Medhat Saleh is a legitimate idol – a figure for all the rising singers to follow and learn from. Armed with vocal articulations worthy of his stardom, Medhat talks to us about his upcoming plans, life and politics.And although his story is not one of overnight success, the path taken to reach his fame is utterly remarkable…

To start off, what message would Medhat Saleh like to send to all his fans?
I would like to wish my fans “Ramadan Karim”, and may Egypt be safe and always in our hearts and minds.

Why did you accept to be an honorary member in the MEMA Jury Panel, in spite of the fact that there are no financial gains or compensations?
I encourage such festivals which I consider one of the most important factors which accelerate the musical industry, because it sheds light on many new talents in different areas of the music industry. Furthermore, the MEMA is a very special festival and different from all others. My participation devoid of financial return is a way to encourage the music industry -- it can not be compared to my love to music in Egypt and the Arab world.

The critics’ opinions usually differ from the opinions of masses, what do you think?
All the music work and productions are subject to criticism from both the audience and the critics; however I think if both sides have a consensus over the production then it is successful beyond comparison…

Being a part of the Jury Panel for the MEMA, if any one criticizes the results as not transparent and fair, what would you tell them?
Anyone can criticize the results; however they can not say it was not transparent or fair, because if we look at the results we would know that all the winners have won the respect of both the critics and the audiences…

After the success of your latest concert in the Opera House, are you planning to perform additional concerts...
Of course, these days I am making some contacts with several Opera Houses both international and in the Middle East to compose concerts there. I would like to make the concerts accompanied with each country’s Orchestra.

CELEBRITIES AND POLITICS:

What is your opinion regarding Adel Imam’s trial?
The trial is a mockery…

YES or NO:

Do you think it is wise that artists get involved in Politics?
No, however, every artist is free to do so. I think that artists survive longer than politicians and they can guide and direct the politicians through their work.

Subsequent to the Revolution you did not present any work. In your opinion - thinking of the interest of the country was more important?
Yes, because we vanish and Egypt will remain forever.

The revolution is an opportunity to liberate the music industry from all the voices that are not up to standard...
Yes, it is likely and essentially required.

Talk to us about the situations that have affected you during your career...
Each and every artist passes through diverse situations that affect and influence them deeply and the more the situations are real and touching the more artists are affected. These situations add more value to the artist’s character.

What is the most recent press release you gave?
It is that the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Egyptian Judiciary system are a red line and I am totally against anyone that attacks them -- I don’t consider him a real/authentic Egyptian

Which programs have impressed Medhat Saleh, and you are keen to follow?
I am sad of the situation of the media to the extent that I wonder when listening to the broadcasters/program hosts as I don’t see that they sincerely love Egypt. They have considered themselves judges, district attorney, critics, analysts and knowledgeable of secret/unrevealed things and often it is proven that the information they present is distorted and untrue. Most of them resist the guest and sometimes attack him and imposes their opinion with ignorance. This is the reason that I don’t follow programs except the minimum.

How do you see the future of the music industry in Egypt and the Middle East?
First I am optimistic about the respectful and reputable art that Egypt has been always producing, and secondly I think that Egyptian Music will lead the Arab World in following the right path of the Arab Music as it has always been doing...