CAIRO, 24 June 2007 — Maria, a Lebanese singer of Armenian origin, has denied that she paid a bribe to win the best female-singer award instituted by Cairo-based Hurriyati Magazine.
The young Maria, a singer of non-Arab origin, has been accused of attempting to influence the award organizers. The charge is attributed to the fact that Maria is not able to converse properly in Arabic.
“Despite the attempts of some people to discredit me, my popularity is increasing every day. It is my unique voice that makes me popular amongst my fans,” the young singer said in a press conference at the time of the release of her album “Rajaat Tani.”
Maria, who admits that she is not conversant in the language, believes that she should learn literary Arabic.
Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi previously won the award based on the votes of readers.