Lebanese singer Ragheb Alameh expressed his readiness to hold two concerts at the Hello February Festival in Kuwait despite certain fears he holds with regards to the critical situation in the region. Ragheb told the Kuwaiti based daily, Al Rai Al Aam that the conditions in the region are not stable with the possibility of war and if the situation permits for a concert to be held then he will do what is asked of him.
Alameh added that if the concerts are cancelled due to a number of reasons he will not be surprised and will accept the matter in an understandable way. The singer's agent and brother do not view the matter in the same way, saying they do not see it fit for Ragheb to hold any concerts in Kuwait at this time for his own safety.
Ragheb stressed his support for the Kuwaiti people and his willingness along with Lebanon to stand by their side. He added that he had felt great joy when he held a concert in Kuwait after the Gulf War ended and appreciated the way the Kuwaiti people received him.
Ragheb also stated that he is looking forward to being with his Kuwaiti audience but the organizers of the festivals are not following the conditions stated in the contract with him. Some changes have occurred according to schedules and even cancellations of some of the events. The singer added that the organizers are behaving differently then the years before and once they follow the conditions set forth he will eventually hold his performance.
Alameh is living the success of his new album “Tab Leah Kidda” (But Why is This?) all around the top music charts all over the Arab world and is currently undergoing special preparations for a tour around Europe starting in France and ending in London for Arabs abroad.
“Tab Leah Kidda” marked the first album for the forty-year old Alameh after joining the “Alam Al Fan” (World of Art) Production Company last year. The company’s producer, Mohsen Jaber, has dubbed Ragheb to be one of the most successful Arab artists the company has.
The ten-song album was a strong come back after his one and a half-year absence since the last album, “Saharouni Al Leil” (Your Eyes Kept Me Awake All Night).
On a different note Alameh said he is debating which of the songs from his new album will be chosen for a new music video. His choice fell on more than one song but indicated that only one will be selected. –Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
