television programs since 1996.



In the film, Maya plays the role of a singer and aerobics instructor who, after a severe accident, is forced to hire a private body guard played by Mustafa. This new relationship marks the beginning of their romance.



Maya speaks Arabic in the Egyptian dialect in the film, masking her true Lebanese identity well. She performs two dramatic songs in the film, and will record the songs for her upcoming album while filming.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Razan Moughrabi refuses to leave Lebanon

Posted: 25-07-2006 , 02:57 GMT


The entire team of the Arab television satellite channel MBC has relocated from Lebanon to Cairo, to air its programs from a secure location until the situation in Lebanon is stable and Israeli strikes have ended.



Sources have suggested the move may be a permanent one, if the situation worsens.



According to the London based Elaph, practically all MBC administration and high level employees fled to Lebanon.



It was reported that Lebanese broadcaster Razan Moughrabi intended to leave Lebanon on a British ship, since she holds British citizenship along with her brother. However, Razan remained in Lebanon and sent her brother alone, who has a health condition. She will not leave Lebanon under any condition, said Razan, and is staying with her mother and grandmother.



Razan participated in a rally with her countrymen and has expressed her outrage over a number of singers who are escaping from Lebanon, stressing that she will remain at home during the crises.



Razan was recently in Miami where she shot an episode for her weekly show "Shahrazad" aired on MBC. The show has been postponed due to current conditions.



The episode was filmed at the Karen Agency for Fashion models to introduce viewers to the lifestyle and characteristics of male and female fashion models. During her visit, Razan was photographed with some of the most popular Giorgio Armani and Versace models.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Jarash Festival cancelled

Posted: 23-07-2006 , 14:28 GMT


The administration of the Jordanian annual summer festival Jarash has for the second time since its establishment announced that it has halted all of the events for this year, and will only be lighting the torch of the prestigious festival. The decision came in a step to show solidarity with Jordan’s dear friend Lebanon that is currently under attack by Israel.



Head of the festival, Jarius Samawi, stated that the organizing committee felt it is the only appropriate thing to do was to stop all activities at a time that the region is up in flames.



Jarius added that it would be inappropriate for such a prestigious festival that always stood as a symbol of Arab culture and Art to hold any entertaining events.



According to the Jordanian based daily, Al Rai, the festival was to begin on July 26, and was to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the participation of prominent stars from around the Arab world including Lebanon.



The first time the festival had cancelled its events was back in 1982 also during an Israeli raid over Lebanon.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Wael Kfoury cancels all performances in Tunisia

Posted: 23-07-2006 , 03:20 GMT


Prominent Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury has called off all his previously scheduled performances in Tunisia as a result of the heartbreaking Israeli raids his country Lebanon is experiencing.



The singer was to take part in several festivals in Tunisia, which is the case with a number of Lebanese singers, reported the London based Elaph.



Before the war broke out, Wael changed his tune of making every effort to keep private matters away from the public eye, and allowed the press to photograph Wael and a young woman Rima Khoury, daughter of a prominent Lebanese tycoon, hand in hand at a party.


The couple sat near to each other, whispering and laughing the entire evening. Many have interpreted the singer’s actions as a signal that he is ready to publicly announce his engagement.


Also, Wael’s family revealed the singer is finally ready to get engaged. His parents said their son’s year long relationship with Rima has given new meaning to his life that was based on his career.



In a recent interview, Wael said he does not believe getting married will affect his career in a negative way.




© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com

Nabila Obeid concerned about Sabah



Posted: 21-07-2006 , 02:46 GMT


Prominent Egyptian actor Nabila Obeid has expressed grave concern for the wellbeing of Lebanese legend Sabah, among the victims trapped in Lebanon during its war with Israel.



Nabila has been trying to contact Sabah since the Israeli raids began, but has been unable to reach her due to the destruction of the country’s telecommunications system.



