Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu quarantined, denies COVID-19 infection
Fans celebrate as iconic singer turns 71
Cairo: Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, one of the Arab world's most famous vocalists, has confirmed reports that he went into quarantine after return from abroad, but denied contracting the new coronavirus.
The singer, who turned 71 on Friday, added that he went into a hotel used as a quarantine for returnees from abroad in the Red Sea city of Jeddah as a precautionary measure 10 days ago.
"This was a normal procedure before I could see my children. I had to make sure I'm fine," the widely popular singer, nicknamed the "artist of Arabs", told Saudi television Al Arabiya.
He added that he had tested negative for the coronavirus, quashing social media rumours that he had caught the virus.
"I advise anyone, being a Saudi or an expatriate, to check for his health," he said.
Abdu disclosed that he plans to sing an Arabic poem, building on his years-long legacy of classic music.
Abdu's fans on Friday turned to social media to express jubilation on his 71st birthday.
"Centuries have passed and his voice is like a pat by a caring father on his children. Years have elapsed while he accompanies our memories, shares our feelings and embodies them with his great voice. May Allah make you live longer, you the Artist of Arabs," a congratulation read on a Twitter account titled "Abdu fans".
Abdu was last seen performing in public on May 26 when he gave an online concert, celebrating Eid Al Fitr.
Launching a music career in the early 1960s, Abdu has since risen to wide fame across the Arab with his trademark performances playing the oud lute, a rare act among present-day Arab entertainers.