Once again Ragheb Alamah, famous Lebanese singer, is shifting his interests to other areas other than music and singing. One of them is interested in education so he bought a school and then set up a technical institute. Today he wants to enter the Egyptian tourism sector. What is the secret behind his expansion outside Lebanon? Sayidaty interviewed the singer.
There is a rumor about your health. What about it?
I had a severe allergy. I saw doctors in London and they advised me to take a rest. Now I am feeling better.
What is the current situation between you and LBC (the Lebanese TV channel)?
Normal. I do not have any personal disagreement with them but there is a difference in viewpoints.
There have been two years between your last album and the one you are about to release. Is the delay due to the Alam Al-Fan Production Company interfering?
Not at all. It is because the album is not ready yet. I always allow a year to a year and a half between albums.
Why have so many artists left 'Alam Al-Fan' Production Company to go to 'Rotana'?
The main reason is money.
Aren't you tempted to move to Rotana along with many other artists?
Rotana is a great company. The difficult thing is that it has so many artists. I love to stay where I feel comfortable and have a good contract. Muhsen Jaber has talked to me about renewing my contract for another three years.
Are you thinking of setting up your own production company?
Yes. I have thought about it many times because I hate to be limited to only one company. I have also had some offers from people interested in financing my idea. But, I hate moving into a new phase without studying it very closely and carefully - 100 percent. Right now I am busy working on my new album.
Who are some of your favorite singers?
Fadel Shaker, Shereen Ahmad, Najwa Karam and Amro Deyab.
Apart from singing, are you involved in any other projects?
I am going to build a hotel in Egypt which will allow me to enter tourism industry. I have an Egyptian businessman partner who is also a good friend.
Will that take you away from your career in music?
No. I will assign jobs to people who know the business but I will attend board meetings.