Lebanese singer Alissa has denied circulating rumors that she was banned from performing in Egypt for not paying concert fees for a recent performance.

Rumors claim the Head of the Egyptian Musician Association, Hassan Abu Sou'od, threatened to ban Alissa, along with Egyptian singers Dolly Shahin and Jad Shweiri from performing in Egypt.

The threat came after the three singers allegedly held a private wedding concert and did not pay fees owed to the association, about 10 thousand Egyptian pounds each.

Hassan said that the three singers will not be permitted to perform in Egypt until they pay the required fees. Alissa received 35,000 US dollars, Jad 30,000, and Dolly 25,000 for the performance. 
 
 

Alissa said that she is not obligated to pay any fees for her performances in Egypt, explaining it is the concert sponsor’s responsibility.

On a similar note, Alissa denied circulating rumors that she is romantically involved with a prominent businessman, who gave her an expensive diamond watch as a gift.

Alissa said that she had bought the diamond watch for herself from a department store in Switzerland, and has become accustomed to hearing such rumors about romantic relationships with rich Arab businessman. The singer noted that she does not bother herself with commenting on such rumors in order not to give them more importance than they deserve. 

From Al Bawaba