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Amal Hijazi or Amal Higazi (Arabic:أمل حجازى) (born on February 20, 1979) is a popular Lebanese singer, model and pop icon known throughout the Arab world. Her major success began with the release of her second album, Zaman (The Past) which became a blockbuster sensation. Hijazi is known for the originality of her music videos and for her instantly recognizable voice and singing style. She has also been compared to the diverse Lebanese singers such as Nancy Ajram, Haifa Wehbe and Elissa.

Hijazi has however strongly refused to be compared to them, saying she does not rely on her physical looks and seductive mannerisms to gain popularity, but rather focuses on her feelings to send out her message to people’s hearts. Hijazi added that not once throughout her singing career has she felt the need to make sexually intimidating music videos to reach popularity and has solely depended on her talent to sing and her self respect.

Currently one of the most active Lebanese singers, Hijazi has given a number of concerts throughout the world and has made countless TV appearances. She is also well known for her support in charity projects and is also a distinguished Panasonic brand ambassador.

She currently has four blockbuster hit albums to her name and has witnessed ground breaking success. She is currently one of the most popular Lebanese singers ever. She has gone on countless tours throughout the globe and has found success in many Arab countries, extending towards Europe and America.

Career overview

Early musical career

First singles and Akher Gharam

Her first single was called "Halan" ("Right Away")in 2000, it was followed by her second single "Rayyah Balak" ("Put Your Mind at Ease") one year later, for which she also shot a music video. On the same year her debut album Akher Gharam including the hit single "Rayyah Balak" was produced by Dilara Master Production and distributed by Music Master.

Hijazi's next single called "Einak" ("Your Eyes") released 2002 was again produced by Dilara Master Production, was a great duet with the Raï star Faudel. The song was played heavily on the radio and the music video was broadcasted all over the Arab Satellite Channels. It is considered to be the video that made Amal the popular Arabic singer she is today.

Zaman

Amal then followed up that huge successful single with her blockbuster hit album, Zaman (Long Ago). The album broke sales records; critics and fans were unanimous in praise. It surpassed expectations in the number of breaking figures in the music market all over the world. Hijazi stunned the Middle East, when she first appeared in her duet with Faudel and a second with the group, Omar and Rafi.

The title track, Zaman went on top become one of the biggest hits ever in the Middle East and to date is still considered her best song amongst her fans. Another single 'Romancia' was also a big hit for Hijazi, continuing the streak of hit singles off of her second album. The music video for 'Romancia' was one of the most popular of 2003.

Even today, Zaman is considered to be one of the biggest-selling albums in the Arab World.

Bedawwar a Albi and Baya al Ward

After the huge success of Zaman and Akher Gharam, Amal was approached by the Middle East's largest recording label, Rotana, headed by Saudi Prince Al Walid Bin Talal. Rotana succeeded in luring Hijazi to sign an agreement and so she was now a part of the "Rotana Family of Artists".

Work on a new album began immediately. Expert poets, writers and composers were enlisted to work on Hijazi's upcoming album, Bedawwar A Albi which was to be release in 2004. The album contained 11 songs and the singles, Betdawwar A Albi and Mestani Eih became one of the greatest hits of 2004. Although Bedawwar A Albi didn't become as famous as Zaman, the singles were popular hits and Mestani Eih became one of the most marketed songs of 2004. The music video for Bedawwar a Albi was artistically directed by Mirna Khayat and the budget was estimated to be more than $60,000, making it one of the most expensive songs in the Lebanese musical industry.

In 2005, after a long absence from the scenes, Hijazi planned on releasing a new single, Ba'ad Sneen (After Years). The video tells the story of a young girl suffering for many years when her lover didn't return to her she finds it hard to accept his wish to come back to her after all what she endured. The single was included in her latest blockbuster hit album, Baya al Ward.

