Carole Samaha
Carole Samaha (Arabic: كارول سماحة; born 25 July 1972) is a Lebanese singer, actress, and television personality. She has released eight studio albums and has starred in several films and television series. Samaha has won numerous awards, including the Murex d'Or Award for Best Lebanese Female Singer in 2003, 2004, and 2006.
Early life and education
Carole Samaha was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on 25 July 1972. She is the daughter of architect Joseph Samaha and his wife, Nouhad. Samaha has two brothers, Joseph and Pierre, and a sister, Claude. She began singing at a young age and performed in several school and local competitions.
Samaha attended the Collège Notre Dame de Jamhour, a prestigious private school in Beirut. She then studied music at the Lebanese National Conservatory of Music, where she majored in piano and vocal performance.
Career
Music:
Carole Samaha released her debut album, "Khalini Shoofak" (Let Me See You), in 1999. The album was a commercial success in Lebanon and established Samaha as a rising star in the Arab music scene. She followed up with her second album, "Raji'a Tani" (Coming Back Again), in 2001, which was also a commercial success.
Samaha's third album, "El Hobb El Kebir" (The Big Love), was released in 2003 and was a critical and commercial success. The album won her the Murex d'Or Award for Best Lebanese Female Singer. She followed up with her fourth album, "Ana Horra" (I Am Free), in 2004, which was also a critical and commercial success.
Samaha's fifth album, "Kifak Inta" (How Are You), was released in 2006 and was a critical and commercial success. The album won her the Murex d'Or Award for Best Lebanese Female Singer for the third time. She followed up with her sixth album, "Haddi Be Haddak" (One on One), in 2008, which was also a critical and commercial success.
Samaha's seventh album, "Shouf El Yom" (Look at the Day), was released in 2010 and was a critical and commercial success. The album won her the Murex d'Or Award for Best Lebanese Female Singer for the fourth time. She followed up with her eighth album, "Allayli" (My Night), in 2013, which was also a critical and commercial success.
Acting:
Carole Samaha made her acting debut in the 2003 Lebanese film "Bosta" (The Bus), directed by Philippe Aractingi. She played the role of Nadia, a young woman who falls in love with a bus driver. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Samaha praise for her performance.
Samaha has since starred in several other films, including "Helm Aynak" (2004), "Khat El Ragba" (2005), and "Min Fadlik La Tahki" (2007). She has also starred in several television series, including "Ma Fi Awwel Kalam" (2002), "Al Khawatem" (2005), and "Hayat El Rouh" (2007).
Awards and nominations
Carole Samaha has won numerous awards, including:
- Murex d'Or Award for Best Lebanese Female Singer (2003, 2004, 2006, and 2010)
- Cairo International Film Festival Award for Best Actress (2007)
- Alexandria International Film Festival Award for Best Actress (2007)
- Carthage Film Festival Award for Best Actress (2007)
Samaha has also been nominated for several awards, including:
- World Music Awards for Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist (2005 and 2007)
- Grammy Award for Best World Music Album (2008)
- MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Middle Eastern Act (2009)
Personal life
Carole Samaha is married to businessman Walid Mustafa. They have two children, a son named Jad and a daughter named Talia. Samaha is a Christian and is fluent in Arabic, English, and French. She is also an active philanthropist and supports several charities.
