Lebanese singer Alissa is scheduled to headed off to Italy at the end of April to shoot a new commercial for the international soft drink Pepsi Cola. Alissa recently took part in a special conference held in London by Pepsi Cola, after receiving a special invitation for the debut of a new commercial — starring Britney Spears, Beyonce Knowles and Pink.
The trio alongside Alissa were all at the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square for the first screening of the soft drink manufacturer's New Gladiator ad, in which they play gladiators and Enrique Iglesias plays an evil Roman emperor. Alissa was presented as the sole representative for the Middle East, and expressed her honor at being part of such an event.
Alissa signed an agreement with Pepsi Cola becoming the official spokesperson for the company in the Middle East. The agreement between Alissa and Pepsi is part of the company’s strategic plan to expand the popularity of Arab singers and their music making it reach the entire globe.
Alissa appeared as the first spokesperson displaying Pepsi’s new soft drink “Pepsi X” in a new commercial with a song “Aribli” (Come Closer), written especially for her and is aired on all local and satellite TV stations. Through this step the singer has officially become part of Pepsi’s star family that includes some of the most well-known names of the Arab world and abroad like, American singer Madonna, Britney Spears, Enriqe Igleasis, and Arab singers Nawal Al Zoughbi and Amr Diab.
Pepsi’s regional marketing manager stressed that Alissa was chosen specifically to represent Pepsi’s new energy drink is due to the fact that she enjoys such a lively and outgoing personality, and stands for everything that is natural and energetic, which is what the drink signifies. Earlier, Alissa had denied the news of signing an agreement with Pepsi wanting to keep it a secret until all the arrangement are complete.
According to the London based Elaph, Alissa revealed that her music video for the song “Ahla Dunia” (The Best World) is still in its final stages and is hopeful it will be aired in the very near future. With regards to her upcoming album, the singer stressed that it has been definitely postponed until the end of the month or beginning of May, to be her first album under Rotana. The new album will feature 13 songs, which Alissa chose very carefully to ensure listeners satisfaction.
After over two years of pain and undergoing treatment for cancer, Alissa’s father passed away on February 25, 2004. Alissa is currently experiencing a period of utter sadness over the loss of her father, whom is one of the closest people to her heart. Alissa has headed to the old town of Deir Al Ahmar to be by the side of her family and present for the funeral. The singer has put a halt to all her entertainment activities during her period of mourning. –Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
