August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 30 When did you first start singing? I started singing at a very young age. I was maybe four years old when I discovered that I could sing and that I love singing. And when did you first perform? Was it at family events or something grander? I was around four or five years old and I remember performing for family members and realising that they really enjoyed listening to me. You’ve come a long way since Arabs Got Talent. How did it feel to hit the international stage at such a young age? I loved it from the beginning. Of course there were times I would get anxious and nervous, like anyone else would when they first try something new and in front of a lot of people, but I definitely loved it. How have you coped with growing up in the spotlight? To be honest, it came very naturally to me. I feel I was born for it. I love the feeling of entertaining people and hearing them sing along with me. Arab’s Got Talent star Hala Al Turk has grown up in the public eye, known for her colourful life both on stage and off. Now, with a new record deal and a photoshoot that shows the more mature side of her nature, she tells WTM what’s in store for the future. Growing Up in the Spotlight You seem to have courted controversy a little and were, at one stage, labelled a ‘wild child’. Is that behind you now? I think people will always find ways to label me, whether I was wild or not. It’s part of human nature to label, especially when you’re in the spotlight. I don’t consider myself wild now; I’m just myself. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen reported about yourself? The craziest thing was hearing that I’m married and that my little brother is actually my son! I found that shocking! There was also a well-publicised custody battle which saw you going to live with your mother, despite petitioning the court that you would rather be with your dad. Are things all sorted out on the home front now and do you manage to maintain a relationship with both parents, particularly since your dad was so important in your early career? This specific topic is behind me now as I’ve opened a new chapter in my life. What happened, happened, and now its time to turn a new page. I love both my parents and I always wish them well. You’ve just re-signed with Platinum. What’s in store for the future? When can we expect to see new music from you? We are working on new music, for sure, and you will be hearing from me very soon. I will leave it as a surprise and keep everyone on their toes. I can say, however, that with this new Hala chapter comes a new flavour for my music as well. Do you write or collaborate on writing any of your own music – or is this something you would like to develop? No, I don’t write my own music but I would definitely love to. Perhaps in the next few years; you never know. It is something I’ve thought about for sure because I feel I have a lot to express through my music. Are there any plans to take the ‘Hala sound’ out of the region? Yes, for sure. That’s always an option and part of the plan. It all depends on timing and which markets would love my kind of music.
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