There is no question about Shereen’s exquisite range and control over her voice. From her debut single, ‘Ah Ya Leil’ to her latest album ‘Habeit’, her choice of soulful, reflective and sincere lyrics have won her endless awards and gathered tons of fans. Singing to audiences from all walks of life, she has established her fame following the old-fashioned way, digging deep down into her soul and finding common, comprehensible threads with her fans.
What do you seek when choosing your songs? Do you opt for a certain theme each album?
My core principle is to choose my songs bearing in mind that my songs will live forever. I focus on different themes that affect and concern everyone one of us and real problems suffered by real people.
You have worked with your husband (Mohamed Mostafa, music arranger) in three songs during your last album, how do you manage to disconnect your personal relationship from your work relationship?
My husband and I have a fantastic relationship and we are able to detach our personal and professional lives. Mohamed has arranged Samira Saeed’s entire album called “Leila Habibi”, and this has not caused any problems between us. If I wanted him to complete my whole album, he would have.
How do you deal with the rumors inthe tabloids?
The tabloid gossip is the most ridiculous thing in my professional life; some of the rumors affect me a great deal since usually they are unjust on my behalf. On the other hand, other types of gossip I just ignore. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of enemies of success, and sadly the numbers of honorable writers are decreasing, hence affecting the quality of media in general.
Nowadays it is trendy to perform a duet with a foreign singer. Did you ever think about it or considered it?
In my point of view, any singer who needs to increase his popularity seeks such duets; however I don’t require this type of fame in the Middle East.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
My weakest element is my daughter Mariam, and the strength is my talent that GOD has granted me.
Tell me about the last time you were really irritated?
Recently in Rotana magazine; they wrote that I wish Tamer Hosny would experience a scandal; however I would never wish such a thing to anyone - regardless of what problems were between us.
Who are your favorite female/male singers?
I love Om Kolthoum and Abd Halim from the past. Nowadays I enjoy, Fadl Shaker and Samira Saeed.
A word for your mother...…
My mother is the most precious part of my life; she is unquestionably a gift from god. Nothing is as strong or enduring as a mothers love - I hope that I can forever preserve her satisfaction…
In this issue we are talking about change in everything. So, is Shereen Abd El Wahab - all for or against change?
Of course I am with change; every year on my birthday I re-evaluate myself and quite often this evaluation is not pleasing. I sincerely scrutinize my faults. I don’t think about the birthday cake and friends around on this day, I’m more concerned about evaluating myself, thus the change comes accordingly…
