Lebanese singer Wael Jassar has said he declined an offer to perform the song "Alwan" and that he is unfamiliar with Egyptian musician Amir Eid, according to FilFan.com.
In remarks reported by the entertainment outlet, Jassar also commented on Amr Diab's track "Lola El Banat," saying the song does not fit his own musical style. His statements about Eid and the band Cairokee have drawn criticism and sparked debate online, as reported by multiple outlets including ZAD Jordan.
Jassar's comments come amid ongoing discussion in the Arab music scene about generational divides and the rise of independent artists. The singer, known for his traditional romantic ballads, suggested that lasting success is not measured by short-term popularity or "hype," but by whether a song endures in history, according to Al-Watan.
The controversy highlights a recurring tension between established pop stars and newer acts like Cairokee, who have built large followings with a different sound. Jassar's admission that he does not know Amir Eid, the frontman of the popular Egyptian band, has been interpreted by some as a dismissal of the younger generation's work.
FilFan.com reported that Jassar was asked about the song "Alwan," which has been associated with Eid, and he responded that he had refused to sing it. His reasoning was not fully detailed in the available reports.
The debate is likely to continue as fans of both Jassar and the newer artists weigh in on social media. Whether Jassar will clarify or expand on his remarks in the coming days remains to be seen.
