Latest news with #Zeina
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region's first original global musical unveils cast, new single
The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai , the region's first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi , performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show. Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very 'multicultural heartbeat of Dubai', according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a 'genre-bending spectacle' – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time. 'It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,' said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. 'The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.' Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025. The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai's iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show's larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show's soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical. 'Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It's a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,' said Khaled, the composer who's worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally. Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai's vibrant culture are woven into the narrative. The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey. Stellar ensemble of international talents Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina , a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London's elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia . While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will . Dubai-based performer Isiako ( Khalid ) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim , drawing from her rich experience in Dubai's live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam , adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia. Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias , the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo's performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal's Concordia University. Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, 'We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.' The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. 'Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,' added Boukris. 'This is not just a show — it's a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.' Now, with the soundtrack's first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun. The musical's official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night. sudha
See - Sada Elbalad
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Zeina, Mahmoud Hemida & More to Star in Film "El Shetan Shater"
Yara Sameh Egyptian actress Zeina has signed on to star in the film "El Shetan Shater" from director Othman Abo Labn and scriptwriter Loai El Sayed. Mahmoud Hemida, Ahmed Eid, and Mohamed Anwar, round out the cast. Zeina was last seen in the film "El Dashash" and season 2 of the star-studded TV series "El Atawla." It is scripted by Joseph Fawzy, directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz, and produced by Mohamed Rashedy. "El Dashash" marks the first collaboration between Zeina and actor and comedian Mohamed Saad in the film "El Dashash" for the first time in 16 years. They previously collaborated on the 2008 comedy film "Boushkash." The film witnessed the two stars making a comeback to the big screen after five years of absence. Wessam Reda Ismail Morsi, known as Zeina, was born on 4 February 1977, is an Egyptian actress, former model, and TV broadcaster. She started her career as a model in music videos under her real name, Wesam. Zeina was chosen by renowned director Daoud Abdel Sayed to play the role of 'Hanna in Ard El kof' (Land of Fear), her acting role. She also worked as a broadcaster on one of the channels of Arab Radio and Television. She has starred in many movies and television series since her acting debut, such as 'Afaryt el-Sayala' (Ghosts of Sayala) in 2004, and 'El Haya fe Montaha el Laza' (Joys of Life) in 2005. The actress chose to go by Zeina as she began her acting career. She was dubbed 'Sophia Loren of Arabs' by director Youssef Chahine after he saw her in 'El Haya fe Montaha el Laza', while late legendary actor Ahmed Zaki called her 'Penélope Cruz' for the similarities between her and the Spanish actress. Zeina is known for her roles in films such as 'El Haya fe Montaha el Laza', 'Sayed El Atefy', 'El Sahabh', 'El gezyra', '90 Minutes', 'Puskas', 'Trapezoid', 'Captain Hima', 'One – Zero', and 'Two Girls From Egypt'. She is also known for her roles in TV productions "Al Layla Wa Elly Feeha", 'Afaryt el-Sayala','Hadret el Motaham Aby', ' Li Aala Seer', and 'Gaafar El Omda'. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
CairoScene
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Styled Archives: Tamer Hosny's Coolest & Kitschiest Moments
King of repping unibrows, chest hair, and buttoned-down shirts. If you didn't have a crush on him, then you probably knew someone who did. Tamer Hosni to Egypt is what Zach Efron is to, well, the world. There's an undeniable charm to his smile; a certain charisma he carries, and one that has, since 2002, translated into his entire body of work; encompassing both music and cinema. Throughout his years in the spotlight, the Egyptian megastar has had his fair share of moments of fashion fame; whether cool or kitsch, we'll leave that up to you. One thing remains certain, however, and it's that we ate it up. For this week's Styled Archives, we're turning back time to an era defined by upturned collars, buttoned-down button-ups, and most importantly, that classic Tamer Hosny gaze. Portrait | Late '90s Donning a classic black vest and white combo, teenage Hosny looked every bit the bad boy in this pre-fame era portrait. Oh, and, peep the shark tooth necklace. With Sherine Abdelwahab on the cover of 'Free Mix Vol.3' | 2002 Ah, the relic that started it all; you have the classic unbuttoned denim shirt, a la Hosny, the marvelous unibrow, and that certain look in his eyes that tells you this is a man that knew where his future would take him. With Egyptian actor Ahmed al-Fishawi during the premiere of the Egyptian film Al-Hassa Al-Sabaah | 2005 Wearing a glittering pinstripe suit paired with a causal buttoned-down printed white shirt, Hosny was not beating the chest hair allegations. But you know what? Ate. With Egyptian Actress Zeina at the 'Captain Hima' Film Premiere | 2008 In a checkered light blue shirt and minimalist white cap, Hosny celebrated the premiere of his 2008 hit movie alongside co-star Zeina. In 'Enaya Bethebbak' Music Video | 2006 Armed with nothing but his guitar, a light denim straight fit pair of jeans, a Y2K aviator, and a v-neck long-sleeved t-shirt, Hosny gave a performance that would resonate with an entire generation. 'Ha'ish' Album Photoshoot | 2009 The Godfather could never. Perhaps one of the very first times in modern history that Hosny did not leave his shirt unbuttoned, this photoshoot showed the Egyptian popstar in a different light, looking like the main love interest out of a mafia romance. In 'Arrab Habibi' | 2004 In a few decades, when interpretations on Y2K fashion vary and historians begin to argue, this music video will solve any and all questions. Throughout the 5-minute duration of 'Arrab Habibi', Hosny dons everything from tank tops to oversized suits all the way to multi-coloured print sweatshirts. With 'Omar w Salma' Co-Star Mai Ezz El Din | 2011 Looking like a killer power couple, Hosny and Ezz El Din were emblematic of an era in Egyptian cinema…though not exactly when it came to what 'romanc'e should look like.
CairoScene
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Oualid & Zeina
Moroccan singer-songwriter Oualid takes us through the writing process behind his collaborative hit with Zeina. Mar 30, 2025 In this episode of WORD, Moroccan singer-songwriter Oualid breaks down his collaborative hit with Lebanese-Egyptian singer Zeina, 'Allo Min'. He delves into the writing process behind the track, explaining how it came together with Zeina in one spontaneous studio session as well as the messages they intended to convey through the song's catchy hooks. Co-written by Oualid, Zeina and Mbarek Nouali and performed in a Maghrebi dialect, the track is a joyful blend of punchy R&B beats and Maghreb rhythms with pop sensibilities, delivering a refreshing lighthearted take on the theme of love and longing. It became one of the top 5 most Shazamed songs in Egypt in 2024.
