Hear what the celebrities like from Farid Nemeh. Today it's Asala.
Her name Asala means "originality" in Arabic and she's truly original. But it seems she means much more to her fans. They launched a huge campaign and were about to march through the streets against the head of the Musicians Association who banned her performance in Syria last August.
What makes her fans adore her? What makes Arab superstars including Wael Kfoury, Fadle Shaker, Sabir Al Roba'eh Mu'een Sharif and Mohammad Abdo eager to sing with her?
The Saudi legend Abdo provided an answer: "She has an outstanding capability to give meaning to what she sings."
When she appears on stage she is greeted with brief applause, then silence. Nothing can be heard but her voice reverberating in the theatre.
Her spectacular performance during the celebration of Bahrain's Independence Day won her Bahraini citizenship granted by the King of Bahrain, who attended her concert and thanked her for being part of the country's celebrations.
Adoration
Asala began her singing career performing national and children's songs when she was 8 years old. As she grew older she turned to Arab classics and mastered Tarab (ancient Arab songs). At the age of 15 she began to establish her own style and gained adoration throughout the Arab world.
Described as "an extraordinary singing talent whose voice knows no dialect boundaries", she has sung widely acclaimed songs in the Syrian, Egyptian, Gulf, Lebanese and Moroccan dialects. Hence, her contribution to Arab music is tremendous.
Hardship
But behind her success lies a sad story. She has endured pain and suffering for much of her life. She was born handicapped in her leg and foot and underwent repeated surgery until she was 14.
Since she could not walk properly, she sank into deep depression, aggravated by the burden of responsibility. Her father, the only family supporter, then died in a car accident.
Being the eldest, but still a teenager, she had to support her family and be both father and mother to her four brothers and sisters — Reem, Amani, Ayman and Ayham. Here's what she has to say:
On motherhood
Motherhood is the peak of love, the noblest love ever known. I'm a mother more than a singer. When I take my children in my arms I feel I'm embracing the world with all its riches and beauty.
On marriage
Tariq Aryan (Asala's husband) is my haven. I'm attached to him and feel what he does, thinks and dreams is mine. We have a lot in common. I'm one of the happiest women in the world; I've found love and peace with him; I've realised since I moved to Egypt that he can be my family and my homeland.
On friends
I'm not the sort of person who gives up easily. Sometimes I cry hot tears but I don't live the life of a recluse. I love people and their gossip; I enjoy having a chat and being open with them; they bring me relief. Loving people is related to God, hating them is satanic.
On musicals
I've always dreamt of participating in a musical. Cinema is the greatest medium for communicating with the audience. It allows the singer to perform more impressively than video clips. Tariq and some friends have encouraged me. I'm thinking of making a movie based on my life. I'd like people to know and learn from my life and experiences.
On other singers
I'm dying for Fairouz. I'd love to listen to Angham; I miss Zoukra. Among the male singers other than Mohammad Abdo and Wadih El Safi there are Abdul Majid Abdullah, Sabir Al Ruba'eh and Fadle Shakir. Hussain Al Jimsey is a close friend and his voice triggers deep emotions. Rashid Al Majid is stunning.
On khaliji
I love Khaliji songs and lyrics. They are rich in meaning, like a fertile land. I sing in Khaliji style because it fits my voice. However, the Gulf music is a mix like all other Arab music.
On food
I'm a very good cook; I love to eat my own home-cooked food. I'm very careful about what I eat. Generally I like roasted and cooked lamb and avoid sweets.
