1. BY MARLYNNE MALLARI – DELA PENA
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DFI
In every note he sings there’s
an energy that everyone can
feel. He sings with conviction
and with hope, a benevolent
soul who won the favour of the
crowd and the judges at Arab
Idol in 2013. From the flashing
lights of Arab Idol to the soils
of Qatar, Mohammed Assaf
talks with ABODE on how he
started and how he wants to be
remembered.
I
n his younger years, Mohammed
would sing on the streets of Gaza,
spreading echoes of hope and
optimism despite the ugly things
happening around him and his family. As
we speak with him, there’s always a glint
of hope in his eyes and a smile on his face,
free from despair and hate. The biopic 'Idol'
is another masterpiece done by Director
Hany Abu-Assad where the challenging life
of Mohammed is beautifully depicted. This
movie and Mohammed's efforts continue
to inspire the youth of the Middle Eastern
region and the rest of the world.
ABODE: 'Idol' is a biopic of your life,
Mohammed. Which part of the film do
you find most nostalgic?
MA: Definitely my childhood days. It was
a difficult time for me, my siblings and my
friends but as kids we enjoyed what we
had and lived a life full of dreams. We sang
songs together and we all fondly reminisce
the naughty things we got up to together.
ABODE: The risks you took to participate
in the auditions for Arab Idol were not
easy, what pushed you to take them?
MA: There are two factors, first my family
who said, “You deserve much more than
being a wedding singer, you can be greater,
you can be known around the world”, and
the growing hope and determination that
one day everything would be better and I
would be acknowledged for my talent.
ABODE: There are a lot of political issues
and animosity against nations in the
region, what would you like to say to
preserve the hope of the people?
MA: There’s always gloominess in the city.
Despite all of these hardships people still
smile and do not want to hurt each other
because of hope. We have to believe that
there are beautiful things in life and see
things from a different perspective – always
look from a positive angle.
ABODE: In your own words, how do you
want the youth of Gaza to be encouraged?
MA: Not to lose hope and always seek the
beautiful things.
Mylifeisnotallabouttheglitzandglamourof
popularity; it is about the highest note I sang
in silence and that is the courage of keeping
the faith alive in humanity, surpassing every
race,colourandreligion.Iamnotjustawinner
who keeps on singing but also a person who
never forgets to reach out and come back to
Gaza and help my brothers and sisters.
ON THE
HIGHEST
NOTE
FACTS ABOUT
MOHAMMED ASSAF
• During the competition in Arab Idol, he was
nicknamed 'Asaroukh' ("The Rocket") by one
of the judges, Ragheb Alama.
• 'IDOL' was directed by the renowned director
Hany Abu-Assad and debuted globally at
the Toronto International Film Festival 2015
and in October 2015 it was screened at the
prestigious BFI London Film Festival.
• He is engaged to Lina Qishawi, a Palestinian/
Russian TV presenter for Al Falastinia TV.Mohammed Assaf during the AjyalYouth
Film Festival,Third Edition 2015.
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