Lebanese singer Elissa's new music video "Ila Kol Elli Bihebouni (To All Those Who Love me)" is a stellar work of art in the form of a campaign for the early detection of breast cancer.
The World Music Awards winner revealed she had been struggling with breast cancer, and urges urges women to always take precautions, as early detection can save lives.
The music video had shots of the singer in the hospital and on stage, where Elissa appears to be part of a circus-like, 1920s flapper show. The shots of her performing among the glitz and the glamor of the feathered headpieces, sequined outfits, and the dancers, often merge into the dreary hospital scenes.
The jump, portrayed in the video, between the two realities Elissa was facing, emphasizes her professionalism and work ethic; she’s metaphorically explaining to her audience that show business is her passion and life. Even when the latter was at risk, the show must go on.
And with the news breaking out that one of the Arab music scene's sweethearts was going through a malicious fight with cancer, this part of the world united together, and expressed multiple messages of support and respect for Elissa.
This is how some of the Middle East's biggest stars reacted to the news:
1- Abed Fahed, Syrian actor
What a strong woman! respect.#abedfahed #elissa @elissakh#عابد_فهد #اليسا pic.twitter.com/92y9v1KERU
— Abed Fahed (@AbedFahed) 8 août 2018
2- Hiba Tawaji, Lebanese soprano coloratura singer, actress, and director
"Everyone is fighting a battle you may not see..." thank you for being an example to many. @elissakh a brave fighter, a true artist, an inspirational woman, your love of life & the ones who surround you can move mountains! Keep shining through#إليسا الحمدلله على سلامتك
— Hiba Tawaji(@hibatawaji) 8 août 2018
3- Maya Diab, Lebanese pop singer, actress and television personality
وعيت الْيَوْمَ ع كليب @elissakh الجديد اللي بيحكي عن خوضها معركة سرطان الثدي..فيلم مؤثر جداً من امرأة حقيقية غير متزلّفة،عانت ولكن بقيت أليسا القوية،الامرأة الي عملت حالها بحالها وتعبت وحلمت ونجحت أكيد هالمثال ما رح إلاّ يصمد ويحارب ويخبّر قصته بذكاء وصدق لا للاستعطاف ولكن لنقل..
— Maya Diab (@mayadiab) 7 août 2018
4- Nancy Ajram, Lebanese singer
@elissakh Thank God for your recovery, wish you a healthy and prosperous life and praying to god to help all in need..
— Nancy Ajram (@NancyAjram) 7 août 2018
5- Hend Sabry, Tunisian actress living in Egypt
@elissakh , the greatness of people shows in how they carry their pain and their happiness.. and you showed us Grandeur in both ..Nchalla no more pain and only joy from now on.
— Hend Sabry (@HendSabry) 8 août 2018
6- Haifa Wehbe, Lebanese singer and actress
She is a Fighter
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) 7 août 2018
Goodnight! #Elissa
7- Carole Samaha, Lebanese singer and actress
I salute yr courage @elissakh Overcoming sickness is always a chance for Rebirth Let's all celebrate Life! Someone like you deserves all the happiness!!!
— CAROLE SAMAHA (@CAROLE_SAMAHA) 7 août 2018
8- Daniella Rahme, Lebanese Actress and TV Presenter
I’ve always admired your strength and I always will. #Cancer was a chapter in your life, #Strength was your whole story. Hamdellah 3al Saleme @elissakh #breastcancersurvivor #اليسا #الى_كل_يلي_حبوني pic.twitter.com/MttIVikgN3
— Daniella Rahme (@daniellarahme) 7 août 2018
9- Mario Bassil, Lebanese comedian, actor, and producer
Nothing to say, you such a superhero my dear @elissakh
— Mario Bassil (@mariobassil1) 7 août 2018
We all have to support cancer-fighterspic.twitter.com/lakQOZOTU0
10- Mohamad Hamaki, Egyptian singer and Elissa’s fellow judge on “The Voice Ahla Sawt”
Although I've always known how strong you are, you still managed to surprise me.
— Mohamed Hamaki (@Hamaki) 7 août 2018
You are an amazing person with a wonderful heart, full of love and faith to everyone around you. You are a true fighter, my friend.God bless you @elissakh
ياللا إليسا نغني ونسهر pic.twitter.com/B6ymsXGdih
11- Bassam Fattouh, Lebanese celebrity makeup artist (who appeared in the music video)
Nothing but Love @elissakh pic.twitter.com/eMHpi0MWVl
— Bassam Fattouh (@BassamFattouh) 7 août 2018
12- Neshan, Lebanese TV host
1 in 8 women develop breast cancer over the course of a lifetime.
— نيشان (@Neshan) 7 août 2018
They all have stories:
bitter and sad.
Elissa embraced the pain, fought it, bit the bullet, and beat it!
Today, she tells her story with love.
Much love. @elissakh
Iconic!
13- Assi El Hallani, Lebanese singer and Elissa’s fellow judge on “The Voice Ahla Sawt”
14- Ahlam al Shamsi, Emirati singer and Elissa’s fellow judge on “The Voice Ahla Sawt”
15- Daniella Semaan, Lebanese socialite and wife of Spanish football star Cesc Fabregas
