Strong Comeback

CAIRO - 9 August 2019: Egyptian star Haitham Shaker is making a strong comeback this summer, with a new album accenting his signature tender and warm voice.

Shaker released the promo clip of his new song “Matwasonesh” in July, triggering a lot of enthusiasm among his anticipating fans after a 5-year hiatus.

The song is written by Ayman Bahgat Amar, composed by Amr Mostafa and distributed by Sherif Mekkawi. The video clip, filmed in Athens, Greece,was directed by Greek director Yannis Demolitas. Shaker had also earlier published the promo of the song “Yama Yama” on social media.

Born on July 15, 1983, Shaker released his debut song “Ahlef Bellah” (I Swear to God) in 2001, achieving huge success. The song was distributed by Hamid al-Shaeri and produced by Fayez Aziz.

In 2004, he released his first album“Khalik Ganbi” (Stay by My Side), of which the main song exceeded 7 million views on YouTube.

Four years later, he returned to the scene with a new album and two of his most successful songs so far:“Gowa Hodnak” (In Your Arms)and “Ayami Maak” (My Days With You). In 2011, he released a single named "Asli Adeem" (I Am Experienced), which was filmed as a concert.

In 2014, the star released the album “Ahla Karar” (The Best Decision), where he collaborated with some of the most prominent composers and poets including Ahmed Salah Hosni, Toma, Tamim and Rami Gamal.

Shaker speaks to Egypt Today about his new album and why he waited five years for this comeback.

What is this new album going to add to to Haitham Shaker?

I will present in this album different types and shapes of music, at the same time. I was keen on singing the tunes that are suitable formy voice and can deliver my emotions to the audience. I tried in this album to mix all of myprevious [work]using the latest music trends because music changes everyday and I have to cope with that change.

What is the reason behind yourlong hiatus?

I wanted to have adequate time for preparations to release a strong album. I was looking for innovative different songs. I kept searching to present the best; I planned for a strong comeback because my fans are accustomed to my strong and different songs, especially after a long absence. They knew I was absent searching for the best thing to please them and meet their taste. I hope I have beensuccessfulin choosing the songs and that the album succeeds. Also,I have to admit that some personal circumstances caused that delay.

Quite a fewalbumswill be released this summer, how do you see the competition?

The audience is the only judge. I strongly believe that good work always markets itself. We all did our best to please our fans and at the end people will determinethe best album.

How many video clips from the album are we waiting for?

I have already shot three video clips from the new album in different places in Greece; each has its own storyboard, and the first song 'Matwasonesh' will be released soon.

I enjoyed shooting the clip in Greece, where I appear in a new style using new filming techniques. “Matwasonesh” is the most important song in the album and I wish for it to gain the appraisal of the audience.

The videoclip was directed by the Greek YannisDimolitsas.I hope it will be a nice surprise for my fans.

Tell us more about your acting experience.

I participated in the series ArdGaw with Egyptian star Ghada Abdel Razek in 2017. It was a successful experience and the feedbackon my role wasvery positive. But acting is very time consuming; it took me a lot of time to prepare for that role, in addition to shooting time. This took me from working on my album which is my first priority because at the end of the day I am a singer. But I enjoyed acting very much. I’ve received a number of offers but acting is postponed for now till I release the album.

Who is Haitham Shaker’s main competitor?
Haitham Shaker’s competitor is Haitham Shaker! I compete with myself to be better every time.

What is your favourite musical genre?

I don’t have a favourite musical genre. I prefer to sing all types of music, but in general I tend to prefer slow and soft songs with blues touch.

What songs or albums do you consider milestones in your career?

Thank God, I consider every step I took to be a milestone in my career. I am satisfied with all what I have done till now.

Choose one Egyptian, one Arab and one international singer you would like to make a duet with.

The Egyptian is Hakim; the Arab is Hussein Aljasmi; and the international is Justin Timberlake.

What was your biggest life crisis?

The biggest ordeal I have faced was my mother’s death, may she be in heaven now. She was my biggest supporter and she had great influence on me.

Who is your favourite singer? And who influences your life now?

My favourite is the late great singer Mohamed Fawzi. There are some people who affected my life a lot; actually everyone who has provided me with any kind of positivity has affected me and I thank them all.