by Aisha Ahmed

Armenian Lebanese singing sensation Nourhanne is one of the most desired stars of the Arab world. Her unique style has captured the eyes of many around the Middle East and as she continues to bedazzle the music industry. Throughout her busy schedule, we managed to get a few moments of her time, to find out a little more about the true Nourhanne herself.

When did you first know that you wanted to go into show business?

Ever since i was a child, I loved being under the spotlight and this has grown up and carried on thoughout my life. Music is my life and I am glad to be part of it.

How does it feel to be such a huge success so early on in your career?

Well the is due to the people who love me, my family, friends and fans, and I hope to be always as they like.

You seem to have created your own persona on stage and are known for your originality. Is this how you truly perceive yourself or is it simply an alternate ego created to build character on stage?

What you see on stage is simply me, exactly as I am in my daily life....this is the way I dress, I move and I sing

Born in Lebanon, you are of an Armenian background, which is quite a small population in comparison to the Lebanese. It is clear to see that you are incredibly proud of this background, but did this affect the launch of your music career in Lebanon?

Of course im proud of my background, it is who I am and who I am today. We are now known as Lebanese from Armenian origines, and I sing in Arabic. Lebanon has changed so much and is an amazing place to live and visit, it was there I learn't my trade and launched my career which has led me all over the Middle East.

Do you feel that your stardom has opened the world’s eyes to the Armenian culture?

Yes of course, and Im so proud of my heritage and everything I have been able to do for it. It has also contributed to my originality in music and on stage.

It is clear to say that you are a very beautiful woman. Is there a special someone in your life that gets to admire this beauty as well as your fans?

Why thank you! Unfortunately not now, I'm concentrating on my career, but I hope to find a great person to spend the rest of my life with one day.

In 2005 you received the award for ‘Best Young Arab Female Artist’s Voice’ at the Oscar Video Clip Festival in Egypt. How did it feel to receive such an award?

Well I want to thank all my fans and all the people who beleived in me. It was a big surprise to me to have this award between stars from the first row, and I was the smallest one who had only my debut albumn in the market at that time. Its great to recieve recognition for all your hard work and I thank god for making it all possible. I was sooooooooooooooo happy.

Of course the award was for the song “Men Zaman” (Far Away). When recording the song in the studio did you ever think that this record would be as successful as it turned out to be?

Furthermore, the song ‘Tab Wana Mali’ was a cover of the traditional Egyptian song in the film ‘Bain al Qasrayn’ (1959). The song was originally performed by Nadia Lutfi. Are you a fan of Lutfi’s work?

I'm a huge fan of all that period in egyptian art, thats why I chose that song. I love Nadia Lotfy and it was a success too because I played the role perfectly.

You also reproduced a scene from the film in the single’s video. Have you ever considered becoming an actress as well as maintaining your music career?

For me acting is not a priority, my music allows me to express who I am and how I feel. I'm not sure for the time being if I want to act although I have many offers. But it was a success due to my love to Nadia Lotfy and to the song.

You have been known to be quite a perfectionist. Is this something you have always been or is it just music that makes you act that way?

This is who I am, I'm afraid. I am a perfectionist in every single detail in my life.

Now, not only do you sing like a cherub, you also dance like one. Which did you get into first?

They came together, I am a full package as they say :)

Solo records have recently released your new album into the market; "Habibi Taa". You must be incredibly excited about this?

Sure I hope the fans like it and hope it will be a sucess as before.

Your hit single ‘Habibi Ya Einy’ had a post-modern remix which received great attention in Europe. Have you ever considered releasing an album in the States or the UK?

You can find my albums all over the world, but I sing in Arabic and never thought of other languages. I would love to do a duet with a foreign singer in the future.

Finally, my favourite song of yours would have to be ‘Habibi Ya Einy’. If you had to choose one of your songs as your favourite, which would it be?

Ohhh I can't answer that, Thats like asking a mother to choose between her children. I put my heart, body, mind and sould into each one of my songs, they all mean so much to me.

Nourhanne is a spectacular woman who is at the beginning of her brilliant accomplishments. It is safe to say that this star isn’t going anywhere for quite a while, and we all at JetSet Dubai wish her the best of luck.