According to the London based Elaph, Sabah and Nabila have been close friends since the 1960’s. Nabila is also trying to contact director Simone Asmar, who had sent her an invitation to come to Lebanon. The visit has been cancelled.



A number of Arab artists are trying to contact their friends and colleagues in Lebanon to ensure they are safe from the ongoing strikes, but are unable to reach them.



All music festivals, concerts and entertainment activities in Lebanon have been either cancelled or postponed to unknown dates, until the situation is stable.

The Ba’albak and Baiblos Festivals, along with the play “Sah ElNoum,” starring Lebanese diva Fairouz were the first major events canceled.



Lebanese and other stars have notified festivals in Jordan and around the Arab world they will not be able to participate.



Most Arab artists have declined to hold performances out of sympathy for suffering Lebanese civilians, while most Lebanese artists are unable to leave the country.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Latifa sings for Lebanon

Posted: 21-07-2006 , 02:45 GMT


Since Israel began its aggression in Lebanon entertainment activities are being cancelled or postponed to unknown dates, especially since the situation has made it difficult for anyone to enter or leave the country.


Most Arab artists have canceled trips to Lebanon. Tunisian singer Latifa had to cancel her trip to attend Lebanese diva Fairouz’s play “Sah El Noum,” which has also been cancelled.


Latifa has called on a number of composers to write a new song for her that shows her support and solidarity with the Lebanese people during such difficult times.


Latifa plans on postpone the release of her upcoming album, stating “it would be inappropriate to release it when the country is in crisis.”


Previously, Latifa announced that she would postpone the release of the album until the World Cup 2006 Championship was complete. The album is ready for release said Latifa, but the singer felt that the championship would interfere with the success of the album, since fans across the globe were preoccupied watching matches.


The album features a number of songs composed by Ziad Al Rahbani from Lebanon.


Latifa’s last album was released in 2003. A year later she released the song "Khalouni" as a single that was subsequently included in an album featuring the best of Latifa’s songs.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

The cliche goes: "When the cannons roar, the muses are silent."

Obviously some are forced to be silent, and some disregard the cliche.

In Israel artists were condemned for not speaking against the war, being that they are the traditional defenders of peace. They replied with a biblical quote, which has also become a cliche: "and the educated shall at that time be silent".

I would like to reply to that with a cliche that is an authentic line from a Talmudic eulogy: "If the cedars have caught on fire, what shall the mosses of the wall say?" As far as I'm concerned, those who do not speak now are the mosses of the wall, I care little for what they have to say.

Anyway, here is Israel festivals have been cancelled too, including Safed's lovely Kelzmer festival. Hopefully all of this will be over before the north's best festival is to take place: the fringe theater festival in Acca, set for October.

.

One correction: Nancy released that song long before any of this happened ... and she was ill-spoken of for being so late to release a lebanese song and having chosen to release a song for egypt during the Cedar Revolution.

Also, Asy released a song.

so sad to hear all this ... and im kinda worried about sabah now ... she's old and the sound of a kernel popping could kill her.

GOD BLESS LEBANON
http://epetitions.net/julywar/index.php
وسيبقى لبنان ، وسيبقى لبنان ، وسيبقى لبنان



^^ Saniora's statement, yeah??

so sad to hear all this ... and im kinda worried about sabah now ... she's old and the sound of a kernel popping could kill her.

dose she live in the south ?

are most of the singers in Lebanon live in Beirut ?

Nancy just completed filming the music video for her song “Ajmal Ihsas” (The Best Feeling) from her latest album. She selected Lebanese director Saeed Al Marouq for the first time, after working with Nadine Libky.
The song is called"Ihsas jdid" and not "ajmal ihsas" aj,al ihsas id elissa's song.