Hijazi has won huge acclaim from both fans and critics by the release of her latest album,"Baya al Ward" (The Florist). The music video of the single was heavily criticized and caused huge controversies that she was promoting homosexuality. Hijazi denied the allegations, however critics argued that the T-shirt she was wearing in the music video had several symbols imprinted on it which belonged to a garment manufacturer, specialising in clothing for homosexuals. At a press conference she held in Dubai to announce the launch of her album, Hijazi clarified that she did not know what the symbols on the shirt meant or that she never thought to find out when she chose to wear it.

Critics argued that Hijazi had gone to the extreme and cut her hair shorter than that of an ordinary woman. The video was accused of being unorthodox because Hijazi cuts her hair off and drowns herself at the end out of depression over the man who left her.

Despite the heavy controversy behind the video,"Bayaa al Ward" is considered Hijazi's finest album both by fans and the casual listeners, although it is not as famous as Zaman. Although she has experienced considerable fame, Amal, however, still remains an underrated artist at Rotana and has previously complained about the second-rate treatment she received from them.

Nefsy Tefhimny

In 2007, Hijazi released a new hit single, Nefsy Tefhamny which is traditional and modern Khaleeji song that brought a new style in the young star. Hijazi said that it released mainly due to the popular demand of her Khaleeji fans. The song probably has became one of her greatest hits ever since the classical ballad, Zaman. Mirna Khayat usually directed Hijazi's videos from 2003 onwards but this time, Hijazi choose a diverse director for her song, Tony Kahwaji. Hijazi appeared with yet another different look, wearing an extremely short skirt, a white blouse and black coat and gloves, a style similar to an air hostess.

Fans also noted that Hijazi had never looked so seductive in any of her previous music videos, not even in Baya al Ward (song) or Einak her duet with Faudel.

Nefsy Tefhimny topped charts all around the Middle East. It debuted at #2 on the official Pepsi Top 10 charts on Rotana but later moved on to #1, ahead of Latifa. Hijazi's new single brought her immense fame, especially among the Khaleej, where she was admired because of her vocal abilities to sing in so many diverse accents. Previously, Hijazi had sung in both Lebanese and Egyptian dialects and even done a famous, French-dialect song on her second album Zaman.

In addition, the music video for the song receives massive airplay on the Rotana music channels. Even though it was released some time ago, the song is still on the #8 spot on the official Lebanon Entertainment charts, ahead of Nancy Ajram and Fulla.

Personal life

Life and family

Hijazi was born to a conservative Muslim family on February 20th, 1977. She has four brothers Ibrahim, Youssef, Ahmad, and Mohamoud. Her father died when she was only ten years old and she was left in the care of her mother. Her family realized her talent for singing and her interest in music and duly supported her. Hijazi currently lives in a luxurious apartment in the Lebanese capital of Beirut with her mother.

Six years ago, Hijazi adopted a little, orphaned girl, named Noor and in an interview, she confessed that Noor was like her small sister.

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Romantic relationships

In regard to her love life, Hijazi has admitted that she was involved with her business manager, Sharbil Domat, but they have separated, and not because of religious differences as was rumored in numerous tabloids. Hijazi intends on ending their business relationship as well and is seeking a new manager.

Rumors claimed the reason behind their breakup was that Hijazi's family refused to consent to a civil instead of a religious ceremony. Each hoped to have the ceremony according to his or her own faith; Hijazi is Muslim and Domat is Christian, and the two could not come to terms.

'I am still hopeful I will meet the right man, and once I do my life will be complete from all angles,' she said.

Sources say that Hijazi is still in touch with Sharbil and on her 30th birthday, the latter threw her a surprise birthday. Hijazi was to film an episode for the program “Albi Daleeli” (My Heart Knows), which filming for had been intentionally postponed by Domat to coincide with Amal’s birthday in order for him to make all the necessary arrangements.

Hijazi had expressed her joy at the surprise and said that she never thought Sharbil was up to something. The surprise of the party was Lebanese impersonator Bassem Faghali, who had dressed in the same dress the singer was wearing and began impersonating her and sang the song “Einak” (Your Eyes).

