Georges Wassouf at Beirut Holidays

After a long absence, Georges Wassouf inspired many with his appearance in Beirut Waterfront on the 29^th of July. Fans awaited anxiously as he started out at 10 pm. Neshan walked in first to make a very brief introduction. With a trembling voice, he mentioned that with every moment of joy, there is bitterness. We sing tonight with pleasure, while people are hurting in Gaza, Syria, and Iraq. "With full power, I don't want to hear the name Georges Wassouf, I don't want to hear Sultan el Tarab, only one title to shout, let us welcome ABOU WADIH."

Born in 1961, in Tartous Syria, he was called "the miraculous of his time." Plenty of young singers were inspired by his vocal style, and followed his lead. He created a fan base never to be witnessed again. He started out at the age of 10 and has released to date more than 30 albums. He was called "Sultan el Tarab" after his hit "El Hawa Sultan" and later appeared in Studio el Fan in 1980 under this same title. He is known for his stage performances and prefers not to appear in video clips as he hates acting.

Finally everyone shouted when he came back to stage at the waterfront. "Abou Wadih," "Abou Wadih" everyone was yelling at the start, between every song, and at the end. I don't recall seeing seated people, though the entire concert was seated! It is breath taking how he communicates with his fans; joking at all times. People were singing the songs along, even if he stops, they continue...

A slide show was displayed in the background of the stage, pictures of him through his various ages, from childhood to puberty, to where he is now. Memories are brought back as we can never forget the energy he possesses while he is performing on stage.

At the end, we would like to thank Abou Wadih for giving us the pleasure to watch him perform again as you can still see how dedicated his fans are.  With a standing ovation it ended and we sure hope this won't be the final performance and we look forward to seeing him in future appearances.

I am not sure if I managed to deliver the message but I am certain that the pictures will further confirm how crazy it was...

By Stephany B.