Egyptian singer Shabaan Abdul Rahim along with his business manager and the writer of his songs are undergoing extensive negotiations with the Egyptian Opera House in order to organize a number of performances. The singer is hoping to reach some form of agreement that will allow him to sing at the opera house alongside other Arab singers like Hani Shaker, Ali Hajjar, and Asalah, in an attempt to prove his stardom.
According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Shabaan has stressed his dream of taking part in different international music festivals in order to represent Egypt, in addition to winning awards like Egyptian singer Amr Diab.
Recently, Rahim announced that he has discovered the whereabouts of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussain and intends on revealing it in his upcoming song “Saddam Oh Saddam”. The singer recorded the song, which he claims holds facts about Saddam’s hiding place proving that he is still alive and was not killed during the US bombing of Iraq.
Writer of the song Islam Khalil, who also wrote Shabaan’s previous song “Darb Al Iraq” (Bombing of Iraq), claimed that before releasing the first song about the war in Iraq, he had predicted the events that occurred. He also claimed that he has solid evidence which will be revealed in the song that will help capture Saddam.
Previously, the folk singer expressed his joy at being considered the number one political singer in Egypt and around the Arab world. Shabaan’s new title came after the success of his latest hit single “Hanza’ Al Silah” (I’m Going to Take out My Weapon). Shabaan called on all Arabs to unite and support Iraq against Western tyranny. The singer also revealed that he is currently the number one singer and actor in Egypt. Shabaan said that he is in competition with Egyptian singer Amr Diab for the number one spot in the music industry and his second rival is Egyptian singer Hisham Abbas.
Shabaan’s popularity came after his hit single "Ana Bakrah Israel" (I hate Israel) two years ago recording a major success in the market of Cairo and beyond, replacing the typical love songs that people used to listen to.
An illiterate from a small village, and an unknown singer for over twenty years, Shaaban's singing career has catapulted with live performances at weddings, private parties, and social occasions. – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