Relationship with other artists

Since the start of her career, Hijazi was known for her friendly nature and in a candid interview, she stated that she is good friends with most Lebanese singers except Elissa. In addition, she is on good terms with Ahlam, Carole Semaha, Sabah and Dina Hayek.

She is also on extremely good terms with male singers such as Wael Kfoury and Fadel Shaker. The young popstar has also performed alongside prominent singers Milhim Barakat and Tony Kiwan in a private performance.

Success and popularity

Contract with Panasonic

Her huge popularity in 2003 caused her to land an endorsement deal with the Panasonic company. Hijazi starred in commercials in which she was seen promoting Panasonic products. They also included hit singles from her second album.

Tours and soncerts

The same year, Hijazi was personally invited by the Jordan River Foundation to hold a special concert under the patronage of Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. Once the singer arrived on stage, she stepped down to greet the Queen and thanked her for attending, making the concert a grand one. After the concert Hijazi headed to her hotel where she was greeted by more fans and began signing autographs and taking pictures. The singer headed to Lebanon after her noted success, she continued her Arab tour travelling to Syria and Dubai.

She held a successful live performance on the second day of the Muslim holiday Eid El Fitr alongside the celebrated Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker at the Sheraton Hotel in Beirut in 2004.

The same year, Hijazi, alongside the singer Wael Kfoury, had one of the most successful performances during the Carthage festival nights in Tunisia, where the two competed to gain the love and affection of the fans.

In 2005, Hijazi revealed that she intended to hold a number of concerts the first being on July 31 for the military. She also did an alongside private performance with prominent singers Milhim Barakat and Tony Kiwan.

Controversies

The Elissa Controversy

Other than the heavy controversies behind her latest album, Hijazi has also been accused of imitating the popular Lebanese singer Elissa, especially in the video of her hit song, Bedawwar A Albi (Searching for my heart). Hijazi however denied the accusations stressing that each of the singers has her own unique style. Hijazi added that her song was filmed long before Elissa's “Hubbak Waja” and had been airing on different satellite channels sometime in 2004.

Both Amal Hijazi and Elissa are known to be as rivals and make it a point to avoid each other.

In a candid interview with the weekly Arabic magazine Sayidaty Hijazi revealed her true feeling toward other female singers, along with other personal secrets. stated that she is on good terms with most female singers and many of them are her friends, except Elissa. She and Elissa are not on speaking terms and she does not believe this matter will change any time soon, but despite this fact Hijazi wishes her the best.

Unlike the rumors, Hijazi stressed that she is not enemies with Elissa, stating, “We are merely two people who do not mix with one another, and if we by chance meet we just say ‘hello.’” Hijazi also stated that she does not compete with any specific singer, but rather is inspired by the success of others and strives to always do her best.

Hijazi added that she does not flaunt her body as her colleagues do, even though she may appear in some clips wearing a sexy outfit. Hijazi also stated that she only had plastic surgery on her nose, saying, “I refuse to insert silicon or any other thing into my body, and greatly fear the negative side effects too many plastic surgeries may have.”

In 2004, however, Hijazi put everything aside and made a personal visit Elissa to give her condolences after the latter lost her father to cancer. Elissa welcomed Amal with open arms and expressed her gratitude towards Amal’s attempt to stand by her side at such a troublesome time.

Banning in Kuwait

In April, Hijazi expressed her shock at being banned from entering Kuwait despite her continuous efforts to travel there. The singer had submitted numerous requests to obtain a visa for both holding concerts for her Kuwaiti fans and for leisure, but all attempts were rejected.

The singer stated that she was told that Kuwaiti officials had ordered for her ban without giving her any justifications. Hijazi noted that she will not let the matter be until she is able to find out the real reasons behind her ban.

Contribution to charities

Since, the beginning of her career, Hijazi is extremely well known for her contributions and supports in charity projects. She was seen on the popular Jaras TV contributing to the organization which supports elderly people and widows. She also sung parts from some of her most famous songs to entertain them.

