Lebanese superstar Haifa Wehbe continues to push boundaries with her music and visuals, recently releasing the music video for her new single, “Ehna El Shella” and sparking conversation with her latest release, “Men Awel Marra Shuftak.” The artist’s consistent output signals a new phase in her career, marked by a project dubbed “Mega Haifa,” an album rollout structured in four volumes, each containing approximately six tracks.
“Ehna El Shella,” which translates roughly to “We Are the Squad,” is accompanied by a vibrant music video directed by Raja Nehme. The video showcases Wehbe surrounded by friends, embodying the song’s energetic and positive message. The release is available on all major music platforms and represents the first installment of the “Mega Haifa” project. Fans have responded positively to the visuals, praising their colorful aesthetic and catchy energy.
Beyond new music, Wehbe’s willingness to tackle complex themes in her work has drawn attention. Her music video for “Men Awel Marra Shuftak” (From the First Time I Saw You) has generated significant discussion, particularly on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The video’s narrative deviates from traditional storylines, addressing a sensitive and unconventional topic: the discovery that a romantic partner is gay.
This storyline has ignited a debate among viewers, with reactions ranging from praise for its boldness to criticism regarding its handling of the subject matter. The video’s dramatic narrative has been a key talking point, prompting conversations about artistic boundaries and the representation of LGBTQ+ themes in Arabic music videos. The artist’s choice to address such a sensitive topic demonstrates a willingness to engage with challenging social issues through her art.
Wehbe’s career has been marked by a consistent ability to generate discussion and challenge expectations. This is not a new phenomenon, as evidenced by the reaction to her 2015 music video “Breathing You In.” Directed by Palestinian director Tarik Freitekh and filmed in Las Vegas, the video featured Casper Smart, formerly Jennifer Lopez’s partner, as her love interest. The release of “Breathing You In” on , immediately sparked controversy, with some viewers deeming it “over the top,” “too seductive,” and “x-rated.”
Despite the backlash, Wehbe defended her artistic choices, responding to critics on Instagram. She labeled those who criticized her as “malicious” and highlighted the video’s success, noting the number of views it had already garnered. She also shared quotes emphasizing resilience and defiance, stating, “Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack.” Wehbe’s response underscored her confidence and unwillingness to compromise her artistic vision in the face of criticism.
The “Breathing You In” video garnered over 2.5 million views on YouTube shortly after its release, demonstrating a significant audience despite the controversy. The incident highlights Wehbe’s history of creating work that provokes strong reactions and pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in Arabic music videos.
More recently, Wehbe experienced an on-stage moment during a concert where her dress restricted her movement. A viral video captured the incident, showing her briefly pausing the performance before deciding to cut part of her dress with the assistance of a member of her team. This allowed her to continue dancing and performing without impediment, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to delivering a dynamic show.
In , Wehbe also released the music video for “Gaya Men El Mostaqbal” (Coming from the Future). Written and composed by Aziz El Shafie, the video presents Wehbe in a fresh and bold new look, signaling a continued evolution of her style. This release further solidifies her position as a prominent figure in the Arabic music scene and demonstrates her ongoing commitment to innovation and artistic expression.
Wehbe’s career trajectory demonstrates a consistent pattern of artistic risk-taking and a willingness to engage with challenging themes. From the controversial “Breathing You In” to the thought-provoking “Men Awel Marra Shuftak” and the energetic “Ehna El Shella,” she continues to generate conversation and push the boundaries of Arabic pop music. The “Mega Haifa” project suggests a continued commitment to experimentation and a desire to deliver a comprehensive and innovative body of work to her fans.
