This year has certainly been a memorable one in the world of Arab entertainment, much of it influenced by the ongoing uprising in the region.
We’ve seen celebs protest and stand up for what they believe in, actors take part in charitable initiatives, artists sing/rap about political issues, and film and TV shows explore real-life stories — whether it’s from Tunisia, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and beyond.
But a year in Showbiz Arabia wouldn’t be a year in Showbiz Arabia without a dose of drama, catfights and some downright stupidity. Read on to find out what made our 2012 highlights.
Outspoken Celeb of the Year: Fadel Shaker
During 2012, celebrities continued to get political and lend their support to various governments, figures or uprisings. One of the most outspoken individuals of the year was no doubt Lebanese superstar Fadel Shaker, who drew praise for taking part in a demonstration that demanded the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.
The singer has even publicly announced that he felt “embarrassed” to be singing during these volatile times and went on to label Al Assad “unfair” and “a criminal”.
Nicest Celeb: Yasmine Abdul Aziz
Every year, Showbiz Arabia interviews at least 48 Middle Eastern celebrities for its Thursday column. Of course, these range from the modest to the downright egotistical!
This year, our award for nicest celebrity has to go to Egyptian actress Yasmine Abdul Aziz, who travelled to Dubai last November to attend the premiere of her latest film ‘Al Anessa Mamy’. After finding out that her press conference had been cancelled, Yasmine went out of her way to give tabloid! an exclusive interview and even invited us to watch the movie with her afterwards.
Least Friendly Celeb: Asser Yassin
While we’re huge fans of his work, meeting Asser Yassin in person was such a huge disappointment. The Egyptian actor was chosen as one of the judging panel for the Muhr Arab Film Award at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) this month. Unfortunately, when we interviewed Yassin about his role at Diff, we couldn’t help but feel he should have been more enthusiastic about it.
Worst still was his one-word answers, which of course do not translate well onto paper!
Best Timekeeper: Ragheb Alame
Ragheb Alame — one of the most successful Arab artists of the past decade — made his first foray into reality television this year, appearing on MBC’s ‘Arab Idol’ alongside Emirati singer Ahlam and Egyptian music producer Hassan Al Shafei.
During a quick stopover in Dubai, tabloid! had the opportunity to interview him about the show. Refreshingly, he is the only celebrity who actually was on time for an interview this year. Trust us, we waste a lot of time every week waiting around for interviews!
Worst Timekeeper: Ahmad Helmy
Speaking of waiting around… Egyptian actor Ahmad Helmy was in town last month to attend the launch of his web series Helmy Online, which is currently showing on Yahoo! Maktoob. Our invite said it would start at 7.30pm — Helmy turned up around 10.30pm. The reason he was late? Apparently, the actor — who was staying at the Westin — wasn’t happy with the t-shirt and jeans combo he was wearing. So he decided to get a suit and go back to his suite and change. And you thought girls were bad…
The Indie Kids that Caught Our Attention: Omar Offendum and Ahmad Soultan
Here at Showbiz Arabia, we don’t like just focusing on mainstream artists, so this category is dedicated to the successful artists who have worked immensely hard to get where they are today.
Despite having no manager or label, Syrian-American rapper Omar Offendum has made a name for himself thanks to releasing music that youth in the region can finally relate to, much of it influenced by the recent Arab uprisings. The talented 30-year-old handles everything himself — from his social media accounts to his gig bookings.
Meanwhile, the world got introduced to Ahmed Soultan after he was surprisingly picked as MTV’s Best Middle East-North Africa region act ahead of the 2012 Europe Music Awards. Not only was the singer battling it out with international singer Karl Wolf, he also had to compete with Egyptian singer Sandy, Tunisian rapper K2rhym and Saudi artist Qusai.
Honourable mentions go out to Lebanese rapper Malikah, Egyptian hip-hop outfit Arabian Knightz and the UAE’s very own soul singer Hamdan Al Abri.
Surprise Hook-Up of the Year: Tamer Hosney and Bassma Boussel
In September, Egypt’s most famous single man posted a video on his official Facebook page announcing he had married Moroccan singer Bassma Boussel.
Boussel, a former Star Academy contestant, is 14 years his junior, and in her biography cites Tamer as one of her idols. Needless to say, fans are still sceptical over the marriage and Tamer has been criticised for his decision.
Shock Split of the Year: Haifa Wehbe and Ahmad Abu Hashimah
We have to admit we didn’t see this coming, because Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe and her hubby Ahmad Abu Hashimah genuinely seemed in love. Sadly, Haifa confirmed to media last month that the couple had parted ways.
Interestingly, according to Arab news reports, it was the wealthy Egyptian businessman who decided to split from the artist due to financial and political reasons. Apparently, the relationship was becoming “too expensive” for Hashimah — not because Haifa was splashing his cash — but because he reportedly had to pay up in order to maintain his high profile status in his home country.
Catfight of the Year: Sandy vs. Nawal
Newcomer Sandy, who was in Dubai last month to appear at a charity event, was left stunned after Nawal Al Zoughbi prevented her from performing, telling organisers that she “wouldn’t take to the stage if Sandy performed”.
