Wa'ad comes from a family which has enriched Saudi entertainment — TV, radio and music. She has been highlighted in the media recently because of her connection to the Saudi presenter Rania Al-Baz who is married to Wa'ad's brother.
Included in your new album there is a Lebanese song. Did you find difficulty with the accent?
At the beginning, yes but I got used to it so things went well, The distributor, Hani Sherara, helped me while I was recording the song "Qalbi ana b'hibak" (My Heart Loves You). Also my living in Lebanon for many years has enabled me to speak with a Lebanese accent. The album also includes some Egyptian and Gulf songs.
Would't you agree that you have had some distribution problems?
I blame the production company but I blame myself even more. I was out of the entertainment world for a time and people assumed I had retired. In my opinion, you cannot do too many things at once. When an artist has problems, he or she cannot give a performance of hte highest quality. And this is what happened when I had to stay away from my art until my problems were solved.
How long were you absent from the entertainment world?
A year and three months. During that time, I dealt with previous works and their copyrights and I was also preparing a single album of different songs of mine.
Has your work been banned in Saudi Arabia?
All I can say is that distribution of my album in Saudi Arabia has been slower than I would have wished. As for my earlier works, they are continuously broadcast on MBC FM. And certainly my Saudi fans are loyal. Whenever someone from the Gulf sees me, they recognize me at a great distance and greet me.
In adtion to music, you've also entered the business world as owner of a jewelry company.
I've worked in this field in Beirut before. There is no connection between my singing and my business in Beirut. At present, however, I am trying to concentrate only on my art. I am even seriously considering hiring a competent administrator to look after the company so I can focus on singing.
Are you an expert jewelry designer?
Yes, but for me rather than for others. I'm not good at drawing my ideas so I tell them to the designers in the factory and they carry them out.
How much does the businesswoman benefit from the singer in promoting her jewelry?
Not at all because a beautiful piece speaks for itself. For example, I wouldn't - and don't - purposely wear my own jewelry and go on TV encouraging the audience to buy it.
Has your life in Lebanon allowed you to form friendships with 'artists'?
— Not exactly friendships; more like relationships with colleagues whom I see at concerts or just by chance.
Did your appearance on the show "Sa'a Qurb Al-Habeeb" (An Hour Near the Beloved) cause any problems with your family?
No. My sisters called me and gave me positive feedback. We are in almost daily contact.
(Wa'ad's appearance on the show caused arguments between Rania Al-Baz and her husband - Wa'ad's brother, Mohamad Falatah. The arguments led to Rania's being hospitalized and going public with her story of abuse.) Sayidaty asked Wa'ad to comment.
I don't know the details of what happened. It is very upsetting and I will not comment further. I don't approve of what my brother did. Rania was always close to me and she has always stood by, and supported, me.
How would you sum up your relationship with your daughter?
My daughter is only 4 and a half years old but we go out together and I am currently on an intense exercise routine because of the fast food meals I eat with her every day.