Mawazine sessions: Lebanese singer Wael Jassar talks about new TV talent show and the state of the Arab song

In the latest instalment of the summer series, the Mawazine sessions, popular Lebanese crooner Wael Jassar talks about his soon-to-be-announced television talent show.

Wael Jassar performing during the 13th Mawazine Rhythms of the World music festival in Rabat May 31, 2014. (Photo by Karim Tibari)

Wael Jassar is the Arab music industry's quintessential nice guy. The 41-year-old drama-free Lebanese crooner has been wowing audiences since his first television appearance as an 8-year-old on a Lebanese talent show, when he sang the classic anthem Yallee Ta'ebney Seneen Feh Hawak.

He has made steady progress ever since – his 1996 debut album Machi established him as an artist prepared to go against the grain in Arab pop. Where others worked hard to blend western music elements with their Oriental sounds, Jassar was more conservative, with elegant ballads and a wholesome image that gave him mass appeal across the Arab world.

Now it is time to give something back, Jassar explains, as part of the team behind a new television talent show.

He admits that, at first, he was reluctant to even discuss the idea, but he eventually warmed to it and says the programme will “focus purely on the contestant’s quality and not popularity. We want to raise the quality of Arabic music”.

Are the rumours true that you are behind a new musical TV talent show?

It is supposed to be a secret. I can’t really talk about it too much and news will be revealed soon. I hope that it will be a success and once we get everything organised, I can’t wait to share the news with everyone.

Being involved in a talent show is a risky business. Are you fearful that your popularity will take a dive if this show fails to connect with the viewers?

It is a double-edged sword. The show I want to produce is going to focus more on the positive than the negative. At the same time, one thing I can assure you is that I am not going to support voices that have no talent. The show is about finding voices that really deserve your support, based on the quality and not the popularity. In terms of my involvement, what I can say is that I always have the public’s concern at heart. I want to be fair to the viewer and not just the contestant.

It seems you are concerned that some of today’s pop stars don’t have the ability to match their fame.

All I can do is speak for myself. I try to deliver my art with sincerity. I am concerned about the state of the Arab song. There is no sincerity and the quality is diminishing. This really has to be addressed.

You have always been viewed as a skilful singer. Is it fair to say you focus more on singing ability than the showbiz aspect of pop stardom?

For me it comes from my influences. I started singing from a very young age and I truly view it as a gift from God. I kept working hard and listened to those singers who inspired me – giants such as Fairuz and the late Wadi Al Safi and Muhammed Abdel Wahab. When you study such figures, it really gives you a firm foundation to build from. When it comes to popularity, just gaining fans and having them like your music is something that you cannot buy or manipulate. But I do feel as if I am going on the right path. The fans encourage me to get better and with each new project, I do hope I can live up to their expectations.

Two of your most popular releases are the spiritual album Fi Hadrat Al Mahboub (2010) and Nabeena El Zain (2011). Are you planing to do similar albums in the future?

It is one of my favourite projects. I do plan, with God’s help, to continue releasing such albums. What I like about them is that they centre around a noble message and that Islam is a religion of peace and love, contrary to what is being propagated by people who are blind to the values of Islam and who describe it as a religion of death and terrorism. Our religion is one of love and I am blessed to be able to play a small part in pushing this message. I do hope that it stands the test of time and appeals to future generations.

Finally, your fans and critics have been praising your video clips and say that you have some genuine acting chops. Is a move to acting on the cards?

The idea has been on my mind. I did play a small role as a singer in the film 365 Days of Happiness. Acting is a noble art, but you really do need the skills. Being a singer is not enough. You can't just say that because I can sing I should be in a movie. Just like I give music what it deserves, the same respect should be afforded to acting. That said, in the future, if I develop the skills, I would love to act.

• Visit www.waeljassar.net for more details

•Next up on the Mawazine Sessions, we wrap up the series by talking to one of the stars of the Cajun music scene, Sarah Savoy