The Egyptian Musicians Syndicate went on to threaten to ban Nawal from ever working in Egypt again. Meanwhile, until now, Nawal’s camp has not spoken about the incident.
Our Favourite Reality Star: Shamma Hamdan
She may not have won season two of Arab’s Got Talent, but runner-up Shamma Hamdan is no doubt our favourite reality star of the year.
The Emirati singer won over the nation with her unique style of singing khaleeji songs along to acoustic guitar. Her first album is due next year, so watch out for it.
Honourable mentions also have to go out to Arab Idol winner Carmen Suleiman, Heya w Howa 2’s Amy Mowafi, and The Voice Middle East’s Mourad Bouriki.
(Pretend) Meltdown of the Year: Sherine
Oh, Sherine — you really did fool us this year, didn’t you? During Ramadan, the Egyptian singer’s fans took to social networks to express concern for her after she broke down during Al Hayat 2’s Ana wal Aasal, a show with Lebanese presenter Neshan Haroutounian. The Ah Ya Leil singer broke down and stormed off the set after she was questioned about her divorce from Mohammad Mustafa.
However, many critics are adamant that it was all a publicity stunt ahead of her stint as a mentor on the first season of The Voice Middle East. It hasn’t helped that Sherine has been labelled fake by journalists attending the live shows of The Voice and that she plays up to the camera at all times.
Cutest Celeb on Twitter: Nancy Ajram
2012 was definitely the year that celebrities started to catch on to the power of Twitter, and one account that makes us go “awww” all the time is that of Nancy Ajram.
Possibly the happiest celeb on the social network, the Lebanese star spends her time sharing pictures of her adorable daughters, tweeting about happy occasions and giving tips on how to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Silly Celeb on Twitter: Maya Diab
Not only does she come across as one of the most self-obsessed Arab celebs on Twitter, Maya Diab has also proven she is not the sharpest tool in the box by posting a picture of an unlicensed weapon.
The Lebanese performer, who had received the pistol as a birthday gift, received a barrage of criticism for being seen as promoting gun crime.
Comeback of the Year: Mohammad Hamaki
Just over a year ago, Mohammad Hamaki was fighting for his life in hospital. Amazingly, the Egyptian singer returned to the world of showbiz with a new album in September that shot straight to number one.
In July 2011, Hamaki was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple heart attacks and underwent cardiac surgery. His condition was so serious that at the time, his doctor was quoted as saying he “escaped death narrowly”.
Humanitarian of the Year: Hind Sabri
Not only is she an incredibly talented actress, award-winning Tunisian actress Hind Sabri has been working her behind off this year with the Arab World Food Programme.
Of a recent visit to the Zaatari camp in Jordan to meet with Syrian refugees, Hind said: “The hardest thing in this world is finding yourself compelled to leave your country and your family to become refugees. The least we can offer is to provide food for these families in these difficult circumstances of the Zaatari refugee camp.”
Top 10 Box-office Hits of 2012
1) Al Maslaha (starring Ahmad Ezz and Ahmad Al-Sakka — EGP 25 million [Dh14.9 million])
2) Abdo Mawta (Mohammad Ramadan — EGP 18 million)
3) Al Anessa Mamy (Yasmine Abdul Aziz — EGP 16 million)
4) Tetah Raheeba (Mohammad Heneidey — EGP 14 million)
5) Baba (Ahmad Al Sakka — EGP 11 million)
6) Helm Aziz (Ahmad Ezz — EGP 9.5 million)
7) Gheish Al Zawgeya (Ramez Galal — EGP 9 million)
8) Game Over (Yousra and Mai Ezz El Deen — EGP 7.5 million)
9) Sa’a W Nos (all-star cast — EGP 7 million)
10) Hasal Kheir (Saad Al Soghayar — EGP 6 million)
Moments we’re looking forward to in 2013
Nancy Ajram’s debut as a judge on Arab Idol 2.
Dancing with the Stars — yes, the reality TV show is coming to the Middle East and will be shown on MTV. We can’t wait to see which z-listers sign up… our money’s on Myriam Klink.
The arrival of Tamer Hosney and Basma Boussel’s baby… and waiting to see if the duo’s marriage lasts.
X Factor Arabia! Are Tamer Hosney, Wael Kafoury, Elissa and Carole Samaha the judges?
Cairo International Film Festival 2013 — anything’s got to be better than this year’s shambles.
The launch of OSN Ya Hala! Shabab on January 1 — some of the channel’s shows look amazing!
Seeing more celebs doing charity work rather than just talking about it.
Haifa Wehbe’s post break-up comeback. We’re rooting for her to find a hot celeb to date. Ahmad Ezz perhaps?
Watching more Egyptian films that are not about the January 25. Enough with jumping the bandwagon already! Most of them aren’t even that good.
Films by Adel Imam, Ahmad Helmy and Ahmad Mekki — the leading stars were definitely missed from the big screen this year.
