DUBAI (AlArabiya.net)
Egyptian pop icon Tamer Hosni – known for making young women swoon across the Arab world with his catchy love songs – is singing a new tune in Ramadan.
Hosni released a new album of Islamic chants, "Paradise in our Houses," in collaboration with renowned Muslim preacher Amr Khaled.
Each recital in the album – named after Khaled's Ramadan program -- was originally written for various episodes of the show. Hosni later compiled the chants into his new album.
"We, the youth, are accused of not presenting anything of value. The album is a documented proof that this is not true," Hosni said in an interview with London-based daily Al-Hayat.
"Religion should be with us all year round, not only in Ramadan," said Hosni, adding that he has written a song about people who worship God in Ramadan and "then go back to committing sins when it's over."
Hosni said there is nothing unusual about a pop icon who sings religious songs or an Islamic album produced by Coptic Christian, Nasr Mahrous.
"Mahrous is a sensible man who believes all religions come from God. He never hesitated about producing this album," Hosni said.
Hosni also said the album is about getting across an important social message, and denied entering into a financial contract with Khaled, preferring to call it "a contract of friendship".
"I will never forget how he stood by me and gave me back my self-esteem after all what I've been through lately," Hosni added.
Hosni has come under attack for his "licentious" lyrics, stealing other people's songs, and criticizing other Arab superstar singers – all of which he denies.
Thousands of people have joined the "Tamer's Haters" Web site, determined to strip the Egyptian icon of his status as "King of the Generation."
Hosni began acting in the 1990s, and made his musical debut in 2002 with the hit song, Habeebi wenta be'eed (My love, while you're away). He went on to release his first album Hob (Love) in 2004. His third album, Ya bentel-eih (Naughty girl), was released while he was doing time for avoiding military service.
(Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid). |
