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Hayat captivates

DUBAI - Hayat Al Alaoui, a Moroccan singer yesterday entertained her audience - mainly teenagers - with her enthralling voice and showmanship on the occasion of the soft launch of her new fusion bilingual album Ahsas (feeling) that will be available in the market within two weeks.

Talking to Khaleej Times before the start of the show at Amnesia, Dubai Palm Hotel, Hayat said: "This is my second album. I have another tape titled Hayat 2002 that features only Arabic songs. In my new release I have managed to sing in Arabic, English, French and Urdu. My efforts to satisfy all tastes have been met with appreciation and support from all my fans - mainly from Pakistan and India - and now my songs are familiar to all of them."

Hayat, who was fond of singing since the age of nine, was inspired by her father who contributed in developing her talent by helping her choose the right songs as well as writing some of the lyrics for her.

"The new tape will feature 10 songs, including two written by my father. The songs include Feelings, an Arabic and Urdu duet performed with Pakistan singer Zeeshan, Saberto a folkloric Moroccan song, a French song Sans Tu, which means without you, Salem Habibi with Arabic and Punjabi lyrics, Tarhal which is a mixture of French and classical Arabic, Allah Kareem, a Moroccan rap song and Insaha which means, forget her.

Explaining the main reason of choosing to sing in Urdu, Hayat said: "I love Indian music and songs. I have always been fond of Indian art and especially their classical music. When my producer gave me the chance to record Urdu songs, I accepted it without hesitation and I hope it works out."

Hayat had successful concerts in various cities in Pakistan and among her popular songs is Leila wa Al Majnoon that is considered one of the songs which contributed to her success and fame as an international singer.

The album is produced by Ahp production company. The soft launch show which was also filmed is to be telecasted by the MUSIK Channel, ARY Network.