Latifa divorced before ever getting married

Published June 30th, 2004 - 03:00 GMT

Prominent Tunisian singer Latifa al-Arafawi, known as Latifa Al-Tunisia, was the center of a scandal lately and also expected to be in the center of attention in the coming few weeks.

The whole story started when Latifa was getting a new identification card to be surprised that she was registered as a divorced woman three years ago. Going back to sources it appeared that Latifa was married to a wealthy gulf businessman who was under the pressure of his father, also a very famous and wealthy businessman, to divorce her.

The husband went to a smart lawyer who started legal procedures without Latifa knowing anything because he completed the case with his wife, who is also a lawyer sharing the same office with him, as Latifa's representative.

According to the Saudi based daily, Al Riyadh, the case has raised a big wave of shock because Latifa has always denied being married to anyone then to find out that she is secretly married to this man. Observers think that keeping the marriage in secret was a condition of this marriage especially because the husband is a wealthy businessman and his father is even wealthier and very close to the artistic scene.

On a different note, recently Latifa has lit the flame for the Athena's Olympics in Cairo representing her country Tunisia and all the Northern Arab African Countries. Latifa decorated the flame with a silver Tunisian antique.

Latifa had given a special performance for the occasion, which Egypt held celebrating the hosting of the flame, and sang the song "Al Masri" (The Egyptian). During a recent visit to the French Capital Paris, Latifa signed a contract with the world-renowned production company Warner to be in charge of distributing her works in France and the world. Latifa had also finished recording a new single with Warner to be distributed worldwide next may.

Previously, extensive negotiations took place between Latifa and the music production company Rotana, as the latter is trying extra hard to add the singer to its long list of singers. Officials at Rotana felt that Latifa has achieved success in her career and would be an asset to the company. It was revealed that most issues between the two sides have been agreed on and the possibility of a final contract is on the way. -Albawaba.com