Nelly Makdessi: I'm responsible for my success

Singer Nelly Makdessi Beirut – Nicola Azaar Artist Nelly Makdessi revealed to ArabsToday that this is the first time she has ever appeared with a typical Bedouin look in any of her video clips,and this video clip is titled “Ya Arab.” She pointed out that filming the clip went smoothly, without any obstacles. She also told us about Rotana, saying that she holds nothing against them and in turn they hold nothing against her; even though when they separated she was upset, and did confront them publically. She assured us that she is the loyal type, and does not forget those who she worked with, but if she feels that the other side has become disloyal then that’s when she prefers to keep her distance. In addition, she talked to us about a number of artists who are performing in concerts in Lebanon who are less famous and experienced than those who are currently absent from the scene. This is what Nelly had to say to ArabsToday…
* You released your new video clip for the song “Ya Arab” in collaboration with Director Fadi Haddad. What was it like working with him for the first time?
The song has a Bedouin style, and it is the first time I have appeared in a full-on typical Bedouin look, which is completely different for me.  I hope my fans like it; especially as I wouldn’t want to portray a look that I didn’t think suited me. Luckily the filming went very smoothly and thank God there weren’t any difficulties, even though I don’t interfere in anything to do with filming because that’s the director’s job. The director and I hold intensive meetings before filming and agree on all the key points in the clip, so I only give input on my own look, like my hair and makeup. In addition, Haddad has given me an amazing piece of work, and even though this is our first collaboration I’m positive there will be many more to come.
* It was a big surprise that your clip is being broadcast on Rotana TV, especially after your split from them and had your clips broadcast on their competitor’s TV station. What is your comment on this?
Everyone knows about my split with Rotana, and it happened without any embarrassment from either side.  We just had different points of view which led me to leaving them, even though I hold them very dear to my heart and hold nothing against them and they feel exactly the same way. So even though I did confront them it was only because I love them very much. But I feel content now and I think they do too.
* Do you think Nelly would go back to Rotana?
Nothing is certain at the moment especially as I’m happy with the way I do things now. There’s still a relationship between Rotana and I, but it’s not work-related and that’s a better way to maintain a good relationship between us.
* Does that show where your work loyalties lie? You don’t forget those who helped your career?
Sure, I’m naturally loyal and I don’t forget anyone I’ve collaborated with in the past, but if I feel that they have become disloyal then I prefer to just keep my distance from them.
* Do you ever think about quitting the entertainment world?
Of course I think about it as one day it is inevitable that I will make a decision to move away from the entertainment world, but I don’t know when, and it’s not currently on the cards. I’m still at my peak and feel that I have so many beautiful things to give. I believe age has to do with when an artist should quit, each age has its own stage and should be respected accordingly.
* Is it possible to quit singing to form a family? Or maybe your husband would ask you to stop singing, would you listen to him then?
Of course not; a relationship in my eyes is a joint way of thinking, and the extent one partner will understand the other which contributes to a loving and emotional relationship between them leading to a feeling of security, whether it is on a professional or personal level.
* You have lately been singing old classic songs and making them your own style; why would you do that when some are very different to your own style?
These songs still live on in our mind and hearts and grew up listening to them; they’re just special and are unique to today’s music. Sure, some of them are very different to my own style but that doesn’t stop me from singing them, because when you sing old music you just feel something completely different.  I feel that I have a unique talent and gift which allows me to sing songs from all different styles in a beautiful way.
* Why did you choose this specific song to sing in your own voice/style?
Because I love Warda Al-Jazairia and her music and the way she performs. She has a unique voice and I’m about to release another one of her songs soon, and I would like to point out that no other artist has sung it after Warda before. I don’t fear comparison, because I am aware of the huge responsibility on me when I do renew old songs, and I feel that I’m up to it without fear or hesitation.
* Why are you not performing at any concerts in Lebanon? Have you had any disagreements with concert organizers in Lebanon?
No there are no disagreements at all. The organizers think that those they are used to working with are the real stars of the concerts, which is untrue, as I’m not the only one who is absent from the concert scene in Lebanon. I think it’s unfair that only a few names perform at the concerts even though they are less famous and experienced than the stars absent from the scene. But there’s always been favoritism in this market, and I thank God that I have plenty of overseas concerts, which raises eyebrows.  I’ve never and would never ask anyone for help, I’m unlike other artists, and maybe that’s what caused me losses on the entertainment level, but I feel happy because of the fact that I don’t owe anyone for my successes.