Saddam Hussain pays Nawal Al Zoughbi 1,300,000 US dollars to hold concert in Iraq

Published February 6th, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

Iraqi president Saddam Hussain had invited Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoughbi to Iraq to hold a concert late last month. Saddam offered the singer 1,300,00 US dollars to come to Iraq and hold her performance despite the critical situation in the country.

According to the London based Al Sharq Al Awsat, critics have attacked the president for making such an offer with the singer when people in Iraq are dying of starvation and lack of nutrition. It was added that the current situation in Iraq is not at all appropriate to hold such a proposition, especially when the possibility of war runs high.

For her part Nawal expressed her joy for the opportunity to perform in Iraq a rare chance taken by any singer. She did not comment on the price she was given to hold her concert and decided not to comment on it.

Late last month, Nawal refused to undergo a second plastic surgery on her lips after close friends advised her to go back to her natural look. Nawal had previously underwent surgery to enhance her lips for her new look.

Several news sources revealed that the singer intends on keeping the same look for her upcoming album. Nawal feels satisfied with the look she has acquired for her latest album "Ili Itmanaito" (The One I wished For) and refuses any suggestions by people to change her image again.

The eldest among three brothers and one sister, Zoughbi made her debut in the music world in 1988, with her participation in the TV show, Studio Al Fan. She was awarded the 'Best Singer' award on several occasions throughout her career. - Albawaba.com