Security Concerns Threaten First Musical Collaboration Between Sherine Abdel-Wahab and Fadel Shaker in Two Decades
The anticipated artistic collaboration between Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel-Wahab and Lebanese artist Fadel Shaker faces an uncertain future due to security-related obstacles that have prevented Abdel-Wahab from entering Ain al-Hilweh camp in southern Lebanon, where Shaker has resided for several years.
The duo had planned to shoot a music video for the song “Hadouta” inside the camp, at a private studio linked to Shaker, with the release originally scheduled for July 2025. However, Lebanese authorities reportedly declined to grant Abdel-Wahab official permission to enter the camp, despite multiple attempts over recent days.
Judicial Decision Halts Production
According to reports from Lebanese and regional media outlets, Judge Fadi Akiki, Lebanon’s Government Commissioner to the Military Court, issued a decision barring Abdel-Wahab from entering the camp. This development has temporarily suspended the project, raising questions about its potential cancellation.
The move has sparked significant discussion within both artistic and media circles, particularly as the planned project would mark the first joint work between the two artists since the success of their previous collaboration on the album “El ‘Aam El Gedeed” (The New Year), released over 20 years ago.
Political and Security Background Surrounding Fadel Shaker
Fadel Shaker has been living in Ain al-Hilweh for several years, following legal and security-related proceedings linked to his past association with the group led by Ahmad al-Assir. While Shaker has made efforts to return to the music industry, his presence in the camp continues to complicate potential collaborations, even with prominent regional artists such as Abdel-Wahab.
This is not the first time Abdel-Wahab has faced scrutiny over her engagement with Shaker. In 2022, she was summoned for questioning after visiting him, although she had obtained official authorization at the time.
“Hadouta”: A Music Project in Limbo
The song, to be released in Egyptian Arabic, is written and composed by Joumana Jamal, with music arrangement by Hossam Saabi and directed by Mahmoud Ramzy. While the musical arrangement has been completed, the vocal recording and video production remain unfinished, leaving the fate of the project in doubt.
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