Amal Hijazi

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Amal Hijazi or Amal Higazi (Arabic:أمل حجازى) (born on February 20, 1973) is a popular Lebanese singer, model and pop icon. She is currently one of the most active Lebanese singers and has given a number of concerts throughout the world and has made countless TV appearances. She is also well known for her support in charity projects and is also a distinguished Panasonic brand ambassador.

After her lengthy career as a high fashion model, Hijazi released her debut album, Akher Gharam in 2001 to commerical success. It became one of the biggest selling albums of the year, ranking on number eight Official Sales charts published by the Chart Magazine. She released her second album Zaman in mid 2002 with even greater success. The albums released four number one hit singles, "Zaman", "Oulhali", "Einak" and "Romansyia" catapulting her to phenomenal success. A third album Bedawwar A Albi was released in early 2004 followed by the release of her fourth album Baya al Ward in 2006. The album's breakthrough of the same name caused the entertainer to face negative critical publicity and a number of controversies.

Hijazi continued to remain in the forefront of pop music with the release of her much awaited Gulf single "Nefsy Tefhamny" in 2007. She released her fifth studio album Keef el Amar in 2008, thus bringing her back on the spotlight once again.

Career overview

Modeling career

File:Amoola-einak.jpg
"Einak" (2002) was one of the early music videos that presented Hijazi as a "ravishing pop star appearance" according to fashion critics.

Before becoming an extremely celebrated pop-star, Amal Hijazi started her media career as a highly successful model. On 2005, Hijazi was exclusively chosen by the famous fashion designer Joe Raed to promote his new line of wedding dresses to be released in the summer season. Hijazi modelled and surprised her fans by her elegant and graceful style, dressed as a bride.

From the beginning, Hijazi worked as a highly successful model and soon her ravishing pop-star appearances were noted by different directors and song-producers and soon, her first single was produced which was called "Halan" ("Right Away")in 2000, it was followed by her second single "Rayyah Balak" ("Put Your Mind at Ease"). Both of them were surprising hits and on the same year her debut album "Akher Gharam" was anticipatedly released.

Early musical career

First singles and Akher Gharam

Her first single was called "Halan" ("Right Away")in 2000, it was followed by her second single "Rayyah Balak" ("Put Your Mind at Ease") one year later, for which she also shot a music video. On the same year her debut album Akher Gharam including the hit single "Rayyah Balak" was produced by Dilara Master Production and distributed by Music Master.

Hijazi's next single called "Einak" ("Your Eyes") released 2002 was again produced by Dilara Master Production, was a great duet with the Raï star Faudel. The song was played heavily on the radio and the music video was broadcast all over the Arab Satellite Channels. It is considered to be the video that made Amal the popular Arabic singer she is today.

Zaman

File:Photo amal hijazi 10.jpg
Amal Hijazi promoting her 2002 album Zaman

Amal then followed up that huge successful single with her blockbuster hit album, Zaman (Long Ago). The album broke sales records; critics and fans were unanimous in praise. It surpassed expectations in the number of breaking figures in the music market all over the world. Hijazi stunned the Middle East, when she first appeared in her duet with Faudel and a second with the group, Omar and Rafi.

The title track, "Zaman" went on top become one of the biggest hits ever in the Middle East and to date is still considered her best song amongst her fans. Another single "Romancia" was also a big hit for Hijazi, continuing the streak of hit singles off of her second album. The music video for "Romancia" was one of the most popular of 2003 under the direction of Mirna Khayat.

Even today, Zaman is considered to be one of the biggest-selling albums in the Arab World.[1]

Bedawwar a Albi and Baya al Ward

After the huge success of Zaman and Akher Gharam, Hijazi was approached by the Middle East's largest recording label, Rotana, headed by Saudi Prince Al Walid Bin Talal. Rotana succeeded in luring Hijazi to sign an agreement and so she was now a part of the "Rotana Family of Artists".

Work on a new album began immediately. Expert poets, writers and composers were enlisted to work on Hijazi's upcoming album, Bedawwar A Albi which was to be release in 2004. The album contained eleven songs and the singles, "Betdawwar A Albi" and "Mestani Eih" became one of the greatest hits of 2004. Although Bedawwar A Albi didn't become as famous as Zaman, the singles were popular hits and "Mestani Eih" became one of the most marketed songs of 2004. The music video for "Bedawwar a Albi" was artistically directed by Mirna Khayat and the budget was estimated to be more than $60,000, making it one of the most expensive songs in the Lebanese musical industry.

Other hits from Bedawwar A Albi included, "Omri w Sneene", "Ala Keifak" and "Ah Ya Habibi".

In 2005, after a long absence from the scenes, Hijazi planned on releasing a new single, "Ba'ad Sneen" ("After Years"). The video tells the story of a young girl suffering for many years when her lover didn't return to her she finds it hard to accept his wish to come back to her after all what she endured. The single was included in her latest blockbuster hit album, Baya al Ward.

