Maya Diab is a lady of a few words. Sure, she is a great conversationalist when reading a script off a teleprompter, but it real life she seems she’d rather keep it short.
It is perhaps not surprising then that our interview with her is one of the shortest Showbiz Arabia has ever conducted.
The Lebanese singer and presenter was in the UAE this week to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as a press conference in Dubai. Maya performed at Yasalam’s Beats on the Beach last weekend before heading to Yas Marina Circuit to watch the race. Later in the week, she headed to Dubai to attend a Sony press conference celebrating the launch of three cameras. Despite being the Japanese manufacturer’s brand ambassador, the former 4 Cats band member didn’t really say much, and even disappeared before the Q&A started.
When we caught her at the F1, here’s what she had to say.
Q: Are you excited to be back in Abu Dhabi to perform for your fans? You’re a regular in the UAE, do you enjoy performing here?
A: Sure I am. I always feel happy to meet with my fans all over the world, so how if it would be in the UAE. I really enjoy it!
Q: Describe a Maya Diab live show.
A: [It consists of] my songs, lots of popular Arabic songs and for sure a great performance with my dancers.
Q: Were you worried about coming over to the UAE right now, while there is unrest in Beirut?
A: We Lebanese people feel always unsecured in our country, and this becomes serious when something happens and we’re far from our families.
Q: Yasalam ties in with the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, do you follow the Formula 1? If yes, who do you support?
A: Yes, I love F1 and support Mark Webber.
Q: What are your favourite places to visit in the UAE?
A: I love Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, as well as Dubai.
Q: You have been busy with TV projects, what have you been up to recently?
A: The biggest surprise ever will be my short movie music video.
Q: What’s more challenging — presenting or performing/singing?
A: Performing for sure, this direct and live interaction with the whole audience makes the difference.
Q: What other projects are coming up for you?
A: Lots of amazing things are going to happen, but again, I am concentrating on my video to make the bomb in the Arab world.
Q: Do you use social media yourself?
A: Yes, personally I appear on twitter, and my real verified Twitter account is @mayadiabdiab. On Facebook, my official page is Maya Diab.
Q: Finally, would you go back into film? And if so, would it be in Arab cinema or do you like the idea of heading to Hollywood?
A: This is a future plan, it could be both Arab cinema and Hollywood, but this is in early stages.
Dancing With The Stars coming soon
We can’t wait for the Arab version of Dancing With The Stars to kick off next month on MTV Lebanon. Now that the season debut is approaching, rumours are rife as to who is going to participate in the show.
While none of the contestants have been confirmed, it is being suggested that Myriam Fares has signed on to take part as one of the judges.
With a strong background in dance and performance art, Myriam makes a great choice. What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see take part? Tweet @Gulfnewstabloid.
Asala’s blonde ambition
Asala’s new look seems to have not gone down well with her fans. The Syrian singer debuted a bright blonde barnet and glasses for the launch of season two of her show Soula on OSN Ya Hala!
Unfortunately, a large number of viewers took immediately to her Facebook page to express their displeasure.
“Asala please go back to your roots,” one fan wrote. “This blonde look makes you look trashy,” while another said, “Don’t try to be someone you’re not – we love you for your voice and down-to-Earth style.”
