It's hard to stay positive and joyful enough to burst into song when the region around you is suffering instability and political turmoil. That's what has kept Tunisian songstress Latifa laying low for awhile.
During her recent guest appearance on the radio station 'Nujoom FM', Latifa revealed that she had been in a state of depression from the tragic conditions around the Arab world. She continued sharing that she was specifically affected by the events in Tunisia and Egypt, and they took a heavy toll on her as a person and an artist.
Latifa said she began rising out of the doom and gloom after the second Egyptian Revolution of June 30 that toppled the Muslim Brotherhood and gave new hope for a better future for Egypt.
According to Laha Magazine, Latifa said, "That is why I decided to release my new album at this time, and it features 14 songs that express happiness. There are songs in the album I recorded three years ago, but I kept recording them over and over until I was sure they will bring happiness to people".
When questioned why the collaboration with new and young poets and composers in the latest album, Latifa said, "I always seek what is new and fresh in terms of lyrics and composition. Those I worked with had what I was looking for, and their ideas were modern and different then what is currently presented by other artists. Among those I have worked with are song poet Malak Adel and composer Mohammad Abdel Minem who became famous in the music industry for their folkloric songs."
Latifa stated that she chose to work with Lebanese director Walid Nasif in her recent clip "Ahla Haja Fiya" (The Best Thing in Me) because they are great friends, and it had always been a dream to do so. She said when Walid first presented the theme of the clip to her, she objected because she felt it was inappropriate for her to appear in a swimming pool with her clothes, but Walid had convinced her. Now she is happy with the positive feedback she has been receiving from fans who watched the clip.
The singer revealed that she is currently working with Egyptian superstar Mohamed Mounir to find a new idea for a duet to sing together, in addition preparing for a new starring role in a television drama about a popular actress.
