Lebanese pop star Amal Hijazi must keep quiet or risk losing her singing voice forever

Lebanese singer Amal Hijazi has been dealt a double blow. Not only has the popular songstress been unable to deliver a note due to the inflammation of her vocal cords, she has also gained five kilos thanks to the medication used to treat her condition.

Hijazi is forbidden from singing for three months until she totally recovers from her illness. She confessed that she's having trouble living in silence and is praying her voice will be fully resorted.

In order to get better, Hijazi will start a re-education course with a specialised doctor this week. “If I do not go into re-education I will never be able to sing again," she explained.

Meanwhile, the singer is at peace with her single status, after a series of broken engagements — one with her manager and more recently, one with an influential Arab businessman. “When you are in love, you dream of taking a break and when you're alone, you seek love," she said. “Thank God there is nobody in my life right now. It is only my love of children that makes me think of marriage."

Haifa's ex dies

Wehbe 'shaken' by fiance's death

Saudi millionaire Tarik Al Jafali, known for his on-and-off relationship with Haifa Wehbe, died at his London home last month.

Sources say that he died of a heart attack, although the cause is disputed, with other sources saying he died of an aneurism.

Al Jafali was well known for his relationship with Wehbe. They met in late 2004 and were engaged in July 2005. In April 2006, Wehbe announced their split. Four months later they rekindled their relationship in Dubai but broke up again shortly after.

Rumour has it that Al Jafali had to leave Wehbe under pressure from his family, who rejected his union with the famously sexy singer.

Al Jafali is rumoured to have given Wehbe a Dh11 million flat in Beirut's central district and a set of diamonds worth Dh157 million. Sources say the singer is said to be shaken by news of Al Jafali's death.

Al Jafali married Jenny Hijazi in 2007. She is now pregnant with twins.

Joumana meets nawal

Rumours had it a few months ago that TV host Joumana Bou Eid would leave Rotana music channel, but the fact is that she is staying.

Joumana has just filmed the first episode of her show Kalimat Al Fasl.

Joumana's star guests will dish the dirt on their public and private lives. First up was Lebanese star Nawal Al Zogabi, who spoke about her marriage.

Al Zogabi said: “I will not deny that [we are] having a hard time right now, but I do not want to speak about the details. A married woman can choose to ignore a lot of things to protect her children but when it comes to dignity decisions should be taken," she added.

Fairuz in Syria and Egypt

Lebanese diva Fairuz is set for a busy summer.

Fairouz will perform for the second time this year in the Syrian capital Damascus, which has been named the Arab capital of culture for 2008.

Fairouz is also scheduled to sing in Egypt, on the Sound and Light stage in front of the Pyramids. She has not performed there in 20 years.

Fairouz will earn Dh1.6 million for her performance, plus of course, the expenses for her 98-people strong entourage who will all fly with her to Egypt.

Compiled by Patricia Khoder, Correspondent

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Sound of silence