Dina Hayek says "Sehr al-Gharam" paved her way to stardom

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2009-12-31

[File] Dina Hayek, during the shooting of the video clip for her single "Al-Amar bi Zatou".

Choosing to sing at a private wedding rather than give any New Year's Eve concerts, Lebanese singer Dina Hayek is warming up for a fresh start with the onset of the new year with her soon-to-be-released album and two singles, one in the Egyptian dialect and the other in the Gulf dialect, all of which she is producing herself.

Al Shorfa: Where are you on the music scene these days?

Dina Hayek: I am currently preparing for a new album and for a single in the Egyptian dialect, with lyrics by Naser al-Jeil and music by Ghazi al-Oudi. I plan to shoot a video clip for the song, but I still haven't decided on the director I will be working with. I am also preparing for a song in the Khaliji dialect entitled "Laoub."

Al Shorfa: It seems that you are more inclined to release "singles" rather than albums. Is that true?

Hayek: Yes, because it takes a long time to make an album. Also, I produce it myself and it is usually quite expensive. However, albums are still in demand. I just like to release singles so they will receive proper attention and circulation.

Al Shorfa: Why do you have to produce your own music?

Hayek: After leaving the Rotana Productions Company, I have not signed up with any other production company, despite the numerous offers I have received. That's why I have to produce my own music now, which is anything but easy. But should I sign up with any company, it has to be a carefully contemplated step, because I am keen on ensuring that my album or any of my releases receive due attention both in terms of support and marketing.

Al Shorfa: What is on your agenda for 2010?

Hayek: There is no doubt that the new year will bring an upgrade in the quality of songs I present. The reason behind the change is that I am reconsidering my entire career and attempting to avoid making the same mistakes again, while building on earlier successes. I am carefully mulling over the offers I am presented with so as to maintain the quality of my music.

Al Shorfa: You are known for singing various genres of music and in numerous dialects. Do you plan to continue on doing that?

Hayek: I have no trouble singing various genres of music and in numerous dialects. I debuted with "Sehr al-Gharam," in the Khaliji dialect. As long as an artist is capable of singing in different dialects, then why not do it? This makes your music accessible to a larger number of Arab listeners. As artists, we are not immune to these dialects, and when a fine tune and nice lyrics are presented to us, there is no reason why we cannot sing in the dialect of the song.

Al Shorfa: You were honoured in the Tunisian Festival, is that true?

Hayek: That is true, and Tunisia means a lot to me. I did give a number of concerts there, and they paid tribute to me in the Carthage Festival. All Arab and Gulf states mean a lot to me. However, when I achieve a certain success in a certain country, I feel that my efforts have not been wasted. I was glad to have been honoured, especially after I sang a song in the Tunisian dialect, titled "Salha", both in Carthage and in Tunis, the capital. Tunisia represents an important milestone in my life.

Al Shorfa: What does your song "Sehr al-Gharam" mean to you?

Hayek: "Sehr al-Gharam" is very special to me. It was my debut and my very first success. This song came my way by chance and it placed a huge responsibility on my shoulders but paved my way to stardom. My responsibility now lies in maintaining the same quality and to keep improving, which is difficult, but not impossible. This song is indeed quite unique, and cannot be compared to any other.

Al Shorfa: How did working with director Fady Hadad have an impact on your image?

Hayek: Director Fady Hadad portrayed me in an indisputably nice manner. I like to be presented the way I am, a simple and spontaneous person. I enjoyed working with him and hope to do it again soon. Director Randa al-Alam also portrayed me in a manner true to my character.

Al Shorfa: Word has it you are expecting to receive music from composer Melhem Barakat. How is this moving along?

Hayek: I do not like to rush things, especially when dealing with a big composer such as Melhem Barakat. Even if it takes a year for the tune to be ready, I will not rush him and will give him all the time he needs. If he composes something special for me, I will be delighted. If not, it is enough to know that he even thought about it, and that he appreciates my talent and vocals. All I wish is that the tune be ready if and when Melhem Barakat, who is a very busy man, finds the right time for it.

Al Shorfa: Lastly, where are you singing on New Year's Eve?

Hayek: I will be singing at a private wedding outside of Lebanon.

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