The first Arab Music Awards in Dubai, which took place earlier this week, was marked with failure and disappointment. The failure the Oscars witnessed was beyond expectation, a matter which is due most probably to the large amount of people who interfered in the decision making process and the last minute alterations that were made to it.
The event, which was scheduled to begin at 10:00 pm, was delayed till midnight and numerous technical problems occurred with regards to the sound systems and lighting. The problems created panic for the organizers, who were unable to find a quick solution to continue the event as was planned.
According to the London based daily, Al Sharq Al Awsat, the satellite channel, which was to broadcast the event live, was forced to screen an Arabic film instead and until everything was fixed. The problem caused the audience to fall into a state of boredom and despair leading many of the stars that were to be honored and receive awards to flee the scene. Most of the guests had left the arena before hearing the final three prizes, two of which were Best Arab singer for Amr Diab and Best Female singer Nawal Al Zoughbi.
Over ninety percent of the singers, who one first place prizes were absent, a matter that added to the failure of the big event. The awards were given in the following manner:
Best Male Gulf singer went Rashed El Majid (Absent)
Best Male Middle Eastern singer went to Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher (Absent)
Best Male Egyptian singer went to Amr Diab (Absent)
Best Moroccan singer went to Latifa (Absent)
Best female gulf singer went to Kuwaiti singer Nawal (Absent)
Best Egyptian female singer went to Shireen Wajdi (Left the event)
Best Female Middle Eastern singer went to Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoughbi
And so on…
Prominent Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama had shockingly announced that he would not take part in Awards ceremony and regretfully pulled out at the last minute stressing that his preoccupation with his upcoming album in Cairo is the reason behind his sudden decision.
The reason given by Ragheb is not convincing enough to lead to such a decision. Ragheb’s managing office refused to give out any further details being satisfied with what was said, in turn leaving lots of room for different speculations.
The big event was an award celebration to honor a number of singers based on different qualifications. Each award fell under a certain category, which nominees were chosen for. The nominees where divided into several categories, best song for male singer, best song for female singer, best album, best male singer, best female singer, best new male singer, best new female singer, best Arabic video clip, and best Arabic new work and best joint work.
The nominees were chosen based on the highest sales for their songs and upon their popularity according to the fans who voted online and through mobile phones. Among the names to compete for the prizes were Nabil Shuail, Rashid al-Majid, Mohammed Abdo, Abdullah Ruweished, Ahlam, Nawal from the gulf. From north Africa Saber Rubai, Chab Mami, Chab Jelani, Fadil, Samira Saeed, Latifa, Thikra, Fulla. From Egypt Mustafa Amar, Amr Diab, Bahaa Sultan, Mohammed Munir, Angham, Shireen Wagdi, Ruby. From Lebanon, Iraq and Syria Rageb Alama, Kathem al-Saher, George Wassuf, Wael Kfory, Nawal Zogbi, Alissa, Nancy Ajram, Najwa Karam, and Asala Nasry. –Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
