In what appears to be the hottest music deal of 2009 so far, Rotana opened the New Year with signing the Algerian diva Warda. The deal came after what Salem El Hindi, Chairman and President, speaking to Radio Rotana, described as “marathon talks.”

El Hindi also revealed that another bombshell deal is underway, “we are about to sign [the Lebanese and pan-Arab icon] Fairouz,” he said. Other highlight potential deals include one with Melhem Barakat.