Nancy Ajram interview in Dubai

Egyptian Parliament will not ban Haifa Wahbi and Nancy Ajram

Egyptian Parliament member Radi, from the Islamists party, has withdrawn his request that Egypt ban both Lebanese singers Haifa Wahbi and Nancy Ajram from holding any performances in Egypt.

Radi first submitted his request due to his party’s disapproval of the singers’ seductive attire, claiming it may provoke inappropriate thoughts and behavior.

The Islamist party changed its position after the patriotism both stars exhibited by refusing to perform or engage in any entertainment activities while their country is under attack by Israel. Radi stated that he considered the decision of Nancy and Haifa to be a noble one that reflects their true character, reported the London based daily, Al Sharq Al Awsat.

Haifa welcomed the decision not to ban her and Nancy, and thanked Radi for showing consideration and understanding of the message she and her colleagues are trying to convey in support of Lebanon.

Recently Haifa appeared on the Egyptian satellite television channel Nile TV to host a special two hour program to raise emergency funds to help support Lebanese civilians injured by the Israeli raids.

Haifa asserts that Lebanese artists can play an important role, whether from within Lebanon or outside to help their country during this crisis. The singer fled from Lebanon through Syria a few days after Israel invaded.

Since the war began all music festivals, concerts and entertainment activities in Lebanon have been either cancelled or postponed. The first cancellations were the annual Ba’albak Festival and a play by Lebanese diva Fairouz called “Sah ElNoum”. The Baiblos Festival has also been postponed to an unknown date, and has refunded ticket sales.

Lebanese and other stars have notified festival administrations in Jordan and around the Arab world they will not be able to take part in this year’s events due to the situation in Lebanon.

From Al Bawaba

Nancy Ajram turns down marriage proposal

Lebanese singer Amal Hijazi’s brother has asked Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram for her hand in marriage, and the singer has shockingly declined. Nancy said that she is not thinking of getting married until at least 2010.

Amal responded, “I do not understand how Nancy can determine when to love, as if the matter of love is something that can be controlled.”

On a different note, a photo of Nancy donning a Hijab (the Islamic Headdress) has been circulating on the internet, prompting rumors that the singer has denounced the Christian faith and become a Muslim. Rumors claim Nancy embraced Islam after she was affected by the war between Lebanon and Israel, and the suffering of Lebanese civilians.

Nancy denies that she has begun wearing a Hijab, claiming the picture of her on the internet wearing a Hijab is a fabrication, and has called on the people creating such rumors to stop.

Nancy recently recorded a new patriotic song “Lebnan Ya Habib El Umor” (Lebanon My Only Love) to express her grief over the horror her dear country is experiencing while Israeli forces are killing so many innocent civilians, destroying the core of Lebanon, according to the singer.

The song is being aired on several Lebanese radio stations at least once every half hour.

Nancy had the chance to flee Lebanon the night the air raids began, but chose to stay with her family and her people, canceling all scheduled events around the Arab world.

From Al Bawaba