Girl, uninterrupted
She's one of the biggest stars of the Arab music world, and despite becoming a wife and mother in recent times, there's still no stopping Sherine.
The Egyptian singer, who released a joint album with Tamer Hosny in early 2000s, has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, particularly with the albums like Garh Tany (2003) and Lazem A'eesh (2005). In 2008, Sherine switched record companies moving to Saudi giant Rotana, and released Bataminak in the same year, followed by Habeit in 2009.
She also delved into the film world, starring in Mido Mashakel with Egyptian superstar Ahmad Helmy.
In 2007, the singer married music arranger Mohammad Mustafa. The couple now have two daughters.
Now, Sherine's ready to return to the spotlight with a new single with Samira Saeed. She also plans to release a new album and tour across the region.
The star recently performed at the Doha Music Festival. Here's what she had to say about her music, motherhood, and that never-ending feud with former friend Tamer Hosny.
You have been out of the spotlight in recent times. Will this year mark the return of Sherine?
At the end of the day, I am now a wife and mother, so my family is my priority and definitely comes first. However, music is my passion so I will continue recording and performing. I have a single coming up soon with Samira Saeed, and hopefully release an album by the summer. I plan on performing live more this year.
You recently gave birth to your second daughter, and you made no secret of your dissatisfaction with the weight you gained during pregnancy. Are you happy now?
Yes, I am happier now. I did gain weight, I am no longer the person I looked like years ago. However, I hope my fans accept me for who I am. It was harsh when the media started to call me "Sherine family size".
It is rumoured that you mentioned you wanted to make fuller-figured women a trend in the entertainment world. Is that true?
Yes, why not? If my weight is not affecting my voice, then I don't see why people should have a problem.
Despite being friends in the beginning, you and Tamer Hosny fell out a few years ago. Do you think you would ever become friends again?
To be honest, I regret regret making a comment about hiring fans to attend his concerts, and I have apologised about that. It was a mistake to say those things.
Would you ever work with Hosny again?
Yes, of course. I would like to co-star in a movie with him. We've already done music together, so why not a film now? It would be nice to put all our past problems behind us.
Haifa's stalkers arrested
Haifa Wehbe and her Egyptian businessman husband Ahmad Abu Hasheema have filed a restraining order against three individuals who have been stalking them.
The couple's lawyer confirmed to Arabic media that the stalkers were arrested after they allegedly followed Wehbe and Abu Hasheema for several months. Additionally, they attempted to collect information from those close to the Lebanese singer, including house security guards, hotel workers and store managers.
It is not known why those three individuals were following the couple. However, upon their arrest it emerged that the car they were using was reported stolen back in 2005.
Elissa gets broody
Lebanese singer Elissa in a recent television interview revealed that she is open to having children outside of wedlock — as long as they would have the same rights as children of married couples.
However, what has prevented her from doing so is the fact that children of a single mother are not accepted in Lebanese society.
Meanwhile, Elissa was left red-faced at a concert recently when she forgot the words of her songs. Fans at the show in Qatar stated on Facebook that she had to look at a lyrics booklet to continue singing.
Talents galore
Familiar with Britain's Got Talent or America's Got Talent? Well, the newest addition is Arab's Got Talent, scheduled to debut on January 14.
The show, which will be aired on MBC4 every Friday, will see 48 contestants from all over the Arab region competing for the title. The show's judges are Lebanese singer Najwa Karam (above), Egyptian presenter Imad Adib (above right) and Egyptian actor Ali Jaber. Raya Abi Rached will host Arab's Got Talent.
Tamer a copy cat?
Former Star Academy contestant Mohammad Kammah has filed a lawsuit against Tamer Hosny for copyright infringement.
Kammah has accused the Egyptian singer of using his composition for the song Mabansash (I Never Forget). However, Hosny's spokesperson has dismissed the allegation, accusing Kammah of using Hosny's name to gain fame.
"The music of the song was composed by Karim Mohsen. Tamer Hosny is rich enough to buy his own music, and talented enough to write and compose his own songs," the spokesperson told media.
This is not the first time Hosny has been accused of plagiarising. The singer recently came under fire for sampling the tunes Why Not Us by Monrose and Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Till You Get Enough without permission.
Review: Asal Eswed gives plenty of laughs
One of the highest grossing Egyptian box-office hits of last summer is now out in cinemas across the UAE. And this is one film you do not want to miss, because it is hard to come across quality Arabic films here.
Starring Egyptian superstar Ahmad Helmy, Asal Eswed (Black Honey) follows the story of Masry, a 30-something photographer, who has dual nationality: Egyptian and American. After a decade of living in the US, Masry decides to visit Cairo to work on a photography project. Unfortunately, the first mistake he commits is that he only takes his Egyptian passport with him. Let the shenanigans begin.
With plenty of laughs to keep anyone who knows Arabic entertained, Asal Eswed will particularly resonate with Egyptians living abroad, especially those who have more than one passport. Whoever did research for the film's script got it down to a t. From the treatment Egyptian expats receive on vacation to the situations they encounter while getting used to the Egyptian way of life, viewers will definitely relate to Helmy's Masry.