Hijazi has won huge acclaim from both fans and critics by the release of her latest album,Baya al Ward (The Florist). The music video of the single was heavily criticized and caused huge controversies that she was promoting homosexuality. Hijazi denied the allegations, however critics argued that the T-shirt she was wearing in the music video had several symbols imprinted on it which belonged to a garment manufacturer, specialising in clothing for homosexuals. At a press conference she held in Dubai to announce the launch of her album, Hijazi clarified that she did not know what the symbols on the shirt meant or that she never thought to find out when she chose to wear it.

Critics argued that Hijazi had gone to the extreme and cut her hair shorter than that of an ordinary woman. The video was accused of being unorthodox because Hijazi cuts her hair off and drowns herself at the end out of depression over the man who left her.

Despite the heavy controversy behind the video,Bayaa al Ward is considered Hijazi's masterpieces both by fans and the casual listeners, although it is not as famous as Zaman. Although she has experienced considerable fame, Hijazi, however, still remains an underrated artist at Rotana and has previously complained about the second-rate treatment she received from them.

"Nefsy Tefhimny"

File:Nefsi2.jpg
The release of the Gulf song "Nefsy Tefhamny" in 2007, saw Hijazi reaching yet another milestone in her career where she returned with a completely new and sophisticated look.

In 2007, Hijazi released a new hit single, "Nefsy Tefhamny" which is traditional and modern Khaleeji song that brought a new style in the young star. Hijazi said that it released mainly due to the popular demand of her Khaleeji fans. The song probably has become one of her greatest hits ever since the classical ballad, "Zaman". Mirna Khayat usually directed Hijazi's videos from 2003 onwards but this time, Hijazi choose a diverse director for her song, Tony Kahwaji. Hijazi appeared with yet another different look, wearing an extremely short skirt, a white blouse and black coat and gloves, a style similar to an air hostess.

Fans also noted that Hijazi had never looked so seductive in any of her previous music videos, not even in "Baya al Ward" or "Einak" her duet with Faudel.

"Nefsy Tefhimny" topped charts all around the Middle East. It debuted at #2 on the official Pepsi Top 10 charts on Rotana but later moved on to #1, ahead of Latifa. Hijazi's new single brought her immense fame, especially among the Khaleej, where she was admired because of her vocal abilities to sing in so many diverse accents. Previously, Hijazi had sung in both Lebanese and Egyptian dialects and even done a famous, French-dialect song on her second album Zaman.

In addition, the music video for the song received massive airplay on the Rotana music channels.

Personal life

Life and family

She has five brothers: Mustafa (died), Ibrahim, Youssef, Ahmad, and Mohamoud. Her father died when she was only ten years old and she was left in the care of her mother (Nadia). Her family realized her talent for singing and her interest in music and duly supported her. Hijazi currently lives in a luxurious apartment in the Lebanese capital of Beirut with her mother. Hijazi just came back from the USA on a tour were she visited her brothers Ibrahim and Youssef in Michigan and congratulated Ibrahims son Ramy Hijazi on his scholarship to Harvard University.

Hijazi adopted a little, orphaned girl, named Noor and in an interview, she confessed that Noor was like her small sister.

Romantic relationships

In regard to her love life, Hijazi has admitted that she was involved with her business manager, Sharbil Domat, but they have separated, it was not due to religious differences as was rumored in numerous tabloids. Hijazi intends on ending their business relationship as well and is seeking a new manager.

Rumors claimed the reason behind their breakup was that Hijazi's family refused to consent to a civil instead of a religious ceremony. Each hoped to have the ceremony according to his or her own faith; Hijazi is Muslim and Domat is Christian, and the two could not come to terms.

'I am still hopeful I will meet the right man, and once I do my life will be complete from all angles,' she said.

Sources say that Hijazi was still in touch with Sharbil on her 30th birthday, the latter threw her a surprise birthday. Hijazi was to film an episode for the program “Albi Daleeli” (My Heart Knows), which filming for had been intentionally postponed by Domat to coincide with Amal’s birthday in order for him to make all the necessary arrangements.

Hijazi had expressed her joy at the surprise and said that she never thought Sharbil was up to something. The surprise of the party was Lebanese impersonator Bassem Faghali, who had dressed in the same dress the singer was wearing and began impersonating her and sang the song “Einak” (Your Eyes).

Relationship with other artists

Since the start of her career, Hijazi was known for her friendly nature and in a candid interview, she stated that she is good friends with most Lebanese singers except Elissa. In addition, she is on good terms with Ahlam, Carole Samaha, Sabah and Dina Hayek. Nancy Ajram described Amal as the only star with a "white heart", and Amal often praises Nancy.

She is also on extremely good terms with male singers such as Wael Kfoury and Fadel Shaker. The young popstar has also performed alongside prominent singers Milhim Barakat and Tony Kiwan in a private performance.

Success and popularity

Contract with Panasonic

Her huge popularity in 2003 caused her to land an endorsement deal with the Panasonic company. Hijazi starred in commercials in which she was seen promoting Panasonic products. They also included hit singles from her second album.

Tours and Concerts

File:Amoula star academy.jpg
Hijazi during a performence at Star Academy

The same year, Hijazi was personally invited by the Jordan River Foundation to hold a special concert under the patronage of Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. Once the singer arrived on stage, she stepped down to greet the Queen and thanked her for attending, making the concert a grand one. After the concert Hijazi headed to her hotel where she was greeted by more fans and began signing autographs and taking pictures. The singer headed to Lebanon after her noted success, she continued her Arab tour travelling to Syria and Dubai.

