Egyptian folk singer Shabaan Abdul Rahim is currently preparing for his first experience as a comedian on the big screen through the movie “Sousa in Garden City”. Shabaan is costarring with prominent Egyptian comedian Sameer Ghanem, and will be performing the role of a real estate broker whose curiosity causes him many embarrassing yet funny situations.
Shabaan has previously participated with Ghanem in his comedy play “Do Re Mi Fasolya”. The singer is very skeptical about undergoing a cinematic experience not wanting to face disappointment, especially since the previous film witnessed such failure and made no profit. Shabaan’s only successful acting experience was through the film “Muatin, Mukhbir, wa Harami” (A Citizen, an Investigator, and a Thief), which witnessed large profits.
After the previous verbal war that broke out between Shabaan and Lebanese singer Diana Haddad when the latter accused him of being a monologist and that he is not fit to be a singer, a new one erupted but this time with Lebanese singer Alissa. Shabaan has been attacked once more verbally by Alissa who referred to him as a person who used to iron and only presents a low quality of music that should not be heard.
Shabaan answered Alissa back by referring to her as a mere seductive singer who uses her body to gain popularity. Shabaan added that even if Alissa begged to sing with him, he would not give her the time of day because all she does is demeaning kissing and provocative scenes in her clip and he would not be honored to be seen with her.
Shabaan revealed that Alissa had gotten him involved in a dispute between her and another singer, who is said to be Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi. He stressed that he could not understand why Alissa got him in the middle of her problems or why she was verbally attacking him in public.
Shabaan recently prepared a new song, which is a special dedication to Egypt's President, Husni Mubarak, under the title of "Binhibak Ya Raees" (We Love You President). Shabaan revealed that he did the song for the president as a way of celebrating his return to good health after undergoing a critical health condition and receiving treatment abroad.
Shabaan announced that he will personally finance the filming of the song, which lasts for almost four minutes, in the form of a video clip and present it as a gift to all Egyptian satellite television stations to air. Shabaan's announcement has placed Egyptian television officials in a tight spot especially since they are not allowed to air any of his songs due to the fact that he is not an official member of the Egyptian Musician Syndicate.
Shabaan's scheme to have his song broadcasted is considered to be very clever, especially using the excuse of doing the song as a special dedication to the Egyptian president. Officials have not revealed if they will accept the present from Shabaan, which is considered to be a very sensitive matter and allow the song to be aired. – Albawaba.com
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
