Melhem Zein rules out retirement

Lebanese singer Melhem Zein has quashed reports that he is stepping out of the limelight to dedicate himself to religion. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Zein said: "I have said that retirement is possible at some point, but the time is yet to be determined." The 30-year old said he is "religiously committed" and "performs his religious duties in full." He added that "art will not last my whole life," stressing that he will quit once he feels he can no longer perform. Zein refused to comment on fellow singer Fadl Shaker's decision to retire, adding, "at the end of the day, everyone must take the right path that preserves their value, image and so on."