Beirut – Nicola Azaar
Shada Hassoun
Beirut – Nicola Azaar
The 2007 winner of Star Academy is still struggling to adjust to fame. A restraining order, obsessed fans, and a falling out with her manager, Iraqi singer Shada Hassoun has has her share of struggles. In an exclusive interview with ArabsToday, Shada reveals for the first time the truth behind
the latest development in her highly-public feud with rival singer Arwa. In May, a court issued an order preventing her from disparaging Arwa in the press. Arwa's manager decided to make the decision public, a move that Shada dismisses a stunt for attention. The ruling also applies to Arwa, fining her 10 million Lebanese Pounds if she mentions Shada negatively in the media.
Shada describes this court's decision as deceptive, and maintains there is no legal precedent for the decision.Although she got her start wowing audiences on Star Academy, Shada's appearance on this season's show is uncertain. A dispute with her ex-manager and director of the show, Tony Qahqaji, has complicated her potential return to the hit pop music talent competition.Shada also discussed a disturbing experience she recently had with an obsessed fan. The man would follow her from country to country, a frightening and disorienting experience for the pop star. Yet another delusional fan recently turned up at her doorstep, demanding entry to her home.“How strange it is for someone’s feelings to turn from love to hatred and obsession overnight.” The star recently moved to Dubai and is currently recording a Gulf-style album, which will be released shortly by music label Rotana.Discussing her favorite artists, Joseph Atiyyeh came out on top. Shada loves his classic songs especially “La Troohi” and “Lebnan Rah Yerjaa”. She is also a fan of Ahmad al Sherief's first album, preferring it to his later works.As for her personal life, a fortune teller recently told Shada that she would tie the knot soon, but in secret. Shada laughed off the prediction, assuring us that a wedding would be a huge celebratory event, as she is "not ashamed of getting married". Notes for all potential suitors: Her ideal man is “tall, dark and handsome, with green eyes and a strong personality.”Shada also expressed concern over the current unstable political situation in the Arab world. She fears that "a power stronger than all of us, including Arab governments"is actually in control, referring to the influence of the West in Middle Eastern politics.Speaking about her latest single, “Sha’alha”, Shada revealed that she had intended to release a whole album, but the intense negative attention from the media made her hold off. The single will be released by Rotana, but will not yet become part of an album.The artist admitted that fellow singer Ahlam “hugely supports" her music career. She is incredibly proud of this fact, but says it has triggered "extreme jealous" in other entertainers.