Bashar al-Shatti

Bashar al-Shatti
Birth nameBashar Yaghob al-Shatti
بشار يعقوب الشطي
Also known as
  • Basharno
  • Beesho
  • Maystro
Born (1982-09-22) 22 September 1982 (age 42)
OriginKuwait City, Kuwait
GenresKhaliji
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active2004–present
Websitebashar.cc

Bashar al-Shatti (Arabic: بشار الشطي; born 22 September 1982) is a Kuwaiti singer, songwriter and actor, and plays piano and guitar. He began his career as an orchestra chorale member.[1] He served as a judge in the singing competition Arab Idol.

Star Academy

Bashar's fame started along with the reality television show called Star Academy on LBC.[1][2] There were rumors of a love affair between him and Moroccan contestant Sophia Marikh.[3][4] Gulf News reported that teenagers welcomed him as a superstar.[5] Bashar was the runner-up,[6] but lost to Mohammed Attiyeh of Egypt.[2]

The following October, according to an Al Bawaba report, police investigated al-Shatti following a scuffle in Marina Mall in Kuwait. The report stated that fans gathered for pictures and autographs at a coffee shop where he and his brother were sitting, and that al-Shatti got into a physical altercation with some young hecklers, who later called the police.[7]

Later career

After Star Academy, he signed a multi-record deal with Rotana Records. Al-Shatti recorded two records with Rotana. In 2008, he terminated his contract with Rotana to cooperate with Arab Radio and Television Network (ART) and release a third album.[1] Al-Shatti has collaborated with Kuwaiti artist Nabil Shoail.[8] Al-Shatti composes for television serials and cartoons, and has written religious music.[1] He participated in the composition of the Alwatan TV inauguration operetta.[1] Al-Shatti recently branched out into an acting career, taking a role on an MBC television series.[9] Additionally, he was the artist panellist on Qualitynet's home video contest, "Fakkar Ana Khouf?" which was decided on 15 December 2012.[10]

Impact

In Arab Television Today, British media author Naomi Sakr described Al Shatti as "charismatic".[2] Marwan M. Kraidy has called him "a pan-Arab heartthrob".[3]

Personal life

Bashar has three brothers and one sister.[1] He married in early 2011.[11] He has a son, Abdul Rahman.[12] He has also spoken his views on the Syrian revolution, saying, "Aside from being an artist, I am first a human. It isn't human to accept murder, massacres and crimes against children."[9]

Discography

  • Bashar Al-Shatti (Rotana, 2005)
  • Thany Marra (Rotana, 2006)
  • Akwa Men El Awal (ART, 2009)

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Bashar Al Shatti". Yala Music. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Sakr, Naomi (2007). "Arab Media and Political Renewal: Community, Legitimacy and Public Life". Arab Television Today. I.B.Tauris. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-84511-433-6. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  3. ^ a b Kraidy, Marwan M. (2007). "Democratization in the Arab World". In Blankson, Isaac A.; Murphy, Patrick D. (eds.). Negotiating Democracy: Media Transformations in Emerging Democracies. State University of New York. p. 190.
  4. ^ "Sofia Al Marikh, daring within limits". Al Bawaba. 10 July 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  5. ^ Nirmala Janssen (4 January 2005). "Minister served nation in darkest political moments". Gulf News. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  6. ^ Caesar (18 June 2012). "Flashback – Kuwait bans 'vulgar' talent shows following a concert by Star Academy". Kuwait Music. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Bashar Al Shatti creates chaos in Kuwaiti malls". Al Bawaba. 11 October 2004. Retrieved 12 December 2012. The Kuwaiti star could not control himself and suddenly rose and punched one of the guys in the face.
  8. ^ "Nabil Shoail sings Ya Assal". MSN Pakistan. 10 May 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ a b "Bashar al-Shatti answers fan questions" (in Arabic). Middle East Broadcasting Center. Archived from the original on 28 October 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  10. ^ "Qualitynet begins voting for 'Fakkar Ana Khouf?'". Kuwait Times. 3 December 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  11. ^ "Bashar al-Shatti marriage". Laha Magazine. 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. ^ Alaa Mahmoud. "بابا بشار... الشطي". Al Rai. Allah blessed me with my son Abdul Rahman