How much did it have to do with the “El’ab” clip?
MN: I was called the seven-day star because I became too famous too quickly – that was well before the release of “El’ab”. Listen, before I appeared on the scene, there was this very rigid classical style of performing: standing still in a long formal dresses and singing. Even Nancy Ajram and Elissa followed it. I brought something new: the Barbie-like attitude, the concept of the little girl in flat shoes and pink colours. And then a whole “Maria line” of other singers came who copied my style. Let’s not get into names… NOX: Okay, names you don’t mind talking about are those from Bidoon Riqaba, Ola Ghanem and Dolly Shahine in particular. What is your issue with them? MN: I don’t have any problems with them – really, they are the least of my concerns. But shame on them for saying what they said about me. I am not concerned about it because I do this as a hobby, and there is always a 50 per cent chance that I can retire at anytime. NOX: What was it they said that struck such a nerve? MN
