JORDAN-MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Arab stars perform in Jordan continuing Independence Day celebrations

Record ID: 151272

  • Title: JORDAN-MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Arab stars perform in Jordan continuing Independence Day celebrations
  • Date: 14th June 2015
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MOHAMMAD ASSAF, PALESTINIAN SINGER, SAYING: "We are ambitious to have a real Arab song. If we go back to the beautiful time, art by itself is a message and has a meaning, even love has a meaningful message. As an Arab singer I hope that the songs will be revised and the system of their implementation because we need an honest word and rhythm.''
  • Embargoed: 29th June 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Jordan
  • Country: Jordan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA8FEMSQLEP0EH0O8IVLM9K0DF6
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Independence Day celebrations continue in Jordan with Arab singing sensations taking to the stage in Amman's Roman theatre.
    Former 'Arab idol' winner Mohammed Assaf and Jordanian singer, Hussein Salman, were among the performers who had the audience up on their feet, dancing and waving Jordanian and Palestinian flags.
    The stars were invited to take part in the event by Jordanian football club al-Wihidat.
    Abdullah Shuqair, a member of al- Wihdat's General Committee, spoke of safe situation in Jordan despite the conflicts and political uncertainty in neighbouring countries.
    "There is a message that security exists thank God and the country is fine and thank God we are celebrating and happy with simple security atmosphere as you can see, so thank God that the country is fine with its leadership and with His Majesty and we hope that it will be always fine," he said before the concert kicked off.
    Jordanian musician Hussein Salman said he hoped to sing not only in Jordan but also to take Jordanian music to other stages around the world.
    "The Jordanian song has been always developing and it is always beautiful and we hope that we can deliver the Jordanian song abroad and amongst Arabs. My last works I did a couple zafa (the celebration that takes place ahead of the wedding) and as you can see I do a diversity of songs," Salman said.
    Hotly anticipated was the performance of talent show winner, Mohammed Assaf, who is known for his ballads and love songs. He spoke of the the importance of reviving traditional Arab influenced music.
    "We are ambitious to have a real Arab song. If we go back to the beautiful time, art by itself is a message and has a meaning, even love has a meaningful message. As an Arab singer I hope that the songs will be revised and the system of their implementation because we need an honest word and rhythm,'' said Assaf.
    Assaf, who grew up in a Gaza strip refugee camp was crowned 'Arab Idol' winner in 2013. He has since gone on to be a United Nations Relief and Works Agency goodwill ambassador for peace.
    Jordan marked its 69th year of independence on May 25. The kingdom gained independence from a British mandate in 1946.
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