Amr Diab to sing on Lido in Paris

Published July 7th, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

The administrative committee for the Eastern Magic Music Festival in France has chosen Egyptian singer Amr Diab to be part of the big event taking place at the famous Lido Stage in France. The singer added that his participation means a great deal to him in the sense that he is one of a very few Arab singer who have received such an opportunity as to sing on the Lido stage and be part of such a significant festival.

According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Amr has made it a point not to schedule any other performances during the time of the festival to ensure that nothing gets in the way of his participation. Amr stressed that he will take advantage of his stay in Paris to search for a new look to present himself in the upcoming period. The event is scheduled to begin on August 28, 2003 and will run until September 6.

Diab is one of the competitors who is trying to reach an agreement with Lebanese-Colombian singer Shakira in order to sing a duet. The singer, who recently struck an agreement with Rotana Music Production Company, has put all his efforts in steaming negotiations with Shakira, stressing to her that choosing a duet with him would be the wisest decision. Amr stressed that if Shakira does choose him both will benefit in the sense that she will open the doorways to stardom for him in the US and Europe, and he will in turn open the door of popularity for her in the Arab world.

Amr added that if Shakira is to accept his proposal he will cover all the financial matters, especially since he is very capable of meeting any price she sets. Until this date no agreement has been reached, but Amr is hopeful that he will be the one to sing with her. It has been added that Shakira has not yet set a price for herself in the duet, but her usual wage is one million US dollars, as is the case with every duet she is in.

The Music Production Company Rotana held a press conference in which it officially announced Diab's admittance to their team. A large number of media representatives were invited to the big event that took place at a grand hotel in Beirut-Lebanon. Amr had broken his contract with his previous production company Alam El Phan, which he had been a part of since the beginning of his career.

Amr's latest album "Alim Albi Al Gharam" features twelve songs, which were written by a number of prominent poets. The new album features Amr in a new look and music styles. He combined Tango, Jazz, Techno, and eastern genres all in one. “Alim Albi Al Gharam” is shot in London.

Amr is known to be the highest paid Arab artist in the Middle East. His last wage for his album was over two million US dollars. It is known that Amr does not accept less than 60 thousands Egyptian pounds for performing in weddings or any other private party. –Albawaba.com