In May, Hijazi was epecially invited as a guest at a special event that was organized by the Healthy Diet Association to support cancer patients and spread awareness about uterine cancer. According to the London based Elaph, at the event, which was a private luncheon composed of over 500 ladies, Hijazi sang a collection of her most popular hits and expressed her ongoing support to help cancer patients.

Future

Hijazi has recently come back from a successful tour from the US. In an interview, the popstar revealed that she met with Salem El Hindi, manager of Rotana, to discuss the details of her Khaleeji single, Nefsy Tefhimny and also her new album. Hijazi said that her album will be her most diverse yet, with many different songs. She mentioned also that she will be working with many diverse musicians and composers for her album. She noted that she will have a song on the album that is neither Lebanese, Egyptian, nor Khaliji that may cause some controversy in the music industry. It is debated that this song may be Moroccon or Algerian.

Trivia

• Hijazi holds a diploma in architecture engineering.
• In 2003, Hijazi was robbed while going home by unidentified individuals, who were apparently waiting for the right moment to attack her. The singer had just parked her car in front of her home and was preparing to get out when a group of men suddenly attacked the car and stole her handbag. She revealed that all of her identification cards and other important papers were in the bag, in addition to a small some of money. She noted that this is the first time she was robbed and jokingly said she is considering having bodyguards to protect her the next time she is out.

Greatest hits

Discography

• Akher Gharam (2001)

Producer: Dilara Master Production

• Zaman (2002)

Producer: Dilara Master Production

• Bedawwar A Albi (2004]

Producer: Rotana Records

• Baya al Ward (2006)

Producer: Rotana Records

Videography

• Rayyah Balak (2001)
• Akher Gharam (2001)
• Habibi Oud (2001)
• Ghanniet (2001)
• Einak (2002)
• Zaman (2002)
• Oulhali (2002)
• Romansyia (2003)
• Bedawwar A Albi (2004)
• Mistanie Eiy (2004)
• Ba'ad Sneen (2005)
• Baya al Ward (2006)
• Baheb Nuoa Kalamak (2007)
• Nefsy Tefhamny (2007)

Stand-alone singles

• Halan (2000)
• Rayyah Balak (2000)
• Ba'ad Sneen (2005)
• Nefsy Tefhamny (2007)

Duets

• Einak with Faudel (2002)
• Weely Wah with Omer and Rafi (2002)
• Jnoon Bhebak with Rayan (2006)

Compilations

• Relax

Song: Bedawwar a Albi

• Kullo Jadeed

Song: Nifsy Tefhimny

• Musicana 11

Song: Omri we Sneene

• Musicana 15

Song: Ba'ad Sneen

• Musicana 19

Song: Lama Teghamad Enayek

See also

• Amal Hijazi in Modelling

References

1. "Amal Hijazi has nothing to conceal", Albawaba, 10-07-2005
2. "Amal Hijazi: I refuse to be compared to Alissa, Nancy Ajram and Haifa Wahbi, and use my sexuality to gain fame", , 06-09-2003
3. "Formula One to be launched by Amal Hijazi in Japan" 16-08-2003
4. "Amal Hijazi has nothing to conceal", Albawaba, 10-07-2005
5. "Amal Hijazi goes short", Albawaba, 16-02-2006
6. "Amal Hijazi has nothing to conceal", Albawaba, 10-07-2005
7. "Amal Hijazi makes a personal visit to Elissa",06-03-2004 Albawaba,
8. "Amal Hijazi: New Single, New Album… And New Controversy?",May 06, 2007 Waleg

External links

• Amal Hijazi's Brief Biography
• Amal Hijazi at 3Arabia Photo
• Amal Hijazi Fans

Template:Arabic Pop

• 1977 births
• Amal Hijazi
• Arabic language singers
• Lebanese female singers
• Lebanese singers
• Lebanese musicians
• Living people
• Shi'a Muslims
• Rotana artists