Lebanese music icon Fairouz sings at a concert in 2010. (Credit: L'Orient-Le Jour archive)
A new rumor has circulated in recent weeks: Fairouz refused to perform in Saudi Arabia. But contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour, family members of the internationally beloved singer deny that version of events. On the Saudi side, official statements have been a bit more complicated, referring to as-yet-unsuccessful negotiations around a three-minute music video in which Fairouz had been invited to appear from Lebanon.In any case, both sides agree that no Fairouz concert is in the works.Ziad Hamzah, director of audio and music at Saudi broadcaster MBC Group, told L’Orient-Le Jour: "I contacted, through an intermediary, the artist's team, to propose the project of a three-minute film where Fairouz would sing a message of hope that would be broadcast in Saudi Arabia. We were in talks for a while, but this collaboration has not yet materialized....
A new rumor has circulated in recent weeks: Fairouz refused to perform in Saudi Arabia. But contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour, family members of the internationally beloved singer deny that version of events. On the Saudi side, official statements have been a bit more complicated, referring to as-yet-unsuccessful negotiations around a three-minute music video in which Fairouz had been invited to appear from Lebanon.In any case, both sides agree that no Fairouz concert is in the works.Ziad Hamzah, director of audio and music at Saudi broadcaster MBC Group, told L’Orient-Le Jour: "I contacted, through an intermediary, the artist's team, to propose the project of a three-minute film where Fairouz would sing a message of hope that would be broadcast in Saudi Arabia. We were in talks for a while, but this collaboration has not yet...
