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Queen for a ring

MORE THAN A decade after hitting the music scene, Elissa continues to top the charts with her dance hits and soulful melodies. She has toed the line with the biggest names in the industry, making her the best selling artist of the Middle East two years in a row.

The Lebanese sensation revolutionised the way Arab artists were viewed by the West. While filming a music video in Paris for her third studio album, Elissa was officially dressed by Christian Dior – a first ever collaboration. Even world famous Irish singer Chris De Burgh crooned for her when they recorded the hit ‘Lebanese Nights’ together in 2002. And she was the only Arabic artist to perform in front of former US President Bill Clinton at a Dubai charity event.

From rare performances at the Pyramids to Royal Albert Hall, Elissa has broken new ground and managed to bank on her appeal. Securing lucrative deals with the likes of Pepsi, she continues to push her image as the leading songstress of Arabia.

We catch up with Elissa during her press conference as the brand ambassador for Samsung to discuss the new mobile she’s pushing.

Can you tell us about this new phone campaign?

I am so happy to work with Samsung. This phone is special because it really puts a focus on music as no one can really escape the power of music in their lives. This is the third music phone Samsung has launched with me since February 2008. I am very happy to endorse the next music phone M3510 because I believe that music is enrichment for the soul. The new phone combines technology and entertainment which make it easier for my fans to listen to my music wherever they go.

You give your name to some of the biggest corporations for advertising. Are you negotiating these deals or is your record company, Rotana?

Mostly everything is taken care of by the record company with my approval and thankfully we haven’t had any problems.

Out of all the phone companies, why did you choose to promote Samsung?

Well first, they chose me. Secondly, I liked how they were incorporating music into their phones. I wanted to be a part of a campaign for a phone that was music oriented, as I’m in this business of course.

So what phone are you using now?

It’s not the M3510, it’s the Touch. But it’s still from Samsung!

Is this just work or do you actually feel strongly about what you are promoting?

Of course it begins as work, but then you begin feeling how special the product is. I get satisfied seeing my friends and family enjoying the phone.