BEIRUT- “Yes there’s hope”, sang Fairuz, the Lebanese icon to thousands of fans in Beirut.
The song was from her latest album released on Thursday. The crowd of more than 14,000 included celebrities who travelled from the Arab world to attend the concert, Fairuz’ first since 2006.
The audience held their breath as Fairuz entered the hall.
The legendary singer, wearing a white dress, was described as coming on stage as an “angel”. Her voice, despite her age, was still majestic. Her fans gave her a standing ovation as she appeared on stage in the Biel (Beirut International Exhibition Centre) downtown Beirut, and chanted along as she sang older songs such as al-Tahouni and Kifak inta.
In her songs, Fairuz addressed social problems such as marrying at an early age, and proved she could still appeal to all generations. She took her audience through the different stages of her musical life with the old and new songs.
The audience included fans from the younger generation, and children whose families insisted they introduce them to the most celebrated singer known in recent history.
The famous Egyptian comedian actor Adel Imam, who happened to be in Beirut for the shooting of his new film “Alzheimer”, delayed his trip back to Cairo to attend Fairuz’ concert.
“This is Fairuz, I won’t miss her concert,” Imam, who is also UNHCR’s Good Will ambassador told me.
The audience applauded, sang, and demanded more as Fairuz ended her performance the second day. She came back on stage for another song.
“I have attended her concerts before, but this was her best. This time it was different,” one fan said.
Many felt the concert gained additional significance following reports she was banned by heirs of Mansour Rahbani from singing songs composed by the Rahbani Brothers without their prior consent. The reports led to widespread protests across the Arab world.
Beirut streets were jammed. The airport witnessed an unusual traffic as fans flocked from across the Arab world to express what was viewed as their rejection to attempts to restrict or silence the voice that has become part of their lives and memories since the sixties.
The absence of her son Ziad Rahbani was noticed, yet he was very much present when the accompanying orchestra’s sang parts of his latest album ”Mniha”, each time the celebrated Fairuz went backstage for a short break.
My friends felt they had witnessed a historic concert but left wondering if Fairuz will hold another concert.
