The heart song of Jahida Wehbe

Jahida Wehbe, a Lebanese classical and patriotic singer, talks to Friday about her music and inspiration.

I express myself better through music. I can be myself.

My musical beginnings.

My family encouraged me in music since my childhood. I am originally from Bekaa, Lebanon; when I am not touring, I consider Beirut my home. My late father Jean Wehbe was a martyr in the Lebanese army.

He used to read me poetry. This is how I first found inspiration in euphony (the acoustic effect of lyrical words). He encouraged me to understand the relationship between music and us. In fact, musical instruments were often promised as rewards for various achievements.

In September 1985, my father was shot during the Lebanese war. At first we didn't believe what we were told. It was very difficult. I was 16 years old and still studying.

My mother Therese Daoud was pregnant and as the eldest, I had to take on the responsibility of looking after my brother and two sisters. I had so many questions about my faith at that time but found no answers.

Music found me.

My first experience with music was when I played the national anthem on the piano.

I believe you cannot choose music as a career. It chooses you. You are born with musical talent and somehow you discover it along life's journey.

And that discovery enlivens your existence. If I hadn't discovered my musical talent, I would have pursued a career in the army, like my father.My dream is to create a niche for myself in Arabic musical history.

There are many things I'd still like to do to make my mark in music.

Laying the foundations

I studied Oriental Singing at the Lebanese National Superior Conservatory of Music. There I learnt the oud, lyrical Arabic opera singing, Syriac chant, Sufi and Quranic recitals.

In addition to a BA in Psychology from the Lebanese University, I also completed my master's degree in Acting and Directing at the Lebanese University's School of Fine Arts.

I believe psychology and music are intertwined. They both target the spirit. This explains why music is used in many forms of therapy.

Arabic classical music gives meaning to my life. My passion for music was fuelled by this traditional genre. It conforms to an established form of music and appeals to critical interest and developed musical taste.

One of my recordings, Ya walady, Anjebni, has left an indelible impression. (The lyrics are by Ahlam Mostaghanemi, an Algerian writer who is renowned in the Arab world.)

I recorded the track in one take. It captures the entire gamut of emotions I was experiencing beautifully.

I want to create a different world, similar to the one I create on stage.

I love travelling, and have enjoyed visiting several places like Tunisia, Algeria, Khartoum, Jarash, Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Paris, Belgium, Berlin, Rome, Muscat, Cairo, Alexandria, Yemen, Australia, US and Canada. Wherever I go, the love of my country and its people accompanies me.

But for me, my favourite destinations are the ones I haven't yet seen and my favourite audience is one I have yet to perform for.

I don't think it's wrong to crave the glamour and fame of the contemporary musical industry. But I also want to share the richness and beauty and spirit of Lebanese music with the world.

I want Lebanese youth to recognise and appreciate the musical treasure that is our heritage. Maybe I am hoping to create a different world similar to the one I create on stage.

I want to revive Arabic poetry. I love and treasure books, especially those by Arabic poets. I want to preserve and revive their work, which is why I compose music for poems written by well-known classical and modern poets.

My compositions are mostly classical with varying Sufi and patriotic styles. When I revive a poem through music, it gets a new life.

My album Katabtany is my first published work.

I launched Katabtany during a concert held at Unesco Palace in Beirut last month. Katabtany means "you wrote
to me" in Arabic; it is my first album that comprises all my compositions.

The lyrics are by Gunter Grass, Ahlam Mostaghanemi, Ounsi el-Hajj, Talal Haidar, Amal Al Jabboury, Lamee'ah Amara, Al Hallaj and Abu Firas Al Hamadani.

The themes on the album vary from a woman's love to existentialism and Lebanon. I have tried my best to make this album original and as close to the classical style as possible.

My future looks bright.

I am currently working on the launch of my new album – Jahida sings Ahlam Mostaghanemi.

I will be performing at two concerts – May 4 in Abu Dhabi and May 5 in Al Ain. And then at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in August. There are many formulas for success, but only one for failure – try to please everybody.

Snapshots

My favourite celebrity and singer is Oum Kalthoum. She was very influential in her time and in the present, and probably will continue to be so in eras to come.

To warm up my voice, I work on technical and practical voice exercises, and above all, I try to maintain silence.

My dream is to perform at the Sydney Opera House. I have special memories of the time I represented Lebanon and the Middle East in the "Arab Women's Excellence Forum" in Istanbul.