You know a singer has a timeless hit song on their hands when they release it three years after it was originally recorded. After contract disputes in 2010, followed by the Arab spring in 2011, Egyptian Rami Sabry has finally released his much-anticipated duet with Syrian superstar Asalah, entitled Mosh Faker. And judging by YouTube hits on Asalah's official page as well as ratings from radio networks, the single is on its way to becoming one of the top tunes of the year.
The release of Mosh Faker couldn't have come at a better time. Fans first heard the tune on Soola [Asalah's hit show on OSN Ya Hala!] when Sabry appeared as a guest — a move that was probably proposed by Asalah's husband Tarek Al Erian, considering he is Sabry's producer — giving the song enough exposure prior to Sabry's third album release in May.
Here, he talks about the album and its delays and how it is time for his country to start moving forward.
Tell us more about your upcoming album release.
It is yet to be named; however, it is due this May. As you know, it is my third album and features the single I did with Asalah. There are 14 tracks on the record — 10 of which I composed myself — but I have also worked with some great composers, including Mahmoud Kheyamy and Mahmoud Hussain. I am really happy with it and looking forward to finally releasing it.
Mosh Faker and the album have been marred with delays. What is the reason behind that?
It's interesting because the duet was recorded in 2009. It was meant to be released in 2010, but contract disputes with my production company meant that we were not able to release the song or video. Then over that year, we sorted out everything, I also got married, and planned to release the album a year later in February 2011. Then the Egyptian revolution happened, and obviously we did not feel like releasing any songs or music videos or anything like that. I only had one song out, Haras wala Tekhawen in July 2011, but it was just a radio song, there was no music video for it.
Did the album stay the same?
No, I changed a few songs and re-recorded others, so that I was sure I was completely happy with the final product.
How did the song with Asalah come about?
Mosh Faker was a song that I composed myself and I had offered it to Asalah — not as a duet but as a song for her. She liked the idea behind the song as it was dramatic rather than romantic, and she suggested we sing together. Then, we filmed the video for the song together, which was a lot of fun.
How are you finding the state of the music industry in Egypt right now?
Things will change slowly, and while I do not like to talk about politics, I think people need to stop protesting and start working and move on in order to witness some change in the country. There is speculation that the Muslim Brotherhood will stop all types of art, but I don't think that's true. I don't think Egyptian singers will have problems releasing songs in the future.
Finally, you've been compared to Amr Diab a lot. What do you think of that?
I think people cannot really compare because Amr Diab has a huge history behind him. Don't get me wrong — it's nice to be compared to someone like Amr Diab, and that makes me happy. But at the end of the day, I don't want to focus on that too much because we are quite different in how we work and in terms of our music as well.
Razan makes a comeback
Disgraced presenter Razan Moughrabi is set to return to Al Hayat television one year after she was released from her contract.
Ahead of the busy Ramadan series, the Egyptian satellite channel has announced its intention to hire non-Egyptian presenters in order to reach out to a wider Arab audience. With George Kordahi and Rola Saad already with the network, Al Hayat reached out to Moughrabi to re-hire her.
Moughrabi was sacked from the channel after a scandalous video of her emerged on YouTube, and has not been in the public eye since.
A source at the channel told tabloid! "Al Hayat's bosses are convinced that Razan's scandal has blown over. Hopefully, this can be a fresh start for her."
Hamaki's wife is expecting
According to news reports, Mohammad Hamaki, the Egyptian singer, has confirmed that wife Nahlah is two months pregnant. The lovebirds have only been married since December following a short engagement, but Hamaki is said to be thrilled at the news.
Meanwhile, the singer is rushing to finish his upcoming album in order to release it prior to the birth of his child. Hamaki is working with the crème de la crème of the music industry on the record, including Ayman Bahgat Kamar, Mohammad Yehia and Tuma.
