Melhem Zein to Arabstoday: I do not need to comment on politics

Arabstoday met with Lebanese singer, Melhem Zein, in a cafe he owns on el Hamra Street in Beirut, Lebanon. The signer was keen to discuss the rumours around his refused entry to the US and why he doesn’t adhere to any political party. There are some recent media reports that state you missed a US concert due to an imposed travelling ban? “This information is not true at all. I was just in America with the producer Yousef Harb, and we recorded a song on a boat, and we recorded a program called ala Shatt Bahr al-Hawa, a lot of artists were with us. There was a ceremony I could not participate in because of a delay in getting hold of an American visa. The majority of Arab artists face this situation; the issue is not about me alone it has happened to more than just a Lebanese artist. How can I be barred from entering US territory and a professional contractor ask me to sing in a party there? Contractors know which people are barred from access to America, this issue is fabricated.” Who benefits from spreading these rumours? “The black-hearted.” Who would want to involve your name in political issues? “I'm good at singing, Tarab and melodies. I do not like talking about politics, I sing for love and not for policy. Even in my country no people can confirm that I avoid politics.” Why do you love Talking about Lebanon? “Lebanon is my country and I love it, as I like all Arab states that have encouraged me since the beginning of my career.” Can we consider jealousy a suitable reason for rumours? “There is jealousy and hatred and gossiping hurting people, only God can save us from all of this.” Do you have a good friendship with the majority of the other Lebanese artists? “Yes, they are my friends, I do not know the meaning of hatred, I grew up with love and I’ll continue to do so.” Why don’t you appear much in the media? “I love to great people with a new song, and I refuse to appear without reason. I am a singer, I do not need to appear in media and analysis issues.” What is your opinion of the amateur talent discovery programs? “Most of them are good and shed light on talents in the Arab world. We should focus on these kinds of programs as much as possible.” Would you become a judge on a similar programme? “I do not know, I hadn’t even thought about the issue. It is possible that I’ll say yes, but I don’t have a final answer now.” Why hasn’t you fame decreased? “This is a blessing from God.”