Ramzi's next chapter

A new single inspired by weddings, marriage and popping the question — my heart sank on behalf of all the female fans clutching at dreams of one day walking down the aisle to singer Ramzi.

"I call it the wedding song," he said about the new song penned for his second album, due to be released next year.

"It's a great song for Dubai and the Middle East. It's about proposing to the one you love, but I haven't finalised a name for it yet."

Don't panic ladies. He was adamant that I assure you all that he's still very much single and on the market, warning me not to go jumping to any wild conclusions.

"It's not about me, so don't go making any assumptions," he said as if having read my mind. "I'm so single it's silly. I just don't have the time to work on personal relationships right now. I really hope it happens for me in the future, but right now it's about the music."

Wiping beads of stress-sweat from my brow (on behalf of his female following, of course) it was time to get exclusive with London-born Ramzi.

And the exclusives just kept coming.

A terrible secret-keeper, Ramzi was literally bursting at the seams to tell me his latest news direct from — wait for it — Tokyo.

Having kept in for more than 10 days he sounded relieved to let tabloid! in on his exciting news. "I've just been signed in Japan and I'm so happy," he said.

"A guy from a record label over there heard my album and thought I would be a hit in Asia. I have just finalised the contract and can't wait to get started."

With a knowledge of Japan which extends to sushi and martial arts, Ramzi admits he has a lot to learn and is looking forward to the education.

"I've never even been further than the UAE, so it's a bit daunting," he said. "I need to get some long-haul flying under my belt and make sure I know what to expect.

"I'm worried about sushi too. It never fills me up."

Secret number waiting to be revealed, it was on to the next topic, his latest single, Fall in Love from his first album, Chapter One.

The debut single, Love is Blind, is a hard-hitting emotional rollercoaster about a friend who was being abused by her partner, but this time the emphasis is on fun.

"I'd been out on a night out listening to lots of up-tempo tracks and it made me think about my songs which are often pretty deep and emotionally-charged," he said. "I wanted to do something a bit different, so this single is feel-good song about heading out on a date."

Roots to success

Often referred to as the UK's answer to Ne-Yo, Ramzi is already a hit in the UK, where he has worked with Westlife, Misteeq and Taio Cruz among others.

Born in London to Lebanese parents, the 26-year-old has always maintained his success in the Middle East is due to his ability to relate to the history and heritage of the region through his roots. "It's sort of a no-brainer," he said.

As well as the guitar and piano, he also plays the derbakkeh (Arabic drum) something which also features on his new album.

"It's funny," he laughed. "My fans keep posting on my website asking if I'll call the album Chapter Two. I write back and say I think it'd be a bit obvious. People make me smile all the time."

Packed with more up-tempo numbers, as well as the now renowned "wedding song" Ramzi hopes his album, which is half penned, will be available next year.

"It's going to be something very different. Something I know will keep people guessing."

"A bit like about your plans for marriage," I joked.

"You journalists," he replied. "We can't live with you and we can't live without you."

Go get it

Ramzi's album Chapter One, featuring the hit singles Love is Blind and Fall in Love, is available at Virgin Megastores.