Amr Diab justifies delay

© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Egyptian superstar Amr Diab has admitted that he does not know when his upcoming album will be released, stressing that he needs to take as much time as possible to ensure that it is of the highest quality. The real problem he is facing with the album is the small details, which form the basis of any work’s success, Amr explained.

According to the London based weekly, Sayidaty, Amr revealed that a state of fear always accompanies him with every new release, single, and even concert. Amr stated that he only presents his work to his audience and his production company ‘Rotana’ when it is ready and he is satisfied with what he has created. He also stated that he is the one who takes responsibility for the album, and its success or failure ultimately affects him.

Amr stated that he does not aim to attract a western audience, instead preferring to please an Arab audience. The singer has been accused of stealing compositions from western singers, which Amr adamantly denies. Amr revealed that he would like to see Arab singers unite and bring back the real Arabic song.

The singer stressed that he has worked hard to achieve his goals, overcoming many hardships throughout his career like fear, working late nights, dealing with rumors, traveling, and having to spend time apart from his family.
Rumors claim that Amr is facing problems with his production company ‘Rotana.’ Amr retorted that he was shocked by such rumors, and affirmed that he is not facing any problems with the company. Amr confirmed that he has no intention of returning to his previous production company ‘Alam El Phan.’

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R U Surprised??

The new CD release has been postponed to 14 December 2005. If you're surprised you are a real NEWBIE!! Anticipation builds, rumours fly ... and as we say every year, stay tuned!!

Amr Diab robbed

I find it hard to believe that Amr was "shocked" as the following article purports. This happens ever year, doesn't it, usually with a song that IS on the new CD (Kammel Kalamak). Once again they're saying that Amr will have a totally new look and no doubt this will be true but what do you think it will be? Comments?

Egyptian pop star Amr Diab was in shock when he discovered that one of his songs, which he had not released, was stolen and is being distributed over the Internet. A friend of the singer had informed he that he heard the song over the Internet, a matter that frightened the singer.

According to the London based weekly, Laha, Amr was afraid that one of the songs from his upcoming album was being pirated, but when he heard the song he was relieved that it was not part of his upcoming album.

The stolen song "Sebtak" (I Left You) was originally recorded by Amr to be included in his previous album, but the singer had changed his mind at the last minute. For fear of having his songs pirated, the singer is insisting on keeping all details of his upcoming album a secret and refused to reveal any information.


Link to the albawaba article here

November 28??

So, a date has now been named for the release of the (once again) long awaited, much delayed new Rotana CD. We'll know soon enough so stay tuned. The 28th is a Monday so news would be coming through in North America on the 27th, my favourite day of the month and Happy Birthday Em & Al (don't ask!). Cool!

Zee Arabiya

Zee Network, India's largest vertically integrated media and entertainment group, today announced the launch of Zee Arabiya, a dynamic, unconventional new youth, music and lifestyle channel, which will cater to the region's 'international' yuppies and music lovers in English, Arabic, and other Asian multi-cultural programming mix.

The channel, the first of Zee's customised bouquets for the Arab region, will be telecast across 3 satellites, through Nilesat, Arabsat and NSS, in a free-to-air format from November 9 onwards. It is also available on the basic packages of E-Vision and Pehla platform ...

The boundaries of culture and music are interestingly blurring at a pace unknown in the past. There is a generation which we prefer to call the 'international yuppies', not limited by geographical location, that appreciate the context and the progression made by the genre known as world music. We are talking of people who equally appreciate Elissa, Mariam Faras, Googosh, Limp Bizkit, 50 Cents and Black Eyed Peas along with Pandit Ravi Shankar in the Woodstock milieu, Hisham Abbas, DJ Ravin, Beyonce, Robbie Williams, Shakira, Raghav, Amr Diab and Norah Jones - we will be catering to this growing segment with Zee Arabiya,' added Radhakrishnan. 'Zee Arabiya is expected to totally revolutionise the broadcasting industry in the region. The channel, uplinked through Samacom in Dubai will help Zee Arabiya reach nearly 55 million households across the region with the digital footprint covering the entire Middle East, North Africa, certain parts of lower Europe and Pakistan' said Ron Kapadia, Chief Operating Officer.


Link to full article

Eid Mubarak 2005!