Lebanese singer Iwan Beirut – Suhaila Keyali Lebanese singer Iwan says that his career was his hobby, and he seeked to perfect it by joining the university conservatory. He then worked as a composer with Nicolas Saada Nakhla\'s company, after which he continued to sing.
The star\'s first song was “Oul Inshallah.” Through this song he signed a six year contract with Melody Co in which he made two albums.
AT: You disappeared from the spotlight for some time, and now you\'re back; why?
Iwan: That was because of differences with the production company. The contract was supposed to include a larger number of albums and music videos. This happened with many artists contracted with Melody, but I was the only one who insisted on them. I consider them as my family. This policy was not against me in specific, but they are slow and are careful not to spend much money, as the company, normally, aims to make a profit. The contract is over but the company still broadcasts my videos. Also I am the kind of artist who likes to introduce new things. If there is nothing new I prefer not to appear.
AT: What has changed in your life as an artist?
Iwan: While working, we learn a lot of things so our choices and preferences change by time. Our relationships with the artistic community develops. There is no doubt one matures and changes as he gets older. Also in the past, I used to take a longer recording at studio than I do now. I also discovered what my voice suits, and what kind of music I like.
AT: You dabbled in cinema and proved to be a good actor. How did you find this experience?
Iwan: I like acting. I feel that any singer or any artist in general likes to act. Singers already act somewhat in their music videos... I liked my first experience of acting. Acting is something different and by its virtue I was introduced to the Egyptian audience. I now received some offers after the Egyptian revolution, but I make sure to choose the appropriate script, production company and cast. I also try to give time to study the role I will play as my experience is limited. The response my first film “Hafl Zifaf” (Wedding Party) was very positive. There were also offers for television series but I rejected them as they need actors to devote a long time for them. For me, acting is something to do besides singing which adds to my career and makes me visible to my audience.
AT: Whom do you look up to, idolise?
Iwan: They are many; for pop singing there are Amr Diab, Mohamed Fouad, Fadl Shaker, Asala, and Wael Kfoury. Those are for the new generation. As for the old ones I like Abdel Halim Hafez and Wadih El Safi. Frankly speaking I like all the singers and I learn from every one of them.
AT: Are you with or against actors who sing, for example Pamela El Kik?
Iwan: An actor is free to try whatever they want, and the audience is the one who judges. Jennifer Lopez is an actress who tried singing and succeeded. There\'s also Nadine Al Rassi and Carlos Azar who were originally actors but could succeed in singing.
AT: How do you see the state of art right now?
Iwan: There are some that are good and others that are not. At the end of the day, good work succeeds.
AT: Any new projects coming up?
Iwan: A song video named “Ediny Hobbak” (Give Me Your Love), of which I am the writer and composer.