Najwa Karam: I hope to perform in Iraq again

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-02-12

[FILE] Karam has been asked to perform at the prestigious Baalbeck International Festival

Lebanese star Najwa Karam was recently approached to take part for the first time in the Baalbeck International Festival. She describes this opportunity as a "dream", but one that she is still considering.

Najwa Karam talked with Al-Shorfa about the festival, the critics' response to her song "Khalini Shofak Bel Leyl, Baad El-Ghoroub", and her plans for Valentine's Day plans and other future activities.

Al-Shorfa: Tell us about your new album. Which company will be producing it and will you be renewing your contract with Rotana?

Najwa Karam: We are presently prepping for a new album that contains popular Lebanese music, presented in a new and different style. We have not yet discussed my contract with Rotana, but there hopefully won't be any obstacles in the way.

Al-Shorfa: What is new about the album? Should we expect something as daring as "Khalini Shofak Bel Leyl," which critics regarded as a liberating step in your career?

Najwa: Audacity isn't really a novelty here but it is the topic and idea of the song. Novelty, however, is achieved through the composition, tempo and mood of the musical piece.

Al-Shorfa: For the first time, you will be taking part in the Baalbeck International Festival. What does that mean to you and what will be on your agenda?

Najwa: I have not decided yet. I am still considering the idea in order to determine whether it will be consistent with what the festival committee is suggesting, so I take part in the event, which, to me, is more like a dream.

Al-Shorfa: You are the only artist who continues to sing only in the Lebanese dialect. So, will you continue to do that or are you going to answer to the request of your Arabic fans and sing to them in their respective dialects?

Najwa: By singing only in the Lebanese dialect, I have fulfilled the request of the Arabic public who likes it when I sing in the Lebanese dialect. This is how I managed to reach out to my public and I will therefore continue to sing in this style.

Al-Shorfa: After your duo with Melhem Barakat "Beybaa Al-Watan", which was an astounding success, are you planning another duo with him? And do you see your co-operation with him more successful in terms of singing duos, or in terms of music composition?

Najwa: We are not planning another duo. And, yes, working with big names has a special flavour whether through singing or music composition.

Al-Shorfa: After your successful tour in Kurdistan, are you planning a new tour, but in the heart of Iraq this time, where you hold a special place?

Najwa: I had a marvellous tour in Arbil. It did indeed leave a mark on my career and I truly hope to perform there again.

Al-Shorfa: Next Sunday is Valentine's Day. Where will Najwa be celebrating it?

Najwa: At Habtoor Grand Hotel, in Sin El Fil.

Al-Shorfa: Do you believe in Valentine's Day or do you think it is just a commercial event?

Najwa: It is a day to celebrate love. Whoever does not believe in love, does not believe in life. Love is the heart beat, the energy that gives man reason to enjoy life.

Al-Shorfa: Where is love in your life?

Najwa: Love is what keeps me alive because it is the source of hope.

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