Showbiz Arabia: Latest gossip from the Arab world

King Mounir reigns supreme

Legendary Egyptian singer Mohammad Mounir, affectionately named by his fans as "The King" of the Arab world, has enjoyed a career that has spanned more than three decades so far.

The popular singer was in Dubai last weekend to perform for the first time in the emirate at Burj Khalifa Park, performing to a sold-out audience of 10,000 fans.

When tabloid! had the opportunity to meet the star prior to his concert, Mounir left us waiting around for over three hours. When he turned up, he didn't apologise, which to be frank, was disappointing.

Excerpts from the interview:

This is the first time you have performed in Dubai, your second performance in the UAE. How does it feel to be back?

I'm really happy to be back and perform to music lovers in Dubai. I enjoy the country and hospitality, and enjoy performing.

And obviously this is the first time we have heard from you since the overthrow of the former Egyptian government. Your song Ezay (How?) was a huge hit during the uprising.

Yes, the song is associated with the revolution because of the lyrics, but I would say that, since the beginning of my career, I sing songs that are similar to Ezay. Proof of this is that during the sit-ins in Tahrir Square, many people would be singing or playing a wide variety of my songs. I have always believed in change for the region.

Is that why you didn't do live shows in the country before the events of January 25?

I was banned from singing at the Cairo Opera House for three years, because rumour had it Mohammad Al Baradei liked my music. That's how things were in the country. But thankfully, I managed to perform later on. But I continued to perform in and around the country and even in the West.

You're known as "The King". Rumour has it that the title annoys you.

Of course not. I am proud of that title, and would not relinquish that title, as the fans gave it to me.

Another rumour that has been going around is that you are thinking of retiring.

As long as my heart and mind are functional, I will continue to sing. Singing is my life, and even as a child, all I wanted to do was sing.

Finally, fans are always questioning why you have never married. Do you intend on remaining Egypt's most famous bachelor?

I do not mind getting married, but the problem is that I fear that as soon as the public will find out the identity of my partner, they will not leave her alone. My fans do not give me the opportunity to think about marriage.

Bolbol Hayran vs Ibn Al Konsol

Not one, but two Arabic-language movies are out this week.

First up is Bolbol Hayran (Bolbol's Confused), an Egyptian romantic comedy directed by Khalid Mar'ay, starring Ahmad Helmy, Zeina, Amy Sameer Ganem and Sherine Adel.

Helmy plays Bolbol, a confused young man who doesn't know what he wants in his future wife. When he meets Yasmine (Zeina), a stylish and sexy musician, who has a carefree attitude to match, he is in awe of her. He loves the fact she is incredibly confident, charismatic and best of all, that she's not jealous. But alas, the novelty soon wears off and he starts to wish she would care about him a little more.

In walks Hala (Adel) into his life — a young, shy girl, who is the complete opposite of Yasmine, who he loves at first sight. But surprise, surprise, he gets bored again. Who will he go for in the end? It's not who you think.

What's probably the better film of the two out this week is Ibn Al Konsol (Son of the Ambassador), a comedy starring Ahmad Al Sakka, Khalid Saleh and Gada Adel.

Here, Saleh and Al Sakka play a father-and-son duo who are the biggest conmen in Alexandria. The twist however, is that they also may be conning each other in the process, so plenty of hilarity ensues.

Arabia Online

"I don't see anything wrong with having a President of Egypt who is female. As long as she truly makes a difference, and improves the quality of living for all Egyptians, why not?"

— Egyptian actor Amr Waked

Sulaf in denial?

Arabic media have branded Sulaf Fawakhirji "an artist in denial" following comments she made about the demonstrations currently taking place in Syria.

In a recent media interview with MBC, Fawakhirji denied that the Syrian government suppressed its people and said that "Syrians trust their President Bashar Al Assad".

"I am proud to be blacklisted for showing support to the current government in Syria. All Syrian stars strongly support the president.

"The government is not using violence against protesters, nor is it against opposition. Most of those creating chaos are those who live abroad, and are spreading lies about Al Assad.

"Bashar Al Assad is a good, honest and respectful man who cares about Syria and its people," she said.

Saving grace in star academy

It was the battle of the North African artists last weekend. Karim Kamel was saved by the public vote yet again. The Egyptian student, who was nominated three weeks in a row, avoided the chop, while Ahmad Ezzat from Egypt and Karima from Morocco had to face the student votes. In the end, Ezzat was saved.

Kamel can breathe a sigh of relief this week as he wasn't chosen as one of the nominees up for elimination tomorrow. Instead, those relying on the public vote are Ezzat again, as well as Houssam (Syria) and Mohammad Rafea'a (Jordan).

Meanwhile, at the time of going to press, several sources are reporting that controversial contestant Sarah has attempted suicide in the Academy by overdosing on medication. While the show will neither deny nor confirm this, it remains to be seen if she will appear on the show tomorrow.