By Serene Serhan
With a tantalizing smile here and a cute nod there, Moroccan mega-star Samira Saeed wrapped a more than willing audience around her fingers on Thursday.
Adorned in a strikingly stunning white Thierry Mugler gown, the charismatic sexy songstress sang to a delighted audience for three hours non-stop, sometimes even repeating old favorites twice.
In turn an energetic and ecstatic audience clapped, dabke'ed and danced on the South Theater to the old and new music of Morocco's leading singer.
The inexhaustible audience of around 4000, cheered the songstress, chanting their appreciation for a exceptional performance.
Meanwhile, prior to starting her concert, Samira said that she is fully satisfied with the audience although the theater, which can take up to 6000 visitors, was only three-quarters full.
"I am very happy with those of you who came to listen to the music of Samira Said and share in her joy of performing in Jerash," she said.
In 1998 Samira sang to a full house for both of her performances in Jerash.
Saeed also expressed her appreciation for being invited to Jerash saying "it is an honor to connect to an audience through the Jerash festival."
Although she sang old and new songs, Saeed commenced the concert with one of her more recent hits "Rouhi," instigating a frenzy of applause from the eager audience.
However, Saeed's older songs got the larger piece of the pie.
All lighters lit, the audience swayed and swung to the tunes of "Al Ghani Baidi Youmein and a double performance of "Mish Hatnazil."
Saeed constantly interacted with her audience; winking, smiling, laughing and sometimes even playfully frowning her way through songs.
Her star has been shining bright for many years now; partly due to a charismatic presence and partly due to an innocent yet sexy voice.
Saeed's voice is warm mixed with a hint of coarseness.
The songstress will perform next in Paris then in her homeland, Morocco.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
