Yasmin Niazi Since her debut single “Shaklak Htouhhani” (I think I’ll miss you), She has left a lasting impression on the public and critics alike. She’s made a comeback after four years with an album that competes with superstar Amr Diab’s.
Arab Today interviews Egyptian singer Yasmin Niazy
AT: What is the reason behind the late release of you second Hobak Amel Saytara (Your love rules)?
YN: When Rotana produced my first album, we agreed that first year after the release, we should hold live concerts, before we start preparing for the second album. However, the global financial crisis has affected the production companies and music market, not only for me, but for all artists, whether in or outside the company.
When Rotana started dismissing artists that the company had deals with, they asked me to stay. The crisis, however, caused us not to record any song, and just write the lyrics and the music until the time was right to record the songs. The album was supposed to be released by the beginning of 2011, but the events of the Saints Church bombing, and the revolution of January 25, 2011, postponed the release of the album. We could not  even release it on Valentine day, as agreed.
AT: Did you fear being forgotten by the public?
YN: I am convinced that there are artists who are able to release an album every year, but maybe their songs won’t be felt or believed. I wanted my second album to be better than my first, especially that fans loved it and it kept playing it until the release of the second. In addition, I released singles each year remain on the scene.
AT:Why did you choose this time for the release?
YN:I finished recording the album and and handed it to the studios. It was yet to be copied and distributed. I thought the music market can bear the of release new albums after Amr Diab’s, who caused it to recover from the recession. Therefore, Rotana told me that they think of releasing the album, and I agreed.
AT:Don’t you think that releasing your album at the time of Amr Diab’s is a huge risk?
YN: I don't think so, because Amr Diab is a great artist, with a huge fan base, myself included. However, I’ve put great effort in my album, and I have confidence in the choices I’ve made. There are several albums released at the same time, and it’s an honor for me that the company has faith in me. Competition is something positive, it puts you in the spotlight, and makes you feel successful, with the efforts you’ve made.
AT:s the quick release the reason behind the lack of promotion?
YN:I don't think that the promotion was little, but it was a bit late. I agreed with the record company officials start the campaign in streets and markets within days. Rotana T.V. Network as well is doing promoting the album extensively.
AT:Are there any songs not included in the album?
YN: During the preparations, we record 11 songs, including 2 which were exclusively released on a cell phone carrier before the launch of the album, as a form of publicity. The album includes 8 songs, and one remains, but I do not know whether it will be as a single later, or it will be added to the new album.