Showbiz Arabia fans, we're sure that you have noticed that a certain male singer has been dominating the headlines this week. Lebanese superstar Fadel Shaker has drawn huge praise and criticism for taking part in a demonstration in the centre of Beirut, Lebanon, organised by an Islamist group demanding the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, as well as an end to the bloodshed of the Syrian people allegedly at the hands of the Syrian army and government.
Shaker is one of a few Lebanese artists to have spoken out so publicly against the unrest in Syria, even branding Al Assad "unfair" and "a criminal". The singer, who is of Palestinian descent, even publicly announced that he felt "embarrassed" to be singing during these volatile times and that he would use his art to show his opposition to brutal regimes.
Shaker is scheduled to perform in Abu Dhabi on April 6 as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2012 and a spokesperson for the festival yesterday said Shaker is still "very much performing".
During the protests, Shaker gave several interviews, making strong statements in the process.
Here are some excerpts from those interviews.
On his decision to retire:
"I had previously announced that I will quit my singing career, but I have decided to postpone this resignation to sing in support of the Syrian revolution and all those that have suffered at the hands of the Syrian brutal government."
On the current conflict in Syria:
I am disgusted at the actions of Bashar Al Assad who is killing children, destroying mosques and burning the holy Quran. As an artist, I am not getting involved in politics, but it is my duty as a humanitarian to talk about this. Nobody should accept these crimes and murder and devastation that we are witnessing. This is why I feel the need to express my views."
On his fans that support Bahar Al Assad's government:
"I don't want these people to be my fans. If they want to support such a brutal regime, then I don't want them to like me. I am more than happy to give up these type of fans. At the end of the day, what is Bashar going to do for you? It is Allah that will save you in the afterlife, not Bashar."
On participating in demonstrations:
"I will support and participate in any protest that opposes these brutal regimes. It is my duty as an artist to do so. My art is nothing compared to this, and I encourage my fellow Lebanese singers to support these demonstrations as well."
Setting the record straight:
"There are a few media outlets that like spreading rumours about me, just to harm me. I have even received death threats against me and my family. Two rumours I want to set straight is: one, my brother has not been killed, as reported. He is alive and well. And two, the story about police finding a huge number of weapons in my car is atrocious. I have a military licence that permits me to carry a gun, and the police that searched our cars saw this gun, as well as the licence, so it was not illegal. There were no other weapons."
Mishal bows out
Mishal Al Jasser has decided to quit the entertainment business.
According to MBC.net, the Kuwaiti actor has stated he wants to focus on dedicating more time to practising his religion, and felt that acting "took me away from Allah".
"I have lost all interest in acting," he said. "I think it is smart to find the right path early on in life before it is too late."
The actor also revealed that prior to his resignation, he finished shooting three television dramas, which are scheduled to be broadcast during Ramadan this year. However, he refrained from talking about them in detail as he won't be promoting the works now.
Iraqi stars coming to town
Great news for those who love Iraqi music. Kadim Al Sahir, Shatha Hassoun and Hatem Al Iraki will touch down in Dubai later this month.
Organised by Rotana, the Iraqi stars will perform live at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday March 29.
Former Star Academy champion Shatha took to her Facebook page to ask fans which of her songs they would like to hear during the concert. To cast your vote, head to facebook.com/ShathaHassoun.
Tickets are priced at Dh500, and can be purchased by calling 04-3321000 or 056-7160303.