associated with the songs – that are a concern for
you, as possibly conflicting with your personal
values?
I do find some of the content conflicts with my
personal beliefs, especially my religious ones. There
are many elements of various video clips, for
example, with inappropriate attire that I myself don’t
look up to nor agree with. Some of the lyrics are also
risqué and again, because of my Hijab and my
religious background, I don’t agree with. But there is
music that makes social and political commentary,
and music that you can simply enjoy, and so it’s my
job to ensure I cater for all needs and put my
personal views aside, and I do my job to the best of
my ability. I love presenting on SBS PopAraby - it’s
not a job, it’s a passion, and it’s a beautiful feeling
knowing you can play a song that someone has been
searching for, or hasn’t heard in a while, and it
brings back sweet memories for them. It’s heartwarming.
Shireen Abdel Waheb