Shaza Hassoun

Shaza Hassoun the winner of Star Academy 4 is the only female to win this prize, bearing in mind that the three previous seasons were won by Men. Shaza’s love for music and arts never hindered her from pursuing higher education levels. She has a Masters degree in Hospitality and Tourism from France and has started her PHD in the same field. Both her parents are journalists and they descend from a very educated and cultured family. Shaza has worked with renowned international hotel chain, Sofitel in Morocco, thus was fortunate to cross the threshold in to Star Academy.

 

While I was working in Sofitel Hotel in Morocco, I was introduced to the casting crew of Star Academy. During our chats they insisted that I apply to the program, it was just something amusing for me. I never expected this kind of success. Initially, it had never occurred to me for a moment to participate or pursue a career in music. I was already established in life and having a great career, in addition to graduating with my masters and preparing for my PHD. It was a huge risk since I was certain I had no chance of continuing in the academy for longer than a month, so I took a preliminary vacation which has been extended for 2 years. My parents were very reluctant and fearful to let me join the academy, but they have always had confidence in my decisions.

It has affected me in several ways. It's definitely been a huge experience for me. I have learned a great deal. One of the most important things is Patience and facing the challenges. The biggest challenge we faced in star academy was to work under loads of pressure; especially the rehearsals for the Friday prime. The prime had to be perfect. Besides we had to learn how to be accustomed to both a whole new way of life and to new people.

 

I didn’t disappear; I was just overdue to come to Egypt. I have been working for sometime in the Gulf, and thank GOD I am relatively known there. I released 4 singles during the last two years.
Following Star academy I won a prize from the Murex D’or 2007, as the best young singer. I am so thrilled that my first time in Egypt was to receive DG’s eminent award as Best Female rising singer at its annual cast your vote for 2008. As they say “better late than never”.

 

First and foremost I am an Arab, and my priority is to establish myself as an Arab singer before pursing an international career. I have plenty of projects but my manager and I decided to postpone the worldwide phase until later.

 

What kinds of music do you enjoy, Oriental or Western?
I prefer Oriental music, as I said initially – Above all, I am an Arab. I have an extensive understanding of both forms of music, in view of their mutual importance for me as a singer.

What are your plans to become further known here in Egypt?
I am happy that the media has focused on my presence here to
attend the DG festival, which encouraged me to lengthen my stay. I am convinced that the press is very important for my future. Since my arrival I have also met up with quite a few poets and composers to plan for future projects. I performed a song in the Egyptian dialect and I am delighted to be singing in the most popular dialect in the Middle East.

 

What are your plans for the near future?
During DG festival I met with director Khaled Yousseff, and we discussed the possibilities to perhaps join forces one way or the other within the near future.

What did you like best about Egypt?
I love the warmth of the Egyptian people and the beautiful Nile. Egypt reminds me of Morocco, the country which I have spent most of my life.

Do you intend to move to Egypt?
Why not…? Egypt is known as the Hollywood of the Middle East and I am sure moving here would give me a great leverage. Although, I have to mention that I am thankful to Lebanon which has introduced me to the world.