** THE PHOENIX RISES **
The songbird in Nawal began to flex its wings at an early stage of her life in times where her country was ripped by civil war.
But even amid these vulnerable teenage years, Nawal knew exactly what she desired and had the self-belief and courage to reach out and embrace her dream.
"My family appreciated the fact that singing had become my hobby, and that I had talent, but they were concerned when they began to realize that I was serious about continuing with it," confides Nawal.
The glitzy glamour that cloaks the lifestyle of entertainers, along with life-in-the-fast-lane, with its incessant entourage of late nights, seedy nightclub scenes and numerous journeys as enough to cause some friction within her family unit, but luckily for her current fans, the concerned family members began to succumb to her wishes when they witnessed how intensely she studied, and the steely determination reflected through her perseverance. Hence, the long and arduous journey toward fame was not traveled alone, but with the approval of her loved ones.
** LETS GO PARTY
Nawal admits that singing means more to her as a creative outlet than as a business bent on raking in big bucks. "When I am singing, I am no longer Nawal, I am transformed into a butterfly that is free and happy," she purrs, " and when I see that happiness reflected in the audience's faces as we party together, this is the connection that is my greatest reward," she adds.
"I love to sing songs that touch the people's feelings, whether it be soulful ballads or upbeat festive songs. During the Hurghada concert the Egyptian audience was requesting songs portraying poignant unrequited love sagas or songs beseeching struggle and conflict, which is often the case, as high drama seems to suit the romantic soul of the nation," she muses knowingly.
"Whereas, Lebanese audiences prefer upbeat grooves that they can dance and sing-a-long with, it is as if the two lands are in opposite polarity in regards to what they request from me."
** VOICES & ICONS
Nawal released her hugely successful debut album titled "Wehyati Andak" in 1992, when she returned to her birth city, Beirut, after a two-year singing sojourn in the Gulf countries.
The triumphant launching of seven other successive albums has seen her rise to superstar status.Nawal takes herself seriously though, and has made it her business to develop extensive knowledge about what's happening within the Arabic music scene.
This is her key to the creation of new and original works. Also the talented songbird is notorious for her penchant toward a contemporary style of music, often melding music from different parts of the world, and creating a fusion of Eastern and Oriental tunes.
Nawal's judgement holds some weight, as she may be petite but the power and range of her vocal strength is awesome. "I am constantly practicing voice training. I take vocal lessons and perform voice exercises three to four days a week. I think it is a top priority for all singers, and I send this message to veteran and aspiring singers alike," says Nawal.
** FAME & CAUTION
Nawal assures us that she loves her Arab audiences and appreciates their adulation of her talents. But, rarely does superstardom exist without a hefty dose of ambition as a driving force. "I hope to reach international fame one day, and I'm sure most singers do," she claims demurely. "Naturally, I would be over the moon, but for now I am concentrating on quality productions." Nawal has managed to perfectly balance between her work and her personal life. "I love family life and try to devote quality time to my husband Elie and our elder daughter Tia and her Twin
brothers Georgy and Joey.
I try to protect our private lives from public scrutiny, even though I love the love that my fans offer me. Yet sometimes it is difficult as there are many occasions where I can't move about in a natural way," she laments.
"When I travel abroad for concerts I miss my Kids terribly, but what can I do? I want to keep them safe, so I never take them with me." Nawal is quite a globe-trotting-cat and some of her professional jaunts take her to her favorite countries the likes of Morocco, Egypt,Tunisia, Algeria, France, Italy and America.
** VOICE WEAPONRY
Nawal nurtures a deep and vivid emotional life, which she portrays beautifully through a great wealth of feeling whilst singing, and she has taken a bold frontline stance in regards to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.
"As an Arab woman this conflict touches my soul," she confides.
"To see the Palestinians suffering so much, with so many deaths - even innocent children are being killed!
They are trying to live on their land but are being dealt with
very badly.
" Nawal has released a song dedicated to the cause called "El Qods" (Jerusalem).
"Okay, so I can't carry a gun and fight like a man, but I felt so strongly about the relentless violence, that I had to do something, so I made the song," she states. "Also, I performed at a party in Cairo sponsored by First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, and the guest list included many of the wives of Arab leaders and many generous donations were extended, as well as all the ticket money for the concert, towards the Intifadah.
Nawal participated in a patriotic song called "Ya Omati" with many other Arabic singers.
She also sang for the liberation of south Lebanon with a number of Lebanese singers, a song called "Hikayt Watan".
NOT THE OFFICIAL NAWAL AL ZOGHBI MYSPACE!
