Egyptian folk singer Shabaan Abdul Rahim has denied circulating rumors that he had filed a lawsuit against Egyptian actress Abla Kamil for satirically imitating him in her latest film “Kalim Mama” (Talk To Mom). Shabaan stressed that he holds high respect towards Abla and considers her one of the best Egyptian female actresses.
Shabaan added that Abla’s imitation of him produced no harm and it caused him no embarrassment of any sort. The singer’s lawyer included that Shabaan’s songs are sung in a number of films and many actors attempt to imitate his style, a matter that makes it impossible to file complaints against everyone who tries to sing like him. It was added that these imitations are proof that the singer holds great popularity with a number of films acquiring his music and style.
It was rumored that Ablal was in shock when she received a lawsuit filed by Shabaan over her satirical imitation of him in her film. In the film, which marks Abla’s first leading role, she sings a song for Shabaan making fun of the way he performs.
It was added that Shabaan included the Egyptian Censorship Committee in his complaint saying that they had permitted the inclusion of his song in the film without his permission. He also threatened to humiliate Abla in his next film and satirically imitate her to make up for her actions.
On a different note, Shabaan 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. 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.
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)
