Not Just A Pretty Face

If one of the Rahbanis is championing you, then you know you’ve got a fighting chance of making it in show business – and it’s even more likely that you have enough talent to deserve to. At just 20, Beirut’s Hiba Tawaji was plucked from near obscurity by Oussama Rahbani – son of Mansour, cousin of Ziad and brother of theatre director Marwan – to star in the play The Return of the Phoenix, the historical epic about the Phoenician civilisation in Byblos that has just completed a sell-out run in Dubai. And despite Mansour’s music, Oussama’s production and Marwan’s direction, few plaudits noticed anything more than Hiba’s incredible vocal performance – and, if we’re being honest, those incredible, scene-stealing looks. We’re hardly exaggerating when we say that the arrival of her pictures from the courier was greeted with a collective sigh from the NOX team.

We caught up with her as she completed filming her Joe Abou Eid-directed video clip “Mitl el-Rih” to catch a few words about her unfolding fame and her burgeoning fan base – which, we are happy to report, includes everyone that works here.

NOX: Hi Hiba, thanks for speaking to us at short notice – and in such a busy schedule. The video is now done, so what are the other projects you are working on?
Hiba Tawaji: The first thing is the next performance of The Return of the Phoenix in Lebanon, which is being produced at the Casino du Liban in November – that followed on from the three nights in Dubai at the East Hall, which was attended by Sheikh Majid Al Maktoum, and was an incredibly memorable experience for everyone involved.

NOX: We were surprised to learn that you didn’t actually study music, did you? What did you study, and why has music overtaken everything else?
Hiba: You’re right; I actually did my French baccalaureate in philosophy and I am now completing my last year in acting and directing at the Saint Joseph University. But I have always loved music and it has always been an incredibly important part of my life, if not the most important. For instance, when I was younger, I always enjoyed staying in my room on my own and listening to different singers and different styles of music. I used to impersonate many of the famous singers until I found my own voice. I was only 12, I think!

NOX: Oh, so you did that whole little sister hairbrush-in the-mirror thing!
Hiba: Of course! I would be lying if I said not.

NOX: So, was there a particular favourite singer or song that you found yourself singing, driving the neighbours crazy until you were finally persuaded to go to bed?
Hiba: Oh, I can’t really remember specific songs to be honest with you, but I do know it was many, many songs and from all different genres. Of course, I really can’t deny that I love Fairouz, who’s the biggest diva ever – locally and internationally, in my opinion. On the international level, I do really like Mariah Carey and, from a bit earlier, the likes of Barbra Streisand and Chaka Khan, just to name a few.

NOX: And you have to mention the Rahbani family at this point, too…
Hiba: Sure! I have always been influenced by Oussama Rahbani’s music. His album Al-Nizam al-Jadid (The New Order) is one of my favourite CDs I own. I think it represents a genuine revolution in the Arabic music industry. What he’s done to the Arabic music is amazing, drawing more people to appreciate it more. In my own three words, he’s my idol.

NOX: Naturally, Lebanon is hardly wanting for new singers on the scene. So do you see yourself different from others in the business? What would you rather be known for?
Hiba: I would honestly say that the big differentiating factor is my voice. It’s the most important part of my work and I feel it’s the reason why am I am truly living my dream – and, most importantly in this environment, my voice is the reason why I am able to perform with the most respected talents in the music industry today. I am very proud of that.

NOX: So, you’re young, you’re incredibly beautiful and exceptionally talented – you must be fighting them off with a large stick. Is there anyone special in your life right now?
Hiba (giggling): There are many, many people who are special in my life. If I had to choose, I would choose one person from each part of my life. From my family I would choose Michel, my uncle, he was always there for me, supporting me in every step and from my friends I can think of six (they’ll know who they are… I love you all). And last but not least, Oussama, who made the dream come true…

NOX: Woah. Allow us stop you there. We did, of course, mean romantically special. How would you describe the man you want in your life?
Hiba: He just has to share my every dream and plan and I have to share his. Otherwise it won’t work. But that’s all I’m telling you right now. Sorry.

NOX: Okay, so what does a possibly single girl in Beirut do for fun? And whatever it is, can we join you?
Hiba: Ha! Well, nothing out of the ordinary. I hang out with my friends, I listen to music, I watch movies… and, of course, I practise my vocals and acting. That’s become a hobby these days.

NOX: Tell us a bit more about the album you’re working on.
Hiba: Now that the play is finishing in Lebanon, the main project will be the new album with Oussama Rahbani. It will include 12 songs written by Ghadi Rahbani and the great Mansour Rahbani, and produced and arranged by Oussama. The only exceptions are “What are you doing the rest of your life” and the “Windmills of your Mind” by Michel Legrand, and “Libertango” by Astor Piazolla. I am so excited about it. Can’t wait until it’s out and everyone can hear it.

For more the full version of the interview and more of Hiba Tawaji's stunning photos, see NOX 29