Arab icon Fairouz’s new single inspired by John Lennon

Fairouz

JEDDAH: Legendary Arab music icon Fairouz set social media abuzz when she released a new song — an Arabic adaptation of a famous English song — at the weekend.
“Yemken” is based on the original work “Imagine” written and composed by John Lennon. The work is arranged by Steve Sidwell and lyrics adapted by Fairouz’s daughter Reema Rahbany. It is part of Fairouz’s upcoming new album “Bebalee,” also produced by Rahbany.
The Lebanese singer has announced the release of a new album on Sep. 22.
The album comprises 10 songs: “Bi Bali,” “Lameen,” “Yemken,” “Ma Tez3al Menni,” “Ana W Yak,” “Hikayat Ktir,” “Bgheir Dene,” “Beit Zghir,” and “Rah Nerjaa Netla2a.”
The new song reflects the reality of the world and the frustration of people because of divisions and wars; it imagines a unified world free of hatred, corruption and wars.
Excited fans of Fairouz took to social media to share their joy.
One fan wrote on Facebook: “God bless Fairouz. She is a unifying force.”
Another said: “OMG!!! What a great legend, God bless her and keep up the awesome work guys...”
It is the second single from the album after “Lameen,” which Fairouz dedicated to her late husband Assi Al-Rahbani.
Fairouz, who is also known as “Ambassador of the Arabs,” is one of the most widely admired and deeply respected singers in the Arab world.