Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, one way or another, has always managed to degrade other singers in his interviews, press conferences, or any other occasion. Ragheb would either insult a singer through a joke, a casual observation, or by simply being bold, saying that a particular singer is not talented or does not deserve to be known. His comments are always out to make others look bad, especially those whom he fears are a threat to his success.
According to the London based Elaph, Ragheb's personal views and insults of others, which he makes a point of say publicly, have targeted Lebanese singers George Wassouf, Fadel Shaker, Alissa and many more. In an interview Ragheb held with 'Nadine Magazine', he was asked to give his opinion regarding a number of singers, which he did without hesitation. The singer had bluntly said that he does not consider Lebanese singer George Wassouf a 'real-talent' saying that any boy going through puberty can easily mimic his voice without any difficulty, adding that he (Ragheb) cannot tell the difference between George and any of his impersonators.
Ragheb added that he has not heard Wassouf's latest album and had only listened to his previous ones. Ragheb had always made it a point in every interview to throw in a negative comment about George for no apparent reason other then mere jealousy of the success George has received in the music industry.
Moving on to Egyptian singer Amr Diab, Ragheb commented that the singer's new style in his latest album "Alim Albi Al Gharam" (Teach My Heart To Love) is over exaggerated and does not suit Amr in any way.
Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker also managed to get a piece of Ragheb's ongoing insults as his [Fadel] latest hit, "Ya Ghaib" (Away), managed to throw Ragheb's hit single "Tab Leah" (But Why) into a tailspin and off the music charts.
Ragheb had also added that he regrets his duet with Alissa and had sworn to never repeat it again. He added that 'allowing' her to hold a duet with him did not gain her increased popularity but instead, introduced her to his audience and fans and hence her recognition and popularity. Ragheb went on to say that he does not consider Alissa a true singer but rather a performer who captivates her audience with her seductive moves on stage. Alissa on the other hand refuses to believe that Ragheb would make such comments agianst her, and instead, states that she holds high respect for the singer and is grateful to him for giving her the opportunity to sing with him. – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
