15 May 2008
Ragheb also hosted a charitable auction for the original copy of his limited edition Ba'cha'ak album. In addition the first person who bought Ba'cha'ak at the counter got to actually meet Ragheb.

The much awaited return of superstar Ragheb Alama, after 3 years of touring and recording, took place yesterday Wednesday, May 14th at 5 pm in Virgin Megastore - Mall of the Emirates to much fanfare and excitement. It marked the official launch of his new album Ba'cha'ak with Ragheb there in person to meet his fans and answer press questions.

Ba'cha'ak which is produced by Backstage Production and distributed by Daxar Music is Ragheb Alama's 15th album from a varied and highly successful 25 year career.  Ba'cha'ak limited edition, which is exclusively available through Virgin Megastore, includes a DVD with never before seen, behind the scenes footage and memorable moments with Ragheb throughout his career.

"We are pleased and proud of the support and admiration that Virgin Megastore has shown towards the new album Ba'cha'ak" said Khodr Alama, Ragheb Alama's manager. "We are also confident about the partnership that successfully joins Backstage Production, Daxar Music and Virgin Megastore. This is only part of our continuous effort to unite the media and the loving fans into Virgin Megastore; the largest home of music and entertainment in the world"

Featuring a diverse and varied mix of genres from Lebanese to jazz and Egyptian to techno; Sirr Hobbi marks Ragheb's return to the Gulf rhythm and Khaleeji genre with a Yemeni folkloric style song. A very moving Arabic/Iranian duo also features on the album as Ragheb links up with young, fresh talent Legha the London based Iranian singer and Ragheb even gives his fans a sneak preview of the previously unseen Pearl Island in Qatar through the video which accompanies Ana Weyak. The album is clearly a very personal offering from Ragheb as he shares his life experiences with his fans and in turn the launch press conference will be equally personal and unique.

"The Virgin brand is renowned for innovation and next level thinking and this truly shines through at Virgin Megastore Middle East" said Elie El Massih, marketing manager, Virgin Megastore "The unique approach which we are taking for the in store launch of Ragheb Alama's Ba'cha'ak Album showcases our determination to offer the ultimate entertainment experience."

The first ever copy; the 'Golden Copy' of the limited edition of Ba'cha'ak to be sold worldwide was bought by Mezna stores for Dhs30,000 and the second went for Dhs 10,000 to Virgin Megastores. In true Ragheb style, all proceeds were donated to the 'Dubai Cares' fund, a humanitarian initiative which aims to educate 1 million children in impoverished countries around the world. Separately, the first person to purchase a copy of Ba'cha'ak at the counter in Virgin Megastore; a young boy named Malek got to meet Ragheb for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Ragheb also surprised Malek by giving him two free tickets plus backstage passes for his upcoming Dubai concert and Malek so impressed by the whole event even donated an extra Dhs50 to Dubai Cares.

-Ends-

Editors Notes
The Original 'Golden Copy' of the limited edition Ba'cha'ak album was bought by Mezna stores for Dhs30,000. Mr. Ayman representative from Mezna Stores handed the cheque to Ragheb to donate the money to Dubai Cares to support the multi-million dirham initiative to educate more than a million children worldwide that was launched my His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.  

The second copy was bought by Virgin Megastore for Dhs10,000 with all proceeds going to Dubai Cares. President Nisreen Shocair represented Virgin Megastore. 

In addition the first person to purchase Ba'cha'ak at the counter; a young boy named Malek got to meet Ragheb and as a surprise gift received two free VIP tickets plus backstage passes for his upcoming Dubai concert. Malek even donated Dhs50 to Dubai Cares.

About Virgin Megastore:
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in retail entertainment with stores in 50 countries throughout the globe, including the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies and the latest in technology. Virgin Megastore offers an innovative entertainment destination for the young and young at heart with its unique shopping experience. Catering to local cultures through events, activities and support of local artists in each market it enters, Virgin Megastore is truly a global brand with local flavor.

 

© Press Release 2008