Assala to Asharq Al-Awsat: Gulf Songs Bring out the Best in my Voice

Syrian artist Assala Nasri visits the Baheya Centre for Early Detection and Treatment of Women's Cancer.
Syrian artist Assala Nasri visits the Baheya Centre for Early Detection and Treatment of Women's Cancer.
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Assala to Asharq Al-Awsat: Gulf Songs Bring out the Best in my Voice

Syrian artist Assala Nasri visits the Baheya Centre for Early Detection and Treatment of Women's Cancer.
Syrian artist Assala Nasri visits the Baheya Centre for Early Detection and Treatment of Women's Cancer.

Syrian artist Assala Nasri said that she is pleased with the feedback she has received over her new album “Never Give Up”, which includes 20 songs sung in the Gulf dialect. Many of the songs were recorded in collaboration with Gulf poets and producers and the album was released on several digital platforms and apps.

During her visit to Cairo's Baheya Centre for Early Detection and Treatment of Women's Cancer on Wednesday, she added that her songs “champion women's causes and express their tribulations in all their forms."

Elaborating on the album and the feedback she received, Assala told Asharq Al-Awsat that her work reflects her genuine feelings and that she chooses her words very carefully and goes over albums several times to ensure that their intended message reaches audiences.

Asked about her absence from the latest edition of the Arab Music Festival, which was organized by the Egyptian Opera House, given that she participates almost every year, she remarked: "I was unlucky to have not participated this year. I feel terrible about not being able to attend to personal circumstances, especially since it is genuinely an outlet for musical creativity." Assala stressed that she see the Egyptian Opera House as her home and singing in it as a privilege.

On her latest Gulf song album, she said: "I am a Bahraini from the Arab Gulf, and I love Gulf lyrics because they bring out the best in my voice and give me the space needed to diversify my style. On top of that, Gulf audiences are unique, and I feel the strength of their love whenever I perform a concert there.”

Asked about whether she would consider an acting role, the Syrian star ruled out the idea for the time being, saying: "It takes a lot of preparation and involves lengthy work hours."

She emphasized her support for women in general and breast cancer patients in particular: "I am a strong supporter of women on all levels, and I have an abundance of feelings and emotions through which I strive to express women's pain. I am so biased towards women that some men fear me; I always see it during my daily interactions."

Assala said that the coronavirus pandemic did not prevent her from visiting the hospital. "If this were the last journey I take in my life, I would be satisfied with the pride I felt from being able to bring joy to this large audience.”

“I hope my 27-year singing career will be full of grace and free of any blemishes. I hope this audience will remain supportive and that I will continue to feel their positive impact on my life.”



Red Sea International Film Festival Sets Dates for 2025 Edition

Red Sea International Film Festival Sets Dates for 2025 Edition
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Red Sea International Film Festival Sets Dates for 2025 Edition

Red Sea International Film Festival Sets Dates for 2025 Edition

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) announced that its fifth edition will take place from December 4 to 13 at Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district.

This edition marks a significant milestone in the festival’s journey, celebrating its fifth anniversary and solidifying its reputation for supporting cinematic excellence, inspiring creativity, and empowering filmmakers in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

This success has reinforced the Red Sea International Film Festival’s position as a leading cultural and cinematic event at both regional and international levels.

The previous edition recorded the highest attendance in the festival’s history, with over 40,000 attendees, including nearly 7,000 registered guests.

A total of 122 films from 85 countries were screened, including 61 world premieres, underscoring the festival’s growing influence.