Interview by Sohaib Al Hadid
Who doesn’t remember the school girl who was wearing a mini-skirt and riding her bike to the school?
Lebanese singer Darine Hadchiti rocked 2005 with her album "Edam El Kel", the album was the talk of Arab media then, and even today people still remember it. Why did she disappear though? What did she go through? And does she have new projects and comeback plans? All what you need to know about her and more is in this Albawaba exclusive interview with Darine Hadchiti.
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People still remember your old songs and music videos. Yet, the newly released songs got positive feedback from the audience. Could we consider them Darine's comeback? And what are your upcoming projects?
My latest releases were "Baado Eli" (He is Still Mine) and "Oum Men Wejji" (Get Away from my Face). They were supposed to be from my upcoming album but the songs were leaked online without my permission and I was really shocked, but the audience loved the songs and that made me feel happy. There are a lot of upcoming projects but I am just waiting the right time for them.
What types of projects are they? Are you planning to adopt a new singing style?
All my previous releases were successful and was praised by both the new and old generations. I seek to release modern songs yet ones that reflect my personality and identity. In my albums I presented many singing styles from romantic, traditional to folklore that I consider my playground. From my point of view, Singers should try many singing styles yet performing with emotion is key. I also sang for many countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Iraq, Egypt and more to come hopefully.
Are you thinking to collaborate with a new label after the death of your previous
manager?
After the death of my manager George Anstesyadis - May his Soul Rest in Peace - I met a lot of professional managers and producers but none of them could match the high production quality of what I used to release, and they preferred to invest in releases of a lower quality. I hope one day I will find a manager or a producer who would support my art. As you know, some production companies work against the benefit of the artists signed with them.
Is there anyone still working against you today after all these years?
After my album was released in 2005, Some production companies paid money to
have my name and releases removed from media outlets. And today after the death of my manager many were happy because I am not as active in the domain anymore. But in the end no one can take the place of another, the truth will appear, and I will prove that I am still in the hearts of the audience which is evident through the frequent requests they make asking me to comeback to the domain.
What about love? Is Darine living a love story?
Who is not, love is beautiful.
Are there any new songs that caught your attention lately?
Yes and no. I don't know how some singers end up choosing certain songs that do not deserve their high production cost.
Is there a singer you wish to collaborate with?
Without mentioning names, there are many singers I think our voices in a duet could work but what is more important to me is that the duet would be a success in as many Arab countries as possible.
Is there a country you would like to perform in?
I love to sing in all Arab countries because I have fans in each one.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Whatever I say it will not express how much I love them, and I would like to thank all the fans for their love and support. They are communicating with me until today to check up on me, and hoping I find what suits me to come back to the domain.
