Cheb Khaled

Well-known director Ahmad Atef is currently holding negotiations with Lebanese singer Alissa in the hope of having her agree to take part in a new historical gigantic film under the title “Al Andalusâ€‌ (Andalusia).

Atef stated that he feels Alissa will be the big surprise of the film and he believes she has the potentials to make it as a successful actress.

Negotiations are also under way with internationally known Egyptian actor Omar El Sharif and Algerian singer Cheb Khaled to join the cast of the film. In addition young Egyptian actors Ahmad Al Sakka, Ahmad Hilmi and Muna Zaki have been nominated to take part in the film.

The director revealed that he has been making preparations for this film for the past four years and has visited a number of historical sites to find the best filming locations, and is almost complete with writing the script.

Atef has also made a special trip to the United States of America to study different sound effects which he plans on using in the film. Filming of the scenes is scheduled to begin in April 2007.

On a different note, after canceling all performances this summer season due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Alissa has announced that proceeds from the first concert she will hold once the war is over will be donated to Lebanon.

She will have the money transferred to a charity organization providing aid to Lebanese people affected by the war, said Alissa. According to the London based Elaph, Alissa has already made two large donations to the organization.

Alissa plans to return to Lebanon via Syria as soon as possible, after residing in Cairo for several months.

The singer has also opened a special bank account to channel donations to help the Lebanese people in their time of need. She wanted to make her efforts public, to give more people the opportunity to help, said Alissa.

Lebanese singer Diana Haddad has left Dubai heading to Cairo to promote for her most recent album "Diana 2006", which had just hit stores around the Arab world. The album is already witnessing significant success, especially the duet "Mas wa Loulou" (Diamonds and Pearls) she sang with Algerian Rai singer Cheb Khaled.

According to the London based Elaph, Diana's promotional campaign features numerous interviews with the press and performance in Cairo. The singer will also hold a signing ceremony at Virgin Mega Stores in Cairo.

The singer will also be honored in Cairo by the Arab Network ART for being the Best Arab singer along with Egyptian singer Mohammad Foad.

Haddad has begun the final countdown for the release of her upcoming album, scheduled to hit stores next week.

The new album features nine songs sung in various dialects.

Diana filmed the music video for the duet under the direction of Laila Kannaan and the singer has agreed with the director to film another video for the album, but will wait to see the reaction of her fans before selecting the second song.

The album, released under â€کAlam El Phan Production Company,’ had been postponed due to a serious car accident Diana suffered.

Diana and Tunisian singer Saber Ribaee engaged in a two week concert tour in three of the United States of America in mid-September, making stops in Fox Wood, Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Their performances drew large crowds of the Arab population residing there.