Photography by Sayed Mostafa
With the rise of Social Media, fans now have a more direct relationship with their favorite stars. Being a new concept, some people may have taken it to the next level without even noticing. That is especially true for fans of the opposite sex. We talk to Zap Tharwat, an Egyptian Artist who does Poetic Rap, and has a very large fan base! We try to understand what if feels like to be on the receiving end of this kind of attention and how it might affect him.
“It has been increasing recently, like a year a ago I wouldn’t find girls tagging their friends to take a look at my picture”
Looking at his Instagram, we notice that there are some unusual fans, especially the female ones, and definitely a lot of “flirting” in the comment section. This didn’t go unnoticed by Zap, “it seems like they have good intentions, but it comes out in a strange way. It has been increasing recently, like a year a ago I wouldn’t find girls tagging their friends to take a look at my picture”, he tells.
“if I’m seeing someone, they really annoy her with their comments”
Meet “Zapiness” or “Mrs. Tharwat” on Instagram, some might find this a cute gesture to show her appreciation for his work, but others would consider it too much, and inappropriate. Other fans find it cool to photoshop their pictures together with Zap’s. This kind of female attention might not be the best thing for Zap’s personal life, “if I’m seeing someone, they really annoy her with their comments”.
“one time I was sick, and some girl sent me chocolates to my house, I thought that was cute.”
Still, Zap doesn’t let it get to him, after all it’s all online and harmless for the most part, “I hardly ever reply or comment, I put myself out there, worst case scenario I just block and delete them”, Zap explains. And even when his fans venture and try to meet him outside the confines of the Internet, it’s not threatening and never done with malice, “one time I was sick, and some girl sent me chocolates to my house, I thought that was cute. Another time a girl came by the house and they told her Zap isn’t home, she insisted that I was. Later that day when I when down I found her waiting in the street, all she wanted was a picture. So nothing harmful yet”.
“I can’t put myself in the world of Social Media and then complain about it, so I take things lightly”
At the end of the day, this is something that Zap accepts, “I can’t put myself in the world of Social Media and then complain about it, so I take things lightly”, he tells. Being a public figure comes with its baggage. Where would you draw the line if it were you?
Sustain the spectacular job !! Lovin’ it!
Keep up the excellent job and producing in the crowd!