Prominent Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama has shockingly announced that he will not take part in the first Arabic Oscar Music Awards in Dubai. The singer regretfully pulled out at the last minute stressing that his preoccupation with his upcoming album in Cairo is the reason behind his sudden decision.
According to the London based Elaph, 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 will be an award celebration to honor a number of singers based on different qualifications. Each award will fall under a certain category, which nominees have already been 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.
On a different note, Alama is currently shooting two songs from his upcoming album in the form of a video clip in complete secrecy refusing to give out any details. The album, which features 12 songs, will most probably hold the name of the main song “Hub Kibeer” (A Big Love), but the decision has not been finalized yet.
Alama was shocked when he heard of recent circulating rumors that a dispute between him and Egyptian singer Ehab Tawfiq had broken out over a song. Ragheb is amazed how such a rumor had spread so fast stressing that there is no form of dispute between him and Ehab over any song or anything else.
It was rumored that Ragheb had wanted to include a song in his new album, but was shocked to learn that Ehab had already took it and bought the legal copyright for it. The dispute was said to have been created by composer Mahmoud Balkouneh had supposedly had promised the song to both singers.
Ragheb noted that the truth of the matter is, there is no such song that he is fighting over and that he has already chosen all the songs for his upcoming album long ago. The singer expressed extreme disappointment towards several media agencies who attempt to create problems between him and other singers, saying that such actions are unethical. –Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
