Ragheb Alama
Ragheb Alama
- Full name: Ragheb Alama
- Date of birth: June 7, 1962
- Place of birth: Beirut, Lebanon
- Occupation: Singer, actor, television personality
- Genre: Pop, rock, Arabic pop
- Years active: 1980s–present
- Labels: EMI, Universal Music MENA
- Associated acts: Haifa Wehbe, Elissa, Nancy Ajram, Carole Samaha
Ragheb Alama (Arabic: راغب علامة; born 7 June 1962) is a Lebanese singer, actor, and television personality. He is known for his distinctive voice, energetic performances, and romantic songs. Alama has released over 15 studio albums and has won numerous awards, including the Murex d'Or and the World Music Award. He has also starred in several films and television shows.
Early life and career
Ragheb Alama was born on 7 June 1962 in Beirut, Lebanon. He began singing at a young age and performed in local talent shows. In 1980, he released his debut album, "Ya Rait", which was a commercial success. Alama's subsequent albums, "Hala Hala" (1982) and "Albi Yalleil" (1984), were also successful, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers in the Arab world.
International success
In the late 1980s, Alama began to achieve international success. He released his first English-language album, "Whatever Will Be", in 1988. The album was a commercial failure, but it helped to raise Alama's profile outside of the Arab world. In 1991, Alama released his first Spanish-language album, "Por Una Mujer". The album was a commercial success in Spain and Latin America, and it helped to establish Alama as a global star.
Recent years
In recent years, Alama has continued to release successful albums and has toured extensively throughout the world. He has also starred in several films and television shows, including the Lebanese sitcom "Al-Akh Rashed" (2004-2006). In 2011, Alama was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.
Personal life
Ragheb Alama is married to Jihan Alama, and they have two children, Khaled and Louay. Alama is a devout Muslim and is known for his charitable work. He is also a vocal supporter of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Awards and honors
- Murex d'Or for Best Male Singer (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)
- World Music Award for Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist (1994, 1995, 1996)
- Cairo International Film Festival Award for Best Actor in a Musical Film (1998)
- Damascus International Film Festival Award for Best Actor in a Musical Film (1999)
- Arab Music Awards for Best Male Singer (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
- United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador (2011)
