Manel Mallat takes on the best of Edith Piaf. (Credit: Ribal Bsaibes/Cats Production)
At first glance, they have nothing in common apart from a passion for life and music and a voice that carries. Manel Mallat pays tribute to the iconic French singer in an intimate and cinematic concert directed by her partner Kristian Abouanni at Casino du Liban, surrounded by 20 musicians under the direction of film music composer Danny Bou Maroun and with the participation of singer Mike Massy. The artist, also the co-producer of the show under Cats Production, answers questions for L’Orient-Le Jour.
Your look, your height and your voice are very far from Piaf's. Why her?
It all started with my deep admiration for Édith Piaf. Since childhood, she has been one of my greatest artistic inspirations. Her music, her resilience, and her incredibly touching life story are an endless source of emotion. She is a woman who overcame trials, and it is reflected in her timeless songs. I always dreamed of paying homage to her legacy.
I also know that many Lebanese people share this love for Piaf. Her repertoire deserves to be celebrated more. It is this passion that gave birth to "Mon Hymne à Piaf," a sincere homage to her extraordinary art.
That said, I am not looking to embody her. It's not an imitation, but a personal interpretation — my own anthem to Piaf, hence the title of the show.
What does the show involve? Is it just a concert, or more?
This evening celebrates Piaf's legacy through her most iconic songs. The repertoire has been carefully selected to reflect her journey with her triumphs, struggles and the immense passion that made her an icon. I will be accompanied by a live orchestra of 20 musicians, led by composer Danny Bou Maroun, who revisited her classics with a cinematic touch, bringing them modernity. We will be joined by special guests: singer Mike Massy, the talented Lea Chahine (dancer and choreographer), as well as dancers Roy Azar and Tony Sawaya, to make the evening even more magical. This concert goes beyond music. Under the direction of Kristian Abouanni, we incorporate cinematic projections, immersive lighting and rare archives to immerse the audience in Piaf's universe. It's an intimate and emotional journey that connects her era to ours, with a nostalgic yet contemporary approach.
Through this concert, I want to honor Piaf's timeless spirit and offer a sincere homage that resonates both for those who know and love her music and for those discovering it for the first time.
Is it an intimate moment or a grand spectacle? How much emphasis is placed on emotion?
It is undoubtedly an intimate moment, where I share all my passion for Piaf. The emotion is immense, as I realize a dream "that obsesses me day and night" [a nod to Piaf's lyrics]. Emotion is truly the guiding thread of this concert, at all levels.
There will be intimate moments such as a piano-voice medley, a trio between me, the piano, and the audience. But this concert is not just about intimacy: there are also powerful moments, thanks to Bou Maroun's vision and his cinematic touch that enhances each arrangement. It's a true sound and visual journey.
Beyond music, we plunge the audience into a universe where lighting and projections mingle with musical moments to enhance emotion. Rare archive images and projections that accompany the concert allow us to connect the past with the present, highlighting Piaf's life, her struggles, and her victories. The goal is to transport the spectator into her world, into her era, but also to create an emotional resonance with ours. Moreover, this concert is a celebration of art and humanity, and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Saint Porphyre association. This NGO, under the patronage of Msgr Elias Audi, has been working since 2002 to provide scholarships, medical care, food, shelter for orphans, and support to families in need. Thanks to the funds raised during this concert, more students from the five Orthodox schools in Beirut will be able to benefit from scholarships. These schools host more than 4,000 children from diverse backgrounds.
From Heart Beat at Casino du Liban, a long journey. What have been the main stages of this journey?
I have grown through experiences, both professionally and personally. I have had the chance to travel a lot and to experience multiple artistic projects that have deeply shaped me. I released several original titles, such as Rah Taaref Imti, Badna Nbi3 and Kol Al Alwan, marking different stages of my musical evolution. At the same time, I played leading roles in significant musical theater productions, such as Ahwak The Musical, Around the World in Saudi Arabia, Majnoun Leila and Next Stop: Broadway! in Beirut.
In cinema, I was fortunate to have the lead role in the film Tallatit, for which I also recorded the original soundtracks. In terms of collaborations, I have worked with renowned local and international artists. Jean-Marie Riachi, for Beirut Emmi; Roy Malakian for my renditions of Li Beirut and Back to Black; as well as Police Voleur for our duo Oul. I have also had the privilege of performing alongside international artists like Jean-Jacques Lafon.
Alongside my artistic career, I founded Cats Production, a company dedicated to entertainment and production in Lebanon and the Middle East.
I am also deeply involved in humanitarian work. I have been a spokesperson for the UNDP's Youth Leadership Program (YLP), and I continue to work with NGOs for causes that are close to my heart.
What are your desires, your projects as an artist?
All these stages have been preparation for this new phase of my career: the launch of my album.
I have spent a lot of time defining my sound identity, mixing Arabic and international elements to create an authentic fusion that fully resembles me. This EP includes original compositions written by Anthony from the band Adonis, arranged and produced by Danny Bou Maroun, as well as collaborations with Sleiman Demian and Alexandre Missakian. This work explores a musical palette blending pop, ballads, and cinematic elements, reflecting my artistic identity.
Alongside my music, I also want to explore acting again and hope to attract the right opportunities in this field. The idea of telling stories, whether through music or cinema, deeply animates me and is a natural extension of my creativity.
2025 looks exciting with upcoming projects, but this year, I decided to put my producer hat aside to fully devote myself to my role as an artist.
A few words about your work with Kristian Abouanni?
A 17-year friendship, a complicity that began from the first days of university. Kristian and I form an inseparable duo, both artistically and personally. We complement each other in our way of working and in our friendship. His vision and talent bring a unique light to every project we share.
*The concert "Mon hymne à Piaf" will take place on Feb. 7 and 8 at 8:30 p.m. at the Casino du Liban Theatre. Tickets are on sale at Virgin Ticketing Box Office.
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