^^i was just gonna say that hassoun:)...AWESOME song anyway!

thats right sargon ... I never was a big fan of him before, but he's proving himself worthy ... plus I put it in for the emotion he showed while making the statement (u dont c that everyday with politicians ... )

as for Sabah, I dont really know where she lives ... but I do know that she's very old (knock on wood ... dont wanna kill anyone now) and so there's reason to worry I guess.

thats right sargon ... I never was a big fan of him before, but he's proving himself worthy ... plus I put it in for the emotion he showed while making the statement (u dont c that everyday with politicians ... )


Agree

Lebanese singer Pascal Mashaalani has refused to leave Lebanon and desert her country, despite the ongoing Israeli strikes targeting her neighborhood, although friends and family outside of Lebanon are encouraging her to leave.


The singer said that she is loyal to Lebanon, even though she holds a Canadian passport and is able to escape.


According to the London based Elaph, Pascal cancelled a number of festivals and concerts around the world, refusing to sing while her country is suffering. The singer has visited a number of refugee shelters and assisted a number of people in need.


Before the war broke out, Pascal announced that she has been involved in a secret love affair for the past three years, and has now decided to make her relationship public since the couple is looking toward marriage. The singer said she believes love needs to grow away from the spotlights and the media, and away from disparaging rumors. She had to keep the matter a complete secret, in order to have a real relationship, asserted Pascal.


Pascal’s latest clip for the song "Arabni Minak" (Let Me Get Close to You) under the direction of Waleed Nasef from Lebanon is being aired on the music channel ‘Rotana,’ around the Arab world.


The new clip was shot on location in Lebanon for three days, and marks their first cooperation. Pascal appears in the romantic clip with a new look and a new style, and Mr. Egypt 2006 appears alongside her.


© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com

Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi appeared on the Egyptian satellite television channel Nile TV to host a special two hour program to raise emergency funds to help support Lebanese civilians injured by the Israeli raids.


According to the London based Elaph, sources revealed that Haifa asserts Lebanese artists can play an important role, whether from within Lebanon or outside to help their country during this crisis.


Haifa fled from Lebanon through Syria a few days after Israel invaded.
Since the war began, all music festivals, concerts and entertainment activities in Lebanon have been either cancelled or postponed. The first cancellations were the annual Ba’albak Festival and a play by Lebanese diva Fairouz called “Sah ElNoum”. The Baiblos Festival has also been postponed to an unknown date, and has refunded ticket sales.


Lebanese and other stars have notified festival administrations in Jordan and around the Arab world they will not be able to take part in this year’s events due to the situation in Lebanon.


Artists throughout the Arab world have cancelled performances out of respect for the Lebanese people who are suffering. Most artists are finding it impossible to hold performance in such times, while many Lebanese artists are unable to leave Lebanon

yea well itll be abnormal if any of them sing whilst their country is bombed.

^^^ ummmmm Nawal brought out Yama 2alou.... Bad move.... :"(

Shakira against war in Lebanon



Rock star calls for immediate intervention to stop war in Lebanon, says 'we need leaders who care about people and their needs, not those who create dispute, anger and hate'
Sagie Ben Nun



Rock star Shakira, the daughter of a Lebanese father, calls for international diplomatic intervention aimed at bringing about a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.



"It breaks my heart, that we remain silent while this is happening," Shakira said over the weekend. "I hope that my generation will call upon the world to intervene to end this conflict. There has to be immediate intervention that would lead to a ceasefire."


Shakira added that war is neither the answer nor the solution to any conflict, not today and not in this century.


"I am sad, as I believe the rest of the world is, knowing that so many mothers and children are being killed on both sides. We do not need leaders who create dispute, anger and hate but rather leaders who care about the people and their needs," She said.

When did shakira become rock star?

She is more pop!

Did u guys hear Nancy's patriotic song? It sounds like she's singing for a guy and she just put the word Lebanon in it a couple of times lol, but Sherine's song about Lebanon is actually much better!

here's a video of Nancy talking about how she cancelled her shows and other stuff.

http://www.nancyajramclub.com/videos/Videos/Interviews/Scoop/watch/Scoop-Interview(Lebanon).php

Thank you JP, she's great I love Nancy, Thank you Nancy!!!