Artist Profiles: Ragheb Alama

For many years, Ragheb Alama has been the biggest name in Lebanese pop music. His albums have gone gold or platinum throughout the Arab world, and his tours around the globe become instant sell-outs, whether he’s performing in Beirut, Cairo, Sydney or New York. He is, quite simply, a phenomenon.

Born June 7, 1962, in Ghoubeiri, a suburb of Lebanon, Ragheb came from a large family, with seven brothers and sisters. Almost from the moment he could talk, music was a part of him. By the time he was two, he’d sing songs he’d heard on the radio, even though he couldn’t pronounce the words. In school he was the first to volunteer to sing, and his remarkable voice made him the star attraction.

But it wasn’t until he was twelve, when his father took him to the taping of a music show for Lebanese radio, that Ragheb understood he’d been put on earth to sing. The following year he became a student at the Lebanese School for Music, where vocal training helped him develop his special talent.

Still, his parents hoped he might take a more traditional path by going to the university and becoming an engineer. But this was something bigger than desire; Ragheb was born to sing. His big break came on the day he finished his final high school exams. As soon as he’d completed his paper, Ragheb hurried to the television studio to sing on Star Search, a nationally broadcast show that helped new talent. He won. By the next day all of Lebanon was buzzing about him and his voice, an instrument that could handle anything, from big ballads to up-tempo dance pop. Having created such a sensation with a single TV appearance, the next inevitable step was an album.

Within a year, that album was breaking record sales throughout the Middle East. Written and produced by Ihssan Al-Mounzer, it was a perfect slice of Lebanese pop music, and gave Ragheb his first taste of success. Since then, Ragheb’s golden voice has brought him fame throughout the Arab world and beyond. But musically he hasn’t been content to rest on his laurels. Each album has brought something new and different. Ragheb continues to push the envelope.

Along with emotional ballads, he’s also introduced the upbeat debka rhythm with its searing beat and lyrics that’s become his trademark. His concerts are events. To Ragheb, music has no bordersit’s a way to bring people together, to enjoy and celebrate life. And that’s what he’s done, making him a household name in the Arab communities around the world.

Across the U.S. his shows are standing room only, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Washington, D.C. and New York. In Detroit, he proved so popular he was given the key to the city. In 1997, Ragheb was voted the most popular singer in the Middle East and awarded the Gold Lion, the seal on a career that had seen him grow into his superstar status.

But fame can bring problems. Just a year later he was shot in the leg following a concert in Jordan, and assassination attempt by a crazed fan who managed to escape. However, that hasn’t slowed Ragheb down. Recovered, he resumed his touring and recording schedule, and continues to work tirelessly.

Discography:

Ya Reyt (Relax-In, 1986)
Al Hadiya (Relax-In, 1986)
Rahal (Relax-In, 1988)
Dawa el Leil (1988)
Ma Y’gooz (1989)
Alby Eshekha (Relax-In, 1991)
Ya Hayaty (Relax-In, 1993)
Taw’am Ruhy (1995)
Pump up the Jam (1996)
Live Recording (Relax-In, 1996)
Farek Khebir (CEMI Music Arabia, 1996)
Bravo Alayki!… Gloria (Relax-In , 1997)
ab Leh (Alam El Phan 2002)
El Hob El Kebir (Alam El Phan, 2004)
Ba’sha’ak (Daxar Music, 2008)
Seneen Rayha (2010)
Starz V.1 (2010)
Habeeb Dehkati (2014)

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.