Amal Hijazi plans New Year's with family, not fans

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2009-12-22

[FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images] Amal Hijazi says she can balance a performing career and motherhood.

During the holiday season, many star performers maintain busy schedules packed with concerts across the Arab world. But Amal Hijazi chose to celebrate the New Year at home with her husband and six-month-old son, Karim. But Amal is staying busy. She took time from her schedule to discuss her plans in an interview with Al Shorfa.

Al Shorfa: Amal, you have been appearing less on the music scene.

Amal Hijazi: That is true. I have been deliberately staying away from the music scene because I had nothing new to offer after my last album, "Kaif Elamar", which was released two years ago. I shot videos for three songs from that album, "Da' al-May", "Ahla Ma Fil Ayam", and "Albi Nadak." I am not the kind of artist who is prepared to repeat herself. I am constantly looking for something new.

Al Shorfa: What new projects have you started?

Hijazi: I am working on my fourth album, which will include 10 to 11 songs. I worked with a number of lyricists and composers. One of the songs on the album is written by Karim al- Iraqi, and the music is composed by Samir Safir. The album is expected to be out in the spring and in-studio music distribution is expected to start soon.

Al Shorfa: Is the album going to be distributed by Rotana? Are you on good terms with Rotana?

Hijazi: I am on very good terms with Rotana. Though many artists are leaving Rotana, the company is maintaining ties to other artists, and I am one of them. I am comfortable working with them, and I have a contract entitling me to five albums, three of which were released and the fourth is on the way.

Al Shorfa: Where are you planning to celebrate New Year's Eve?

Hijazi: I decided to celebrate with the family, my husband and my baby, Karim. So, I will not be giving any concerts, although I received a number of offers to give concerts abroad. However, I am not really prepared to leave my family after performing in Amman last week.

Al Shorfa: Some people say you value motherhood and family over your music career.

Hijazi: Motherhood is the best thing in life. It is wonderful to be a mom. It is a gift that God grants women. I pray to God that He may never deny any woman that blessing.

I constantly wonder, why does it have to be one or the other, music or motherhood? I am capable of handling both using a well-balanced schedule. However, if a choice has to be made, my son and my family come above all else. Yet, I am still pursuing my career goals and am preparing to release a new album. I am also hoping it will be a strong comeback after an extended absence.

Al Shorfa: Aside from music and motherhood, you recently entered the business world by opening your restaurant, Saifi Café.

Hijazi: I was always fond of the restaurant world, so I decided to open that café even though it is not an easy business. It requires sound management to stay in business.

Al Shorfa: How do you handle it all -- motherhood, music, and the restaurant?

Hijazi: I am used to managing multiple tasks and paying attention to all the details. I own the restaurant, but I am not its manager. I only have a say in major decisions. I give due attention to my music, and enjoy motherhood and my role as a wife and homemaker to the fullest.

Bookmarking

Please comment on this article so that we can improve the experience of viewing this website.