Mouna to Arabstoday: Maher over Oum Koulthoum!

From an early age Mauritanian singer Mouna Bint Dan Dan always knew she was destined for musical stardom.  The singer, who has been likened to Egyptian music legend Oum Koulthoum, grew up in a family of artists who encouraged her talent from an early age. Mona says her family has been training her musically ever since they discovered she could sing.  In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, the Mauritanian singer speaks openly about her musical influences, her culture and her plans for the future. Arabstoday: You have become very successful in recent years.  Do you consider music your job or just a hobby? Mouna Bint Dan Dan: I first acquired an interest in music after coming across Oum Koulthoum.  I started imitating her and improving as a result.  I began to feel that my talent wasn’t just an outcome of the work of my supportive family, but because of how Oum Koulthoum influenced me. When I grew older I started listening to traditional Mauritanian music and playing the ardin instrument, which is traditionally played by Mauritanian women.  I am an artist who has loved music from a very young age.  Because I have come from such a different background and practiced different genres of Arabic music. I can imitate any other singer in the Arab world, even Amel Maher. This is why I would say music is a hobby. AT:  You spend much of your time writing songs on your own.  But you have also performed on international platforms in front of thousands of people?  Can you describe the different feelings you experience? MBDD: I am very passionate about writing songs which come from within. The themes I explore are full of emotion but generally when I appear on stage I am very excited and happy but feelings are different wherever you go.  If I am performing at home I feel very comfortable but when I am performing abroad, I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel some anxiety.  I have a huge responsibility in representing my nation but I feel that God has blessed me so much. AT: Do you think the unique sound of your voice helps you sing original Arabic songs with ease and do you prefer old classics to more modern music? MMDD: There is no doubt that Allah blessed me with a strong voice which can adapt to other genres of music with ease.  I can't deny that I prefer Arabic pop singer Amal Maher to classic singers like Oum Kalthoum.  Amel just leaves me with a great feeling inside every time I hear her music AT: Can you tell us about your latest projects? MBDD: I am getting ready for my new album which will be released soon.  I am also very excited about presenting a television programme for the first time in my life.  Recently I had to turn down an offer from a company which wanted me to sponsor its products but I had to reject it as they insisted I had to wear modern clothes instead of my more traditional Mauritanian clothes.  I turned down the biggest deal offered by any Mauritanian artistic company outside the country, but I could not deny my culture.