Writer and media personality Ibrahim Eissa sparked widespread controversy in Egyptian and Arab cultural and artistic circles after his remarks in which he preferred singer Amr Diab to the legendary Arab singer Abdel Halim Hafez. In a swift and decisive response, the family of the "Dark-Skinned Nightingale" described the comparison as "laughable" and a "joke," emphasizing Hafez's inviolable historical status.

A decisive response from the Nightingale's family

Mohamed Shabana, the nephew of the late artist, took on the task of responding to Issa, asserting in press statements that "Abdel Halim Hafez passed away nearly 50 years ago, yet he remains at the pinnacle of Arabic song." Shabana added that the comparison was inappropriate, pointing out that "Amr Diab himself, a highly respected artist, has expressed on numerous occasions his deep love and artistic influence from Abdel Halim Hafez, considering him a role model and an artistic school in himself." The family maintains that Hafez's legacy is not merely songs, but rather an integral part of the Arab nation's consciousness and history.

Historical context: A comparison between two different eras

The challenge of comparison lies in the differing historical and cultural contexts of each artist. Abdel Halim Hafez emerged during the "golden age" of Arabic song, the period following the July 1952 revolution, when art was an integral part of the Arab nationalist project. Hafez sang of patriotism, love, and revolution, collaborating with giants of composition and poetry such as Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Baligh Hamdi, Kamal El Tawil, and Nizar Qabbani. His songs expressed the sentiments of an entire generation, and his voice became intertwined with the major events that swept the region, granting him a symbolic status that transcended his role as a mere singer.

In contrast, Amr Diab emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s, in a completely different era characterized by the rise of music videos, the ascendancy of pop music, and the influence of Western styles. Diab spearheaded a revolution in the form of the Arabic song, presenting modern, fast-paced music that resonated with a new generation. His success was linked to his ability to constantly reinvent himself, keep pace with technological advancements, and achieve global recognition through awards like the World Music Awards, thus representing a model of a successful "commercial artist" in the age of globalization.

The impact of the controversy and its timing

Critics believe that Ibrahim Eissa's statements, coinciding with the announcement of his new novel "Amr... Where He Is Alone," which chronicles the life of "El Hadaba" (Amr Diab), may be part of a promotional campaign for the book. This timing has raised questions about the objectivity of the argument, with some considering it an attempt to generate media buzz to benefit the literary work. Media professor Mohamed Fathi Younis pointed out that "the comparison is flawed because it overlooks the fact that Abdel Halim Hafez sang about national values ​​and authentic artistic expression, while Amr Diab sang about commercial identities and media consumption," emphasizing that Eissa's statements lack impartial critical standards.

Ultimately, the debate remains open between those who see Amr Diab as a symbol of global success and innovation, and those who cling to Abdel Halim Hafez as an immortal artistic icon and part of the collective Arab memory, stressing that each of them has an indelible mark on the history of Arab music.

A spiritual journey and a decision to distance oneself

Egyptian actress Hanan Shawky revealed the deep reasons that led her to withdraw from the art scene, emphasizing that her decision was not a coincidence or a result of a lack of offers, but rather the culmination of a profound spiritual and personal journey that began in 2002. Shawky explained that during that period she felt a significant gap between the world of fame and the needs of her soul, feeling as though she "didn't exist among people." This prompted her to make the bold decision to dedicate herself to self-discovery and drawing closer to God through Sufism. This step was an attempt to overcome the feelings of sadness and disappointment that had overwhelmed her, and to seek inner peace away from the clamor of the spotlight.

Artistic background and golden age

Hanan Shawky's decision to step away from the spotlight comes after a prolific career that established her as one of the most prominent stars of her generation during the 1980s and 90s. Her career took off with great force, and she shone in roles that left a lasting impression on Arab audiences. Among her most notable television works that cemented her stardom are iconic series such as "Layali El Helmeya," "El Mal Wel Banoun," and "Beit El Qadi." She also had a remarkable presence in cinema, and her role in the 1994 film "El Erhabi" (The Terrorist) alongside Adel Imam was a landmark in her career, as she delivered a powerful performance in a film that tackled a sensitive social issue. This great success made her absence from the artistic scene a significant event and a source of much speculation among her fans for many years.

Health crisis and personal strength

Hanan Shawky's journey was not without its physical challenges, as she revealed that she endured intense psychological stress that directly impacted her health. This stress culminated in a heart attack while driving, an experience she described as harrowing but one that changed her perspective on life. Shawky affirmed that these trials and tribulations did not break her; on the contrary, they were key factors in shaping her character, increasing her strength and maturity, and giving her a different perspective on dealing with life's difficulties.

Her view on privacy and personal life

Speaking about her personal life, the actress revealed that she had been married once, and the relationship ended in divorce. She emphasized her deep respect for the institution of family, which is why she hesitated before making the decision to divorce. She also touched on the importance of maintaining privacy in personal relationships, especially after a separation, and praised actor Ahmed El-Awady for keeping his relationship with his ex-wife, Yasmine Abdel Aziz, private and not discussing it in the media, considering this behavior a reflection of noble character and respect for their shared history.

Return to the stage

After a long absence, Hanan Shawky returned to her audience through the stage, with her last work being the play “Witness, O Time,” which was performed in 2023. This play, in which she collaborated with director Abdel Ghani Zaki and a group of theater stars, constituted a strong and anticipated return, through which she proved that her passion for art was still burning, and that her spiritual journey had given her a new artistic and human depth.