Is anyone not head over heels in love with the world's fave Arab Idol yet? Yes, we're talking about Mohammed Assaf, who else?
The Palestinian superstar is doing so well for himself, his career achievements and trophies are too many to count!
And even though the fresh-faced singer has barely had any time for himself in the past year - since winning Season 2 of Idol - let alone for media interviews, we were one of the lucky few to sit down with him for a nice chat on a very special evening.
It was New Year's Eve, where Assaf held his NYE concert at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel in Amman, Jordan. Needless to say, it was yet another successful performance that filled the crowded concert hall with Assaf's big voice and lively tunes, which were complemented by smiles, applaud and singalongs from his ecstatic fans.
The ever so charming Assaf chatted to our (very lucky) Arabic Entertainment Editor Noora Al-Azzone, who described him as humble, sweet and good looking. Amen to that!
Below is the exclusive interview with the man who stole the hearts of women (and men) with his raw talent, charming persona and humbleness. Here, Assaf talks fame, regrets and 2015!
Following pleasantries, we asked Assaf if he had achieved all of his goals in 2014?
"No matter how much success you achieve, you're always going to be looking for more. In 2014, I achieved things that I've never dreamed of and they were totally unexpected. Since entering show business, I learned that a man should never stop dreaming.
Reaching the top is difficult, but staying there is even more difficult. I never planned ahead in the past, but lately I've been carefully studying my next steps, while looking out for my best options."
Is there anything you regret doing in 2014?
"I've never regretted anything in my life. Everyone makes mistakes, some are critical, but I’ve never made such mistakes."
What are your plans for 2015?
"I have plenty of things in mind for 2015; the most important one is having already started preparing for my new (second) album. I might also be releasing a new single composed by Iraqi composer Ali Bader; the same Ali who composed “Alli El Koofiyyeh.”
"In addition, I have three gulf songs set to go, but I might release one of them as a single, then add the rest to my new album. I hope this album will be of a different flavor to the one before, that's why I might also add a folk song to it.
"I also have a Palestinian song titled "Ana Dammy Falasteeni” (My Blood is Palestinian), which I will be releasing within two weeks.
"I'm further preparing for a duet with Sherine Abdel Wahab, set for release this year, as well as planning a number of concerts and festivals, such as DSF and Hala Febrayer.
"I will be touring the US as well and taking part in Stars on Board. I was supposed to take part in it last year, but it coincided with the events in Gaza, and at the time, I'd stopped my work in solidarity with them.
"A film about my life will soon be released too. It's being directed by Hani Abu Assad; they've started filming my childhood, but I don't know whether I will be acting in it myself yet. I will have to think about it.
"One day I might take up acting, but for now I feel that singing is the most important thing in my life; it's close to my heart and it is my "original" talent."
What do you think of an artist’s presence on social media?
"Social Media has actually become more important than television and radio. My social media fans are one of the major reasons behind my success. It's hard to put how much I love them into words, but in short, they are my family."
Do you feel "restricted" because of your fans?
"I always act myself. People have different opinions and there are some things my fans may dislike. I think my fans love everything I do," he said with a smile.
Is this your confidence talking or do you just trust your audience?
"It's both. I haven’t seen a greater fan base in my entire life. I'm constantly keeping up with them on social media and they don't even know it."
If you weren't Mohammed Assaf, what advice would you give him?
"I would tell him that sometimes being too good isn't good for you. I would advise him not to trust anyone, but to act himself and love himself as well.
"I would advise him to be wary of people, because I'm very honest and straightforward, and the press always puts celebrities under the microscope and brings their private lives and mistakes to light."
Can you ever go back to your normal life pre-fame?
"Of course I can, it's very possible. One day I might find myself unsatisfied with the whole fame environment and decide to go back to my previous life.
"I can't pretend to be someone I'm not. I sometimes like to live my life normally and keep my private life a secret.
"It's no lie that an artist's life isn't his alone, but there are small details in my life that I'd like to keep to myself. I can't always get the idea that I'm just an ordinary person who wants to feel isolated through to my fans."
What impact do rumors have on you?
"As for rumors, I personally wouldn't call them that; they're just words and things that people make up, like when they said that I was engaged and started making up stories about it. Had I actually gotten engaged, why would I be scared of publicly announcing it? I will eventually get engaged; why all the hype now?
"Anyone can be affected by rumors, but being famous is a different story. The story begins with a few words and everyone then starts feeding more into it until it gets bigger and turns into something else. It's my right to get engaged and I will announce the news to everyone (when it happens); there is nothing to be afraid of."
What does Assaf have to say to the press?
"I wish the press would publish my news with caution. I wish they would come to me about certain things first, rather than publishing the wrong information, because that's when other websites begin to copy the same false information and spread it until the story has grown bigger and bigger.
"A special request from me to the press: anything you hear about my personal life is untrue unless I state otherwise."
What would you like to say to your fans?
"If I told them that I love and adore them, I wouldn't be doing them any justice. My feelings are way bigger for them. They are extremely supportive and I wish them a very happy new year.
"God is always by our side, and I hope that he is satisfied with me, my mom, dad and anyone who loves me."
Written by Arwad Khalifeh
Interview by Noora Al-Azzone
