Lebanese singer Nicole Saba has denied accusations by the media that she and a number of Lebanese singers did not cancel prescheduled concerts out of disregard for their country while at war with Israel.
“There is not one Lebanese person, whether an artist or ordinary citizen, that is not deeply affected by the agony our country is going through,” said Nicole.
According to the London based Elaph, Nicole said that she was compelled to hold a number of performances despite the war, since organizing committees of concerts decided to proceed.
At first she tried to cancel her performances, but was advised it would be positive to proceed since many people would attend to show their support to Lebanon and its people, said Nicole.
The singer gave a performance in Alexandria, Egypt and held two concerts at the International Song Festival. Event coordinator, Egyptian actor Samir Sabri chose Nicole to participate in the Festival.
Nicole performed with prominent Saudi singer Mohammad Abdo for the first time in her career at the opening of the festival, although her second performance alongside Lebanese singer Wael Jassar was cancelled due to his inability to leave Lebanon.
The singer had t-shirts made for concert goers donning Lebanon’s flag to show support for her country.
Nicole confirmed that she did not flee Lebanon, and the thousands of people who left the country have gone to a safer place until conditions are stable.
Nicole announced that she has doubled her fee for all performances, particularly in touristy locations. The singer said the high demand for her performances necessitated the increase.
After an endless battle between Nicole and television announcer Razan Moughrabi, Nicole decided to settle the matter by changing the title of her upcoming album to "Nar Al Hawa" (The Fire of Passion).
Heated disputes erupted between the two over the song "Nar Al Hawa," written and composed by Egyptian singer Tamer Husni. Each singer claimed the rights to the song, and eventually Nicole was deemed the copyrights, reported the UAE daily, Al Bayan.
