Mohamed Fouad rose to prominence in the 1980’s when he released his first album Habeina, and from this day forward one could only be captivated by his engaging, disarming tone of voice. The way I see it, Mohamed Fouad is more of an expressionist rather than a singer/songwriter, with a voice that can adapt to whichever style he desires. From politics to art in the Arab World and beyond, DG discovers that this man’s got big ideas, immense feelings and huge theories…

To start with, what would you like to tell your fans?
I hope all the Egyptians, Arabs, and my fans are fine. May God forever, keep Egypt safe…

What are your thoughts regarding winning the Best singer for 2010 award at DG’s 7th annual festival and the Middle East Music Awards (MEMA)?
Well, throughout my whole career I have been rather conservative about the awards and festivals because of the endless rumors related to these kinds of awards, and how they are won. But for DG festival it is was completely different as it is a public vote coming from your fans and audiences without any kind of interference from anyone. Nothing could be more credible. I think it is the most important festival in the Middle East region.

What do you think about the World Music Award?
I have been clear and firm since 1998 about this award. They wanted to give it to “KAMANANA” album but when someone else paid them, they just ran after the money and since then this award is for money and I have no respect for this kind of awards.

What do you think about the talent show programs?
I believe it is totally commercial, all of a sudden you find a talent booming and afterwards you never hear about them. Only true talents proceed. Some of these voices are talented while others aren’t. These programs should choose the contestants very carefully.

What do you think about the wars and fights within the music field?
There are fights everywhere; several are related to jealousy and especially in our field. It is very common. Every successful person has enemies and people who desire their failure. I myself went through this millions of times especially throughout the past months, but everyone knows who Mohamed Fouad is, so I don’t reply to such things out of ethics and traditions. At the same time it might be useful for the artist to know that there are some people waiting to seize any fault, and so we must be cautious and do our utmost to seek perfection.

What do you think about the titles that are to be given to the male and female singers? Personally I don’t like such titles; I’m a very simple person who believes that the people love you because of what you are and not because of your title. Of course there are some titles that were given to our great artists and we should respect but I don’t believe in the titles that the producers or the artists give themselves due to commercial reasons. Let’s move to another phase in your life, what are your most vivid childhood memories? I have a horrible memory from my childhood, once I was swimming somewhere and was about to drown but thanks to God I was saved. Every time I remember this I laugh and miss those old days. What about your first movie? My first movie was with the great Sohair El Bably and the first scene was very simple but I couldn’t

perform it and started trembling and then Sohair El Bably calmed me down and talked to me as if I was one of her family. Later I was able to act normally.

And your first live concert?
My first concert was during Easter with Dr. Ezzat Abou Ouf. He promised me that he would introduce me to the audiences and when I was on stage it was like a dream come true. When I finished I thought; ‘Now the whole of Egypt will know me’ but when I rode a taxi the driver didn’t recognize me and I was rather disappointed. When I went home all my neighbors and relatives were waiting for me and then I felt proud and happy.

Which situation mostly affected your life?
My father’s death, I decided to quit singing but then I discovered that I could express my feelings of sorrow through my songs.

People in your life:
mohamed Zidan: he is like a son or brother to me. He’s kind-hearted and like a child that’s why he needs continual guidance.
Amr diab: a dear friend, I can’t forget the countless times that Amr stood beside me. He is a true friend that you can regularly find when you need him.
mohamed mounir: A professor.
mai ezz el din: a lovely girl, I have engaging memories with Mai when we were shooting our movie “EL Hob El Awal”.
tamer Hosny: the coming generation, tamer conveys the future.
Your son: he is Mohamed Fouad junior, he is my brother and friend and everything to me.

Who keeps your secrets?
My God…

Who is your best friend?
Ayman Hafez, my sister’s husband.

Who is the person whom you would willingly jeopardize your life for his/her sake?
Not a person, but my career history - in a right way…

Is there part 2 from your Ramadan series “Aghla Men Hayaty”?
No, there will be no sequel.

What is your dream role?
I’d love to take the role of a spy, or any patriotic character like Raafat El Hagan.

What about your next album?
I have to wait and observe the current situation in Egypt, because the songs must come out from the people and from our feelings and nowadays everything is unstable so we will have to wait and see. What I am sure about is that the Egyptians are great people and will get over what is happening.

What is the most memorable comment you received related to “Aghla Men Hayaty” series?
Nothing in particular… In fact all the comments were about the whole series and were very positive. I don’t like to be the only hero.

Can you share with our readers the most unforgettable comment you received throughout your entire career?
The great Mohamed Abdel Wahab said “Mohamed Fouad’s voice cheers you up when you are sad”, and of course I was extremely pleased due to this comment.

What was your latest statement to the media?
“No one, what-so-ever can make me sacrifice my fellow citizens, or my country”

What would you like to say to your fans?
I love them so much and my DG Award is for them.

Have you considered doing a religious album?
Of course, I started with “Amin Rab Al Alameen” and planning to prepare for a whole album. Many other pop stars have had very successful albums; Hisham Abbas, Amr Diab & Wael Gassar.

In words:
The mother: life
The wife: a new life and your shadow
Love: the most beautiful thing in existence
Betrayal: the ugliest thing in life
Your favorite place: old Cairo and Hussein
A daily habit: smoking. I really want to quit
Your hobby: soccer
And last of all, I would like to send a love letter to all the Egyptians…