Interview by Sohaib Al Hadid
Translation and Foreword by Zaid Bawab
You might remember Emirati songstress Ruwaida Mahrouqi for 2000s hit songs like “Hatetik Fi Bali” (I Put you in My Mind), “Warrini” (Show Me) and “Ay Ay”, yet the Emirati singer has recently made a comeback with a music video for a song called “Baheb Nafsi” (I Love My Self). We had the chance to ask Mahrouqi a few questions about her latest release and her time away from the limelight in this Al Bawaba Exclusive interview.
Your new song “Baheb Nafsi”, how much does it represent you? And is it true that a singer sometimes does not know how to express by talking so they end up choosing a song that represents his state?
Every song that I choose has a part of me in it, and the same thing applies to the new song “Baheb Nafsi” but the song does not have to represent me completely. ‘Baheb Nafsi’ celebrates being independent and that happiness does not have to be connected to a person and that we should learn to love ourselves more and know how to be happy even if we are on our own.
What changed in your character after being away from the limelight for some time?
Generally speaking, we change constantly with time. I could consider myself more mature today and I know who is a true friend better now, yet I am still the same character that people are used to.
What are the new releases that captured your attention recently?
There are many good new releases for artists like Nawal Al Kuwaitiya, Hussein Al Jassmi and even some new singers released songs that are worth stopping at.
You have already performed a duet alongside Lebanese singer and composer Ziad Burji. Will we see you in another duet with Ziad or any other singer?
The Duet experience is always different, my duet with Ziad was nice and I am not against the idea of a duet with Ziad or any other artist.
Your latest music video reached a high number of views in a relatively short period of time, Do you care about the numbers and do you consider it a sign of success?
Today, we are living in a time where numbers are really important, even if I am not personally that concerned about it yet it is important to follow up with the numbers count.
What are your new projects and what do you promise your fans?
I have many new different releases that are nearly ready and I hope the fans like the new material and that I can always manage to give them what they expect from me.
