Asmara left interior design to pursue art

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2012-02-07

With her latest song, Asmara gained widespread recognition. [File/Al-Shorfa]

Lebanese singer Asmara gained a lot of public attention from Arab audiences with "Ashqak," a song in the Egyptian dialect.

Khaled Bakri, known for his work with major stars such as Saber al-Rubai, Asala and Amal Maher, composed the song.

Al-Shorfa met with Asmara and spoke with her about her artistic career.

Al-Shorfa: Your name and the song "Ashqak" appeared suddenly on the billboards. Where were you before?

Asmara: I have been an artist for three years, and I made a music video each year. True, I have not been an artist for long, but I am known as an artist who performs at weddings and events. The wider audience discovered me through "Ashqak," which was supposed to be released before, but it was postponed because of events in the region, especially since it was sung in the Egyptian dialect.

Al-Shorfa: Tell us about the song.

Asmara: Assem Hussain wrote the lyrics, and Khaled Bakri composed the music. I filmed it with director Joe Bou Eid, who blended reality, the past and his imagination, keeping with the sad song's lyrics, which talk about parting lovers.

Al-Shorfa: How did you meet Bakri?

Asmara: I was introduced to him by the singer Micheline Khalifa who attends my shows and is impressed with my voice. One day, she told me she would introduce me to him because she was collaborating with him. I chose "Ashqak" and after rehearsing the performance, I sent him a copy. He liked my voice and handled the distribution and the recording. He told me after hearing the song that I took him to beautiful places. I am happy to be working with a talented artist whose songs are sung by Saber al-Rubai, Ragheb Alama, Amal Maher and Asala. He is a sensitive and refined artist, and his personality is like his tunes.

Al-Shorfa: What came before "Ashqak"?

Asmara: The first song was "Enta Enta". Munir Abu Assaf wrote the lyrics, Jean-Marie Riachi handled the composition and distribution and Camille Tanios directed the video clip.

When the song was being filmed, I felt a great sense of responsibility and the need for a serious commitment. The filming team worked with me with all their heart. My second song was "al-Halawa". Nabil Abu Abdo wrote the lyrics, Elie Habib handled the composition and Fadi Gigi handled the distribution. Layal Rajiha, who led me to discover acting, directed the video clip.

Al-Shorfa: Given the "Askqak" success, why do you not put out more songs?

Asmara: Because I am performing in concerts and travelling a lot. Personally, I like to select songs carefully and look for a composer and a songwriter who will craft a special song for my voice. Production is costly, and I produce at my own expense with the revenue I make from my concerts. I have a small team helping me, and I have experience and possess the confidence to stand on stage.

Al-Shorfa: Do you have a background in music?

Asmara: Since childhood, I sang at school and in front of everyone without any fear. Then I learned to play the piano, the guitar and eastern singing at the National Conservatory from experienced teachers. I also learned to sing opera because of the capacity of my voice.

Al-Shorfa: It is said that you can sing in several foreign languages.

Asmara: I sing in French, English, Italian and Spanish. I focus on Arabic singing, but will sing in foreign languages at concerts. I also sing in the Lebanese and Egyptian dialects and am currently looking for a Gulf song.

Al-Shorfa: Besides your talent in music, you are an interior designer.

Asmara: I was going to travel to America to complete my studies in interior design, particularly since I excelled at university, but my interest in art was stronger.

Al-Shorfa: Do you regret your choice?

Asmara: No, because there is an appropriate time for everything. In my specialty, I work on a computer, and I use what I learned in the service of my art.

Al-Shorfa: Are you considering acting?

Asmara: Why not? But this depends on the offers, the role and the production. I love studying my steps and making the choice that helps me to progress artistically.

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