Talented Lebanese singer Dona Maria talks to BelleBeirut about her new album, her career, and her influences in this exclusive interview.
1- Your music is a mix of Spanish and Arabic, which do you prefer and how do your fans react to this mix?
First of all I would like to clear the double version songs I work on.Since I started my career, “No Quiero” and the other version “La Mosh Ayza” were my first songs and as I always say that both of my double versions have the same meaning; well it’s hard to choose one above the other and that’s why I am going to say that I am comfortable with both languages and that’s what I transfer to my fans from the bottom of my heart. I’m pretty much sure that they like both of my versions and recently I added some English to my songs in my new Album.
2- Who are your favorite Arab and international artists? Which of those influence you in your music?
When I was a young girl then a teenager, I used to love international bands more than single artists and as far as the Arab artists, I used to listen to “Oum Kalthoum” since I was 7 years old and till now she still is my favorite. I can say I love this and that and mention many names to make “emballage” in French or sugar coat it but as well known about me that I’m honest and straight forward and I don’t like to waste time mentioning this and that while they don’t really catch my attention but I surely respect all of them as human beings; it’s a duty respecting each other.
3- What are your inspirations when writing your own music and lyrics?
Saying NO to all life hurting situations from any kind or for any human being and to spread positivity through my lyrics and music and even my way of singing and that’s what seriously inspires me and I know that I was born to give people strength to fight towards pain, disappointment, and any kind of hurt and would like to add one more thing that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” and let us not just use this sentence because we memorize it but let us work accordingly and be warriors in life and fight for the right thing and be happy whatever happen and have faith in the only one that can make our lives better.
4- You are releasing a new album soon, can you tell us a bit about it?
I called my new Album “Soy Lo Que Soy” I’m What I’m “AkounManAkoun”. This album’s music and lyrics are by me and it really took hard work musically, lyrically and its production in general; especially when I was pregnant, I was working on it; all the sensitivity in the universe and even outside the universe were inside my body, mind and soul while I worked on this album and I’m counting on the LORD. I’m sure that this album will make a difference in people’s lives and the music market.The album is produced by DM the NO music California and the worldwide distribution will be for NOVA MD Germany and it was recorded in Los Angeles studios…
5- Dancing is a very essential part of your music videos, how do you feel about it as a form of expression in comparison with writing your own lyrics? Do they complete each other?
Well, to be honest, the way I see the music videos is a bit different from others – music video is a way to show and put a light on the song, the artist,and her/his voice but it’s not a movie in 3 to 4 minutes; it’s awkward to make a movie in just 4 minutes.
About dancing in my videos, simply when I hear my songs, I let myself move while shooting my music videos and I insist not to count 1 – 2 – 3 … because it’s not an aerobics it’s what I feel and I’m good at it.
6- What are your plans for the future?
You know something! I surely have future plans but I prefer to keep them in mind and to work toward making them part of my present plans;as for the moment, my Album is my present plan, my music video, and also my Grammy Awards membership…
7- What advice would you give to young Lebanese women who want to follow your footsteps?
I guess I already gave my advice to all young Lebanese women and I will add one extra thing that education is a must; let them study and have education before they go to do anything else as it will help them reach where they want to reach easily; be strong not aggressive; be yourself; don’t copy others and have dignity and self-respect; don’t be like sheep or cheap in life. This advice is not just for the young ladies in Lebanon but for the teenagers and young men and women in the world.
