Singer Amal Maher performed a concert at Dubai Opera the day before yesterday, marking her return to the stage after a lengthy absence. The event saw a large audience and enthusiastic reactions from her fans, showcasing her unique talent and vocal prowess reminiscent of the golden age of Arab music.
Following the concert, Amal expressed her joy and amazement at the overwhelming affection she received from the Dubai audience. She revealed that she wished the event would never end, as she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
She remarked, “Being on the Dubai Opera stage has a certain prestige that made me feel a bit nervous at the beginning of the show, but the audience was so impressive that it eased my anxiety and elevated the experience.”
Amal also shared that she is preparing to release her new album in a few days, which will feature between 10 and 11 songs in the Egyptian dialect. She noted that she plans to take a brief break after this concert in Dubai to await the album’s launch, apologizing to her fans for her prolonged absence.
When asked about her readiness to collaborate on duets after her successes with artists like Rashid Al-Majed, Majid Al-Mohandes, and Wael Jassar, she stated that she enjoys working with any artist whose vocal style complements hers. She added, “I can’t specify names; a duet is something that calls for its artists.”
In response to a question about the title of “Voice of Egypt” that has been attributed to her, she said: “Anyone who represents Egypt is the Voice of Egypt.”
Amal also expressed her willingness to sing in Standard Arabic, as she had in her early career, stating that she would embrace the opportunity if the right lyrics came along. She spoke fondly of her relationship with the artist Ahlam, calling her “the sweetest heart in the world” and praising her both artistically and morally.
Voices, Melodies, and Enchantment
For two hours, Amal Maher captivated the audience with a selection of remarkable songs, including classical pieces by Arab music legends such as Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Warda Al-Jazairia. Some of the songs performed included:
“They said how many days at most, I am the beginning of your beginning, I adore you, The road to peace, Fear God in me, I lie to you, The one capable of the challenge, I am love, You are my life, How much your departure has saddened me, Give me a chance to understand you, What is between you and her, If I could, I would, And the journey began, I have a friend from this time, You say and walk away.”
Before singing “You Have a Touch of Conceit,” Amal jokingly asked the audience, “Should I sing it or will the men be upset with me?” The audience responded affirmatively, urging her to proceed.
Throughout the performance, Amal engaged actively with her audience, listening to their comments and expressing gratitude for their support. She even accommodated requests for songs that were not on her setlist, singing them beautifully without musical accompaniment, and addressing the crowd, “You are an audience that inspires joy.”