10 of the Greatest and Most Famous Lebanese Singers

Lebanon is not only known for its Arabic music, but others also produce English-language songs for people around the world to enjoy. Here is a list of 10 of the greatest and most popular Lebanese singers, highlighting the talent that has emerged from this country.

1. Shakira

Born in Colombia, she is of Lebanese descent. In fact, her name comes from the Arabic word for gratitude. She released her debut album, Magia, when she was just 13 years old. However, her career didn't take off until her 1995 album, Pies Descalzos, was certified platinum and won the Billboard Latin Music Award for Album of the Year. She has won three Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records.

2. Fairuz

Fairuz, one of Lebanon's most famous singers, was born in Beirut. She attended the Lebanese Conservatory of Music, where she studied music. Her career got off to a brilliant start in 1952 with the release of her hit song "Atab." Early in her career, Fairuz received an award from the President of Lebanon in recognition of her artistic achievements. She has performed worldwide, recorded a total of 80 recordings, and sold over 150 million albums worldwide, making her the best-selling artist of all time in the Middle East. Her career has spanned 60 years, and in 2008, the BBC named her "The Greatest Living Arabic Singer."

3. Maher Zain

Maher Zain was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, and moved to Sweden with his family as a child. He later moved to the United States in 2006 to pursue a career as a music producer. Zain returned to Sweden and decided to focus on his singing efforts. His R&B musical style is heavily influenced by his Islamic faith. In 2009, he released his debut album, Thank You Allah. Zain has also performed in numerous countries.

4. Nancy Ajram

Often called the Queen of Arab Pop, Nancy Ajram was born in Beirut. She released her debut album, "Mohtagek," at the age of fifteen. She has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Ajram has won three World Music Awards, including her first in 2008, making her the youngest Arab artist to receive one. In 2018, she became the first Lebanese singer to reach 100 million views on YouTube.

5. Wael Kfoury

Born in Zahle, Wael Kfoury is often called the King of Romance due to his romantic lyrics and singing style. He studied at the National Higher Conservatory of Music and the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. Kfoury has released 16 albums over his 25-year career. Kfoury is extremely popular and active on social media, with over a million followers on his Instagram account.

6. Ragheb Alama

Ragheb Alama was born in Beirut and first demonstrated his musical prowess when he participated in the talent show Studio El Fan in Lebanon. Alama was the first artist to create a music video for an Arabic song. He has released 17 albums and won two Murex d'Or awards throughout his career.

7. Najwa Karam

With over 60 million albums sold, Najwa Karam has been one of the best-selling artists in the Middle East for several years. Her blend of modern and traditional musical styles has led to her success. Najwa Karam was born in Zahle and worked as a teacher before studying at the Lebanese Conservatory of Music. In 2001, she won the Murex d'Or for Best Arab Female Singer. In 2023, Cosmopolitan magazine named her one of the 14 most inspiring women in the Middle East.

8. Elissa

Born in Deir el Ahmar, Elissa is a pioneering musical artist in the Middle East. She has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Her debut album, Baddi Doub, was released in 1999. She won the Murex d'Or Award for Best Female Artist in 2000. In 2005, she won the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Female Artist, becoming the first Lebanese woman to win the award.

9. Julia Boutros

Julia Boutros was born in Beirut and began singing as a child in her school choir. She recorded her first song at the age of 12 and was only 14 when her debut album, C’est La Vie, was released in 1982. Much of her music has revolutionary and patriotic themes. She has contributed $3 million from the sale of her music to the families of Lebanese soldiers killed during the Israeli invasion. In 2000, she was awarded the National Cedar Medal in recognition of her music. One of her most famous songs is “Ghabet Shams Al-Haq.”

10. Myriam Fares

Born in Kfar Shalal, Myriam Fares is a Lebanese pop singer. She made her debut in 2003 with the album Myriam.

She has since released four additional albums. She appeared in the Netflix documentary Myriam Fares: The Journey. Fares has been criticized for what some consider a disconnect between her provocative and sexual appearance and her Christian faith. This list represents only a few of the talented singers, there are many, many more.