Rola Saad set to perform during World Cup opening ceremony

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-05-15

[FILE] Rola Saad is also working on a new album

Being selected to perform the promotional song for FIFA World Cup 2010, Lebanese artist Rola Saad is once again set to shine alongside other world artists. She will sing "Everywhere You Go" during the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11th in South Africa.

She is also working on the album "Rola Sings Sabah" ("Rola Toughnanni Sabah"). Saad spoke with Al-Shorfa about her upcoming performance.

Al-Shorfa: What do you think about performing the official FIFA theme song together with world-renowned artists?

Rola: It's a fantastic opportunity and a new experience for me. I was delighted to work with professional people who have a different way of doing things. The importance of this work is that the song will be aired on MTV Europe, then on VH1, and subsequently on other stations.

Al-Shorfa: How were you chosen to perform this song?

Rola: I must point out that I am the only artist in Lebanon and the Middle East to have been selected for participation in this work. My manager Mr. Karim Abi Yaghi was contacted by the organiser of this event after they had done their research and reviewed the websites of many artists. Subsequently, I was selected to sing along with 12 world artists.

Al-Shorfa: You sang part of the song in Arabic?

Rola: That's true. But I also participated with the all the artists in singing the song, the American artist Roland being the most prominent among them. And on the day of the opening ceremony I will sing before the public.

Al-Shorfa: By the way, are you a football fan?

Rola: Of course. My two favorite teams are Argentina and Germany. I follow their matches.

Al-Shorfa: What are you working on besides the World Cup?

Rola: I am working on the album "Rola Sings Sabah". This album was scheduled to be released earlier, but the passing away of my cousin and preparation for the World Cup song kept me away from working on this. But I am now working on it so that it could be ready for filming after Ramadan. Also, I have been selected as the brand ambassador for a skin care product by an international company. I will be the first and only Arab name to work with this company for that particular product.

Al-Shorfa: There is talk that you will be releasing a single.

Rola: I am working on it. The lyrics are by Amir Tohme, and the composition is by Mohammed Rahim. I will be filming the video for it shortly with producer Fadi Haddad.

Al-Shorfa: This is not your first collaboration with Fadi is it?

Rola: I have been collaborating with him for some time now, and I am comfortable working with him. He projects an image of me that is nice and not debasing or vulgar, and he delivers the meaning of the song in the best manner.

Al-Shorfa: Getting back to "Rola Sings Sabah", can you tell us more about that?

Rola: The album contains 25 songs, including 10 songs for children.

Al-Shorfa: You have been saddened by the passing away of your cousin.

Rola: Her loss was a big shock, and I wish I could turn back time and that what had happened to her never happened. But this is God's will.

Al-Shorfa: But after sadness, there is joy. Is there love in your life?

Rola: There is, and there isn't, too. By my nature, I experience loving moments with my surroundings and my family, but the love that you are referring to is not there, but not intentionally so.

Al-Shorfa: What about motherhood?

Rola: It is the best thing in life. I live it through my sister's children. But motherhood is a responsibility, which requires us to make the right choice regarding an appropriate spouse.

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