Zahi Wehbe says media personalities need freedom to be creative

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-08-31

[JOSEPH FADDOUL/Al-Shorfa] Zahi Wehbe signs a copy of one of his books of poetry.

Media personality and poet Zahi Wehbe is taking a short break from the small screen during the month of Ramadan to prepare for his show "Khallik bil beit" (Stay at Home), which is about to enter its 15th season.

His latest book of poetry, "Maza Tafaalina Bi" (What Are You Doing to Me?), was released during this break.

Al-Shorfa met him in a favorite coffee shop, a place where Wehbe says he finds inspiration for his writing, and where he often works on his creative projects.

Al-Shorfa: How do you spend your Ramadan break?

Wehbe: I will continue with what I started last year during the show "Khallik Bil Beit", to be more open to the young generation of artists. After featuring stars like Nancy Ajram, Elissa and Assy el Hallani, we will welcome guests as important as Najwa Karam and Soulaf Maamar, and the two fashion designers Reem Acra from Lebanon and Hanaa Sadek from Iraq, and others from the worlds of music and acting, in addition to writers and creative and veteran artists.

Al-Shorfa: The show is in its 15th year, what is the secret of its success?

Wehbe: It is the longest running Arabic TV show. Many factors have contributed to its continued success. People became attached to the show, and so it has attracted advertisers. We have been careful to show appreciation for the guest, the viewer and the Arabic mindset, not to disrespect the Arabic viewer and not to follow the theory that "this is what the viewer wants to see". The television station's management give me a wide margin of freedom. I choose my guests as I please from all artistic and cultural movement. Journalists need freedom to succeed and continue.

Al-Shorfa: Where does your freedom stop?

Wehbe: Personally, I avoid offending anyone. I believe the person is more important than the profession. I don't embarrass a guest to get a scoop, nor do I offend a guest or a viewer. I try not to intrude upon people's sensitivities. I respect their differences. I try to make the show rise above the provocative discourse. That does not mean I do not deal with issues with sincerely, honestly and boldly. I always discuss what comes to my mind but do so in a respectful way to showcase the guest's experience without insulting them.

Al-Shorfa: Did this approach succeed? Wehbe: With all modesty, wherever I go in the Arab world or abroad, I get sincere compliments that I made an impact. I answer jokingly that I am getting older. I am happy that my show was able to present top creative Arab artists to the viewers. Al-Shorfa: Is there someone you would like to interview?

Wehbe: I look for a personality who has something to say to people. There are dozens of individuals in poetry, acting and music. I regret not being able to interview a poet like Ghazi al- Gosaibi. He passed away without being a guest on "Khallik Bil Beit". I would like to have Hind Rostom and Shadia as guests and thousands of others from the new generation in the Arab world.

Al-Shorfa: Let's talk about your latest releases in poetry.

Wehbe: I have now 10 poetry books; "Maza Tafalina Bi" (What Are You Doing to Me?) is the latest that was released last week, and five works of prose, of which "Kahwa Sada" (Black Coffee) is the latest.

The latter is about my love of the coffee shops in Beirut and their cultural significance in addition to being places for democratic dialogue. I always say no one can adjourn a session, prevent a quorum from being formed or close the doors of a coffee shop when there is at least one person drinking coffee. The coffee shops in Beirut are open to love, freedom and beautiful values. There is neither a city, nor a true urban lifestyle without a coffee shop. The coffee shop has the same importance as a theatre, cinema, art gallery or cultural venue.

Al-Shorfa: And you are a coffee shop regular.

Wehbe: All my life is in the coffee shop. I joke to people that I live in the coffee shop, and I am a regular at home. I prepare "Khallik Bil Beit" in the coffee shop and write my articles there. Most of my poems were created in this coffee shop.

Bookmarking

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