Algerian star Cheb Mami is preparing for the release of his new album "Layali" which will contain a duet with Lebanese star Elissa. However, there are some legal matters which will end up separating the lovely couple as Elissa is contracted with Rotana while Mami is contracted with another company. This means that we will not be seeing the song in Mami's latest album.

Another special feature that this album will have is an association with Iraqi star Kazem Al Saher "Jelsat al Maqha" or "Sitting in the Coffee Shop" who set the melody for the song from the words of Nizar Qabani.

The album is a big effort containing 4 duets and the collaboration of many Arabic singers and song writers the likes of Marwan Khouri and Mohammed Raheem. Many of us love Mami’s Rai style of music but it seems that he’s giving that a rest now and turning to a more Arabic style. On the cover of the album he’s pictured sitting in a Cairo taxi cab which indicates a more Middle Eastern approach especially since he’s collaborated with some of the best in the business all from the Middle East.

Good luck Mami.