Lebanese singer Amal Hijazi has spoken publicly for the first time in more than ten years, sharing personal reflections on her life, career and the choices that shaped her journey.
In a rare media appearance, Hijazi revealed that she had quietly battled cancer more than a decade ago but chose to face the illness outside the public eye. She explained that she underwent chemotherapy at the time while continuing her artistic career without revealing her suffering to her fans.
“I decided to live this stage in silence, away from the media,” she said.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Hijazi released music during her treatment years, determined not to let her audience feel the weight of her condition.
Wearing the hijab
Hijazi also discussed her decision to wear the hijab after recovering from her illness, a move that surprised many fans and sparked speculation that it was linked to her cancer.
She clarified that her choice was deeply personal and spiritual, not medical. “My decision to wear the hijab came after I had fully recovered. It was driven by an inner need for serenity and for a closer connection with the true meaning of life,” she said.
The singer added that the hijab represented a transformative period in her life, one in which she sought peace and deeper understanding.
Removing the hijab
Years later, Hijazi chose to take off the hijab, a decision that triggered controversy and divided opinion across the Arab world. She stressed that her choice was not the result of external pressure or social expectation but an outcome of self-reflection.
“I removed the hijab after long, honest contemplation. It was a step that reflected my personal truth at that moment,” she explained.
The move reignited conversations on freedom of expression, women’s autonomy, and the pressures faced by public figures in balancing personal beliefs with public image.
A private battle
By revealing her cancer diagnosis and treatment for the first time, Hijazi offered insight into why she chose to step away from the spotlight for so long. Friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry often wondered about her absence, while fans speculated about her sudden retreat from music at the height of her popularity.
Her candid account, delivered more than a decade later, highlights the challenges artists face in maintaining private lives while constantly under public scrutiny.
Legacy and future
Hijazi remains one of the most recognisable names in Lebanese pop music. Her decision to share her personal story marks a shift in how she engages with her audience, offering a glimpse of the struggles behind her career.
While she has not confirmed new artistic projects, Hijazi’s openness suggests she may be ready to re-establish a connection with fans after years of silence.
Her story has also reignited discussion on resilience, the role of faith in healing, and the freedom to define one’s own identity.
