Najwa Karam
Najwa Karam (Arabic: نجوى كرم Najwā Karam; born February 26, 1966) is a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and television personality. She is known for her powerful vocals and her fusion of traditional Lebanese music with modern pop and rock influences. Karam has released 11 studio albums, numerous singles, and has won several awards, including a World Music Award for Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist in 2001.
Karam was born in Zahlé, Lebanon, and grew up in a musical family. She began singing at a young age and performed in local competitions before releasing her debut album "Ya Habayeb" in 1989. The album was a commercial success and established Karam as a rising star in the Arab world.
Throughout the 1990s, Karam continued to release successful albums, including "Layali El Ouns" (1992), "Naghmet Hob" (1994), and "Ma Hada La Hada" (1996). She also began to gain international recognition, performing in concerts and festivals around the world.
In the 2000s, Karam cemented her status as one of the most popular Arab singers. Her albums "Shu Mghayara" (2000) and "Layali Layali" (2002) were both commercial and critical successes, and her songs were played on radio stations and music channels throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
In addition to her music career, Karam has also appeared in several television shows and films. She has served as a judge on the popular talent show "Arab Idol" and has hosted her own talk show, "Najwa Karam Show." She has also starred in several Lebanese films, including "Bint El Arz" (2007) and "Ghazl El Banat" (2008).
Karam is known for her outspoken personality and her willingness to challenge traditional gender roles. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has spoken out against violence against women. She has also been a supporter of LGBTQ rights and has performed at several Pride events.
Karam continues to be one of the most popular and influential Arab singers. She has released several successful albums in recent years, including "Ahla Jadid" (2017) and "Menni Elak" (2019). She continues to tour extensively and perform in concerts and festivals around the world.