She held a successful live performance on the second day of the Muslim holiday Eid El Fitr alongside the celebrated Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker at the Sheraton Hotel in Beirut in 2004.

The same year, Hijazi, alongside the singer Wael Kfoury, had one of the most successful performances during the Carthage festival nights in Tunisia, where the two competed to gain the love and affection of the fans.

In 2005, Hijazi revealed that she intended to hold a number of concerts the first being on July 31 for the military. She also did an alongside private performance with prominent singers Milhim Barakat and Tony Kiwan.

Controversies

The Elissa Controversy

Other than the heavy controversies behind her latest album, Hijazi has also been accused of imitating the popular Lebanese singer Elissa, especially in the video of Hijazi's hit song, "Bedawwar A Albi" ("Searching for my heart"). Hijazi however denied the accusations stressing that each of the singers has her own unique style. Hijazi added that her song was filmed long before Elissa's "Hubbak Waja" and had been airing on different satellite channels sometime in 2004.[2]

Both Amal Hijazi and Elissa are known to be as rivals and make it a point to avoid each other.

In a candid interview with the weekly Arabic magazine Sayidaty Hijazi revealed her true feeling toward other female singers, along with other personal secrets. stated that she is on good terms with most female singers and many of them are her friends, except Elissa. She and Elissa are not on speaking terms and she does not believe this matter will change any time soon, but despite this fact Hijazi wishes her the best.

Unlike the rumors, Hijazi stressed that she is not enemies with Elissa, stating, “We are merely two people who do not mix with one another, and if we by chance meet we just say ‘hello.’” Hijazi also stated that she does not compete with any specific singer, but rather is inspired by the success of others and strives to always do her best.[3]

Hijazi added that she does not flaunt her body as her colleagues do, even though she may appear in some clips wearing a sexy outfit. Hijazi also stated that she only had plastic surgery on her nose, saying, “I refuse to insert silicon or any other thing into my body, and greatly fear the negative side effects too many plastic surgeries may have.”[4]

In 2004, however, Hijazi put everything aside and made a personal visit Elissa to give her condolences after the latter lost her father to cancer. Elissa welcomed Amal with open arms and expressed her gratitude towards Amal’s attempt to stand by her side at such a troublesome time.[5]

Banning in Kuwait

In April, Hijazi expressed her shock at being banned from entering Kuwait despite her continuous efforts to travel there. The singer had submitted numerous requests to obtain a visa for both holding concerts for her Kuwaiti fans and for leisure, but all attempts were rejected.

The singer stated that she was told that Kuwaiti officials had ordered for her ban without giving her any justifications. Hijazi noted that she will not let the matter be until she is able to find out the real reasons behind her ban. [1]

Contribution to charities

Since, the beginning of her career, Hijazi is extremely well known for her contributions and supports in charity projects. She was seen on the popular Jaras TV contributing to the organization which supports elderly people and widows. She also sung parts from some of her most famous songs to entertain them.

In May, Hijazi was epecially invited as a guest at a special event that was organized by the Healthy Diet Association to support cancer patients and spread awareness about uterine cancer. According to the London based Elaph, at the event, which was a private luncheon composed of over 500 ladies, Hijazi sang a collection of her most popular hits and expressed her ongoing support to help cancer patients. [2]

Trivia

  • Hijazi holds a diploma in architecture engineering.[3]
  • In 2003, Hijazi was robbed while going home by unidentified individuals, who were apparently waiting for the right moment to attack her. The singer had just parked her car in front of her home and was preparing to get out when a group of men suddenly attacked the car and stole her handbag. She revealed that all of her identification cards and other important papers were in the bag, in addition to a small sum of money. She noted that this is the first time she was robbed and jokingly said she is considering having bodyguards to protect her the next time she is out.[4]

Discography

Producer: Dilara Master Production

Producer: Dilara Master Production

Producer: Rotana Records

Producer: Rotana Records

Producer: Rotana Records

Videography

Singles

Duets

  • 2002: "Einak" with Faudel
  • 2002: "Weely Wah" with Omer and Rafi
  • 2006: "Jnoon Bhebak" with Rayan

Compilations

  • Relax

Song: Bedawwar a Albi

  • Kullo Jadeed

Song: Nifsy Tefhimny

  • Musicana 11

Song: Omri we Sneene

  • Musicana 15

Song: Ba'ad Sneen

  • Musicana 19

Song: Lama Teghamad Enayek

See also

References

  1. ^ "Formula One to be launched by Amal Hijazi in Japan" 16-08-2003
  2. ^ "Amal Hijazi has nothing to conceal", Albawaba, 10-07-2005
  3. ^ "Amal Hijazi goes short", Albawaba, 16-02-2006
  4. ^ "Amal Hijazi has nothing to conceal", Albawaba, 10-07-2005
  5. ^ "Amal Hijazi makes a personal visit to Elissa",06-03-2004 Albawaba,

External links


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