Alissa overbooked after the war

Alissa has resumed performing now that the war has ended between Lebanon and Israel, already holding concerts in Paris and Jordan.

The singer is scheduled to appear as a guest, along with a number of prominent figures from the Arab world on the program that will launch the new satellite television channel “Alaan” (Now) in Dubai.

Alissa will then head to Libya to give a performance to celebrate a national holiday. She is also in the process of preparing to shoot new television commercials for Lux soap products and Coram watches.

Director Salim Turk nearly finished with the production of Alissa’s upcoming music video “Lao Ta’rafooh” (If You Knew Him), scheduled to air on ‘Rotana’s’ music channel.

Alissa participated in the Paris Fashion Week upon a personal invitation from the Dior House of Fashion, before the war with Israel. Alissa wore an exquisite gown by Dior and gave a special interview to French channel TV 5.

A dinner was held in Alissa’s honor and was attended by VIPs from the Dior House of Fashion in the Middle East and Paris, in addition to a number of international celebrities like actors Liv Taylor and Drew Barrymore. According to the London based Elaph, the singer also took advantage of her stay in Paris by attending a fashion show for well-known Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

On a different note, Alissa has denied circulating rumors that she was banned from performing in Egypt for not paying concert fees for a recent performance.

Rumors claim the Head of the Egyptian Musician Association, Hassan Abu Sou'od, threatened to ban Alissa, along with Egyptian singers Dolly Shahin and Jad Shweiri from performing in Egypt.

The threat came after the three singers allegedly held a private wedding concert and did not pay fees owed to the association, about 10 thousand Egyptian pounds each.

Hassan said that the three singers will not be permitted to perform in Egypt until they pay the required fees. Alissa received 35,000 US dollars, Jad 30,000, and Dolly 25,000 for the performance.

Alissa said that she is not obligated to pay any fees for her performances in Egypt, arguing it is the concert sponsor’s responsibility.

From Al Bawaba

Hobak Waja3 - Alissa (VideoClip)

Alissa not banned in Egypt

Alissa has denied circulating rumors that she was banned from performing in Egypt for not paying concert fees for a recent performance.

Rumors claim the Head of the Egyptian Musician Association, Hassan Abu Sou'od, threatened to ban Alissa, along with Egyptian singers Dolly Shahin and Jad Shweiri from performing in Egypt.

The threat came after the three singers allegedly held a private wedding concert and did not pay fees owed to the association, about 10 thousand Egyptian pounds each.

Hassan said that the three singers will not be permitted to perform in Egypt until they pay the required fees. Alissa received 35,000 US dollars, Jad 30,000, and Dolly 25,000 for the performance.

Alissa said that she is not obligated to pay any fees for her performances in Egypt, explaining it is the concert sponsor’s responsibility.

On a similar note, Alissa denied circulating rumors that she is romantically involved with a prominent businessman, who gave her an expensive diamond watch as a gift.

Alissa said that she had bought the diamond watch for herself from a department store in Switzerland, and has become accustomed to hearing such rumors about romantic relationships with rich Arab businessman. The singer noted that she does not bother herself with commenting on such rumors in order not to give them more importance than they deserve.

From Al Bawaba

Alissa goes down in history

Well-known director Ahmad Atef is currently holding negotiations with Lebanese singer Alissa in the hope of having her agree to take part in a new historical gigantic film under the title “Al Andalus” (Andalusia).

Atef stated that he feels Alissa will be the big surprise of the film and he believes she has the potentials to make it as a successful actress.

Negotiations are also under way with internationally known Egyptian actor Omar El Sharif and Algerian singer Cheb Khaled to join the cast of the film. In addition young Egyptian actors Ahmad Al Sakka, Ahmad Hilmi and Muna Zaki have been nominated to take part in the film.

The director revealed that he has been making preparations for this film for the past four years and has visited a number of historical sites to find the best filming locations, and is almost complete with writing the script.

Atef has also made a special trip to the United States of America to study different sound effects which he plans on using in the film. Filming of the scenes is scheduled to begin in April 2007.

On a different note, after canceling all performances this summer season due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Alissa has announced that proceeds from the first concert she will hold once the war is over will be donated to Lebanon.

She will have the money transferred to a charity organization providing aid to Lebanese people affected by the war, said Alissa. According to the London based Elaph, Alissa has already made two large donations to the organization.

Alissa plans to return to Lebanon via Syria as soon as possible, after residing in Cairo for several months.

The singer has also opened a special bank account to channel donations to help the Lebanese people in their time of need. She wanted to make her efforts public, to give more people the opportunity to help, said Alissa.

From Al Bawaba