A forbidden song has caused turmoil between Egyptian singer Mohammad Munir and poet Ahmad Foad Najim. Mohammad had agreed with Najim to buy the song “Kul Ayn Ta’shaq Hilwa” (Every Eye Loves Beauty), written by Najim and composed by the late Al Sheik Imam during the 70s for 5 thousand Egyptian pounds.
The London based daily, Al Sharq Al Awsat, reported that while Munir was in the process of recording the song, Najim surprised him by backing out on the agreement and insisting that he will not sell the rights for his song for less than 25 Egyptian pounds. The daily also noted that the song was banned during the 70s due to the fact that students used sing it during protests.
This in turn has caused Munir to be in great agony especially since he is near the completion of his upcoming album that features 10 songs.
Najim had commented on this incident to the daily saying, “Munir offered to buy the song and I asked for 25 thousand Egyptian pounds, which is not a large amount considering my poetic background and experience. Before any agreement was made, Munir had already begun recording the song which composition impressed me to say the least. I had agreed at the moment that I was willing to give Munir rights to my song despite the fact that I had earlier promised the singer Ahmad Salam.”
Najim added that he was shocked when Munir offered to buy the song for such a small amount saying it is a disgrace to his stature. Najim insists that he refuses to give the song rights to Munir even after its recording. He added that if Munir keeps the song and releases it in his upcoming album, he will take all the necessary legal actions against him saying this is not the first time Munir has stolen songs without my acceptance.
Munir in turn assured that he is not responsible for any of the accusations made by Nijim against him saying any song he had sung for the poet was given to him by the Recording companies… “if anyone owes Nijim anything it’s the recording studios!”. With regards to the song “Kul Ayn Ta’shaq Hilwa” (Every Eye Loves Beauty), Munir said that despite the fact that he wished to add it in his latest album, the recording company had refused to pay such a large amount saying they preferred songs by “younger poets”. Munir, who believes that interaction with the nation's issues should be the message of each and every artist, has promised that his new album would carry a new style with a high-quality music and lyrics.
Earlier in July, Munir kicked off his summer tour with an evening concert at the Egyptian Opera House. The concert, entitled "Land and Peace", was performed on a stage built purposely for the event at the Opera's courtyard.
After the September 11 attacks, the Egyptian singer has sought to forward a message to the world through his song “Madad Ya Rasoul Allah” (Help our Beloved Prophet), answering the need for a renewed style that adheres the prevailing conditions in the world. – Albawaba.com
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
