Today at 20:00 GMT, March 23, 2003, the satellite channel MBC will feature Egyptian folk singer Shabaan Abdul Rahim as the guest of honor on the show "Ala Warak" (On Paper). The singer will attempt a standoff with the Americans in his own style by sending a message to US president George Bush through a song in the hope of convincing him to end the war on Iraq.
According to Saudi based daily, Al Riyadh, Shabaan wrote a new song entitled "War on Iraq", in which he talks about the consequences of war on Iraqi people, and attempt to convince Bush to retreat and pullout immediately. The singer is also due to reveal his new competition in the music industry, his own son Issam.
Previously, the folk singer expressed his joy at being considered the number one political singer in Egypt and around the Arab world. Shabaan’s new title came after the success of his latest hit single “Hanza’ Al Silah” (I’m Going to Take out My Weapon).
Shabaan called on all Arabs to unite and support Iraq against Western tyranny. The singer also revealed that he is currently the number one singer and actor in Egypt. Shabaan said that he is in competition with Egyptian singer Amr Diab for the number one spot in the music industry and his second rival is Egyptian singer Hisham Abbas.
Shabaan’s popularity came after his hit single "Ana Bakrah Israel" (I hate Israel) two years ago recording a major success in the market of Cairo and beyond, replacing the typical love songs that people used to listen to.
The inspiration of the song was sparked after the eruption of the Palestinian uprising (Intifada) in September 2000. His song emerged at a critical time where cultural, political, and social factors all came together in a timely fashion.
An illiterate from a small village, and an unknown singer for over twenty years, Shaaban's singing career has catapulted with live performances at weddings, private parties, and social occasions. – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
