International Lebanese-Colombian pop-star Shakira has given her initial acceptance to hold a concert in Egypt this coming September on the Pharaoh Stage at the Media Production City. The same company that had sponsored the concerts of Enrique Iglesias and Blue has recently made contacts with Shakira for holding her first concert ever in Egypt.
According to the Egyptian weekly, Al Nogoom, Shakira expressed interest in holding a concert in Egypt especially since she enjoys great popularity among Egyptians. Attempts are underway to find an Egyptian or Arab singer to sing alongside Shakira in the event that is considered to be the highlight of the summer season. It has been revealed that chances are that Egyptian singer Hakim will be the singer to sing along with the well-known singer.
Recently, the Music Production Company Rotana held negotiations with SHakira to hold concerts in Egypt and a number of other Arab countries, but to their dismay nothing came of it. Large advertising campaigns were being prepared for the event, if Shakira had agreed with Rotana and prominent figures from around the Arab world were to receive special invitations to the concerts.
Shakira, who has gained international pop stardom, now has an international role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund, according to UNICEF. Shakira is the first Colombian appointed and currently the youngest goodwill ambassador of the more than 100 celebrities from the worlds of film, music, sports and literature chosen for the honor over the past five decades, UNICEF said in a statement.
"UNICEF has done tremendous work in my home nation of Colombia and I have seen first-hand the difference UNICEF makes," Shakira said. "It's rewarding to know that I can join such a great list of stars supporting UNICEF and can personally contribute to improving the lives and future of children."
Shakira's focus will be to help UNICEF encourage children to go to school, the agency added. Shakira whose full name is Shakira Izabel Mubarak Ripoli was born in 1977 in Barranquilla, a Columbian coastal city. Her father, William Mubarak is a Lebanese American who was born in New York to a family of Christian immigrants from Lebanon. -Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
