We had an enjoyable evening last night. Amal came over and we cooked a Chinese dish with cashew nuts for dinner along with some banana bread for dessert. They both turned out very well. Following our brief dinner, we watched a Dutch documentary entitled Fairuz, We Hielden Zoveel Van Mekaar, or "Fairuz: When we loved each other so much." The documentary, which Amal worked on as a field producer, examines the Lebanese infatuation with the diva Fairuz, explaining how she provided the soundtrack to the lives of so many Lebanese during the civil war that shattered that country’s soul.
Those interviewed talked passionately about their attachment to Fairuz songs and how she helped shape their emotions and nationalism while growing up in a war weary world.
Naturally, the soundtrack of the movie was Fairuz songs, which did make enjoyable listening. But after watching the documentary I felt the urge to bring up a controversial topic in these parts: Fairuz overexposure. I know this might offend the many ardent Fairuz fans out there, but I really have had enough of her. Wherever you go — at least in Jordan — a sampling of Fairuz melodies is required. You hear her everywhere and I mean everywhere: The bus, the cab, on national TV, all radio stations, even your neighbor’s CD player.
When it is Christmas, we hear Fairuz singing Laileh Eid or "A festive night." When it it is snowing she chants Talj, Talj or "snow snow." When there is a Palestinian solidarity campaign we hear Ya qudos or "Oh, Jerusalem." There is a Fairuz song to suit every occasion.
It is just too much! I know most of her songs by heart but sometimes I wish they would just stop playing them! I don’t hate her beautiful melodies or her tantalizing voice; don’t get me wrong. I’m just suffering from Fairuz overload! I cannot allow myself to hear her songs anymore. I have had it! Enough!! It is about time for a new diva to step into the limelight.
Ok. I’m finished venting. Attack me if you will 😉
Sorry, “Ya’oni Sha’abii” was rather boring. The rhythm reminded me of belly dancing! Seriously iyas, Googoosh is in a totally different league.
And Amal??? Amal posts here? Oy vey…
Hey Metalordie here.
Many have thought my name means Metal Lordie. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. That’s funneeee.
But, sigh, no.
Its Metal or Die.
Having said that, Abba rubs me the right way, as does Foreigner and … wait for it … Fairuz.
I like her Habaytak fil Saif…song.
Magda al-Roumi also …akhhh akhmed! Wot an angel, innit?
Natasha, Think you could save me a piece of that that banana bread! Glad you didn’t post a pic of that…otherwise I would have salivated all over my keyboard 🙂
I only wish I could understand the lyrics to Arabic songs. I think a lot gets lost in the translation so that doesn’t give me much to go on. I am really amazed as how attached and focused the listeners become to these classic songs. The passion that the songs evoke…Amazing!
Two thumbs up Ammar 🙂
It’s not me alone who felt the over-exposed 50 cent’s in da club 🙂
I quite have a different experience. I never listened to her anywhere, it’s like I listen to her whenever I want.
I wish she was over exposed, better than 50 cent’s in da club. for almost a year, it was the only song you can hear wherever you go
Arash,
Think Googoosh; triple the popularity, that’s Fairuz.
Arash,
Try this: http://www.fairouz.com/
Enjoy!
You know. I disagree with 10000 %
Just to get it right,lol 🙂
Never heard of this Fairouz. Anyone know where I can sample her songs online?
Okay, now its my turn to say something. The reason so many in the Middle East love Fairuz is because not only is her voice angelic, graceful and just so awesome, but she as well reminds them of good music, plain and simple. The reason a new diva will never replace her is becuase look at who all the arab female singers are. Many of them have great voices, are beautiful, but thats it. They all do plastic surgery, even our old friend sabah, they all want to be the it girl, and thats all they care about.
Fairouz has class. You can still listen to her and respect her, unlike sabah, who every time she comes out on television i laugh because she reminds me of michael jackson: her face looks differnt everytime due to her so many plastic surgeries.
Any time a Fairouz song is played here at a party, wedding, or concert, everyone goes crazy, and they should. Just like when a Abd al Haleem Hafez (spelling?) song is played. They are what Arabic music was and still is about. (on a side note, i think kazem el shaer rocks).
Anyway, just like Americans will never get sick classical music from the past, Arabs will never get sick of Fairouz, well except for you Natasha 🙂 you made that clear.