'Divas' coming to Dubai: Jahida Wehbe to sing classics in new tribute show

The acclaimed singer will perform a repertoire featuring some of the greatest female singers from the past

Lebanese diva Jahida Wehbe is bringing her new tribute show to the UAE. EPA

Lebanese chanteuse Jahida Wehbe brings her new tribute show to UAE this week.

Titled Divas and held at The Theatre at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates on Saturday, February 29, the programme finds Wehbe tackling timeless songs by some of the Arab, French and Mediterranean world's greatest female singers with modern arrangements.

The repertoire will include classics by Lebanese songbirds Fairuz, Sabah and Dalida, as well as works by Egypt's Umm Kulthum and Asmahan.

Taking it further outside of the region, Wehbe will also take on tracks by French songstress Edith Piaf and Argentina's Mercedes Sosa. Interspersed throughout will be some of Wehbe's original compositions.

Who is Jahida Wehbe?

One of the Arab world's most acclaimed singers, Wehbe is renowned for her technical prowess. Born in the Beqaa Valley east of Beirut, Wehbe took the academic route to show business – she completed a degrees in psychology and studied vocalism and the oud at the Lebanese National Superior Conservatory of Music.

Among many successful recordings, her key work remains her 2013's dazzling album Katabny, a seamless blend of east and western musical styles paired with the poetry of late German Nobel Prize winner Gunter Grass and Algeria's fierce feminist writer Ahlam ­Mosteghanemi.

"I want to reach people and ­instruct them to illuminate a dark spot in them. I consider this music from a spiritual aspect," she told The National in a previous interview.

“Music should offer something. There are many entertaining songs on the market that moves the body and entertains people. We too seek to entertain people, but through the thought and feelings.”

Divas by Jahida Wehbe is at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, on Saturday, February 29. Tickets begin from Dh200 from dubai.platinumlist.net