JEDDAH: Syrian artist Assala Nasri announced the release date and name of her new album, due out this summer.
Assala posted a picture on her personal Twitter account revealing information about the album produced by Stargate that is supposed to be released on August 15, titled, ”Mohtamma Bel Tafasil,” meaning “Interested in Detail.”
The lyrics were written by poet Amir Taima, and the music has been composed by Ehab Abdel Wahid.
Every day, a countdown post is being posted on Assala’s Twitter account for all her fans to stay posted because she is so popular in the Middle East.
She released her first album, in 1992, and then became one of the most important female singers in the Arab world after the release of “Lao Te’arafo” in 1993, in which she worked with leading Egyptian composers.
Assala has won many awards during her artistic career, winning the 1994 Best Artist Award in Dubai, the “Oscar for the Middle East” (Golden Knight) in 1995.
Assala participated in many Arab and international festivals including the Carthage, Jerash and Dubai festivals. She also received Bahraini citizenship after her participation in the Operetta of Love and Loyalty at the national day celebrations.
Assala Nasri’s last album was released in 2012. On this album, she collaborated with composer Hassan Shafei, writer Ayman Bahgat Qamar and singer Hossam Habib, whom she thanked on the cover of the album.
Her latest work was the weekly show “Sola” on Dubai TV, which launched its second season in November 2012, as an artistic program where artists host each episode with a separate title.
Assala’s new album to be in stores this month
Assala’s new album to be in stores this month
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
