Lebanese signer Assi Hilani is busy placing the final touches on his upcoming music video for the song “Habibi Ya Nasini,” filmed under the direction of Jameel Al Maghazi. The clip will be aired exclusively on Rotana’s satellite music channel.
According to the Saudi based daily, Al Riyadh, the singer is also preparing for a tour around the Arab world that will take him to Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, the UAE, and Egypt.
Despite the strong ties between Assi and Saudi Prince Waleed Bin Talal, owner of Rotana Production Company, heated disputes erupted between the singer and the company.
Assi has been absent from different music festivals in the Gulf region, which has given the impression his popularity has dwindled.
The singer also launched his latest album “Izgheeri El Dinia” (It’s a small world) without releasing any accompanying music videos, fueling the rumors .
In response, Assi has asserted that the rumors are false, and stressed that his dispute with Rotana was over the fact that he filmed an episode for the Lebanese satellite channel Future TV. The singer claims that he does not regret filming the episode with Future, especially since they broadcast commercials for him without requiring a contract. “The channel takes good care of him,” he added, making him feel obligated to fulfill their requests.
The singer’s contract with Rotana ended with the release of his latest album, and he does anticipate resigning with them. Assi stated that his absences from festivals in different Gulf countries are a mere coincidence, and that he has already participated in numerous festivals around the Arab world and abroad.
With regard to why he had released his album without an accompanying music video, the singer succinctly stated that the popular music video for his duet “Ouli Jai” is still being aired and it is certainly part of the album.
