Sham Al Zahbi ends singing career after debut single draws criticism

Sham Al Zahbi has officially ended her brief foray into the music industry after her debut single Ala Mawgat Al Hob failed to secure meaningful views and drew heavy public criticism.

Sham Al Zahbi Abandons Music After Single Release

The debut track, which translated to On the Wave of Love, was released as a music video on YouTube and various streaming platforms. The song was originally created to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Al Zahbi’s business venture and the opening of new branches. Al Zahbi stated that the musical release was an impulsive, festive project rather than an attempt to launch a professional singing career. The song was presented alongside her female colleague who wrote and composed it, inspired by the slogan Al Zahbi always uses in her work. The track was filmed on a beach with a number of her friends in spontaneous and cheerful summer atmospheres. Before its release, Al Zahbi surprised her audience in late September by announcing her readiness to enter the world of singing for the first time through an Instagram video. This step divided opinions between supporters and opponents of her unexpected move, coming after years where her name was linked to beauty clinics far from art.

She openly acknowledged that her singing voice was modest, noting that talent is not inherited despite her mother being the Syrian artist Asala Nasri. Al Zahbi confirmed that she will not pursue singing again, stating, This is truly the last time, and people will not hear my voice in another artistic work. She also noted that she accepted the criticism directed at her.

Asala Nasri Reacts to Her Daughter's Singing Debut and Subsequent Backlash

Asala initially supported the project because of its joyful nature and its role in supporting her daughter’s commercial enterprise. In a previous video published by Sham, Asala had jokingly objected to her daughter’s direction toward music. Asala does not tolerate negativity around her and ultimately advised Al Zahbi to drop any plans for future music, leading to Al Zahbi’s appearance on the Al-Arabiya screen to confirm this would be her first and last time singing.

Despite closing the door on her own vocal performances, Al Zahbi stated that she will remain active behind the scenes in the music industry. She plans to continue working in music production for her mother, adding that preparations are underway for new tracks featuring Asala in various dialects, including a Sudanese-style song. Al Zahbi also discussed Asala's return to Syria, saying that her concert, Syrian album, and produced song exceeded all expectations.