In the shadow of Lebanon’s cedar, 5 Lebanese voices blossom louder
From the bustling streets of Beirut to the tranquil valleys of the Bekaa, music is an essential part of Lebanon’s abundant cultural heritage. The heart of Lebanese music is a blend of diverse influences spanning centuries, from ancient Phoenician rhythms to Arabic melodies and French colonial touches. This unique amalgamation creates a musical mosaic that reflects Lebanon’s complex history and multicultural identity.
Modern-day Lebanese artists, whether living in their home country or abroad, use music to convey their experiences and hopes. They discuss social, political, and personal issues with creativity and honesty. Despite the country’s difficulties, music continues to be a unifying power, connecting people and closing gaps.
KHAMSA identified five artists whose music we find irresistible. Dive in and discover the captivating Lebanese sounds that will have you hitting repeat all day long.
١. Marilyne Naaman
Marilyne Naaman, the Lebanese singer and actor, soared to prominence with her unforgettable performance on The Voice in its French version. During the show, she delivered a captivating interpretation of Lara Fabian’s Je suis malade, infusing oriental elements into her rendition and accompanied by the evocative strains of the oud. Marilyne’s unique approach mesmerized not only the audience but also compelled all four judges to turn their chairs in admiration. Her ability to effortlessly switch between languages, seamlessly incorporating Arabic into her performance, showcased her versatility and cultural richness, setting her as a true musical virtuoso.
This year, her mesmerizing performances in the series “ع امل” have left hearts spellbound, as she effortlessly sings tales of love, family, and raw emotion through her music. With tickets to her shows selling out within hours, Marilyne’s journey is poised for even greater heights, promising a future filled with boundless possibilities and unforgettable voice.
٢. Dana Hourani
Dana Hourani is a versatile artist who excels in various forms of expression, such as fashion, visual arts, and music. Although Dana is adept in all these areas, her true passion lies in music, which she deeply resonates with. Dana’s love for music began when she was six years old and sneaked into her sister’s room to listen to Mariah Carey’s “Music Box” album, which ignited her passion for music. Her track “Enti Ana” was originally dedicated to the influential women in her life, but has now become an anthem that mirrors the resilience of her beloved Beirut during tumultuous times.
Dana’s remake of Nancy Ajram’s classic “Yay” was a serendipitous journey from a spontaneous studio session to an official release, showcasing her adaptability and creativity. Music is a profound means of connection and self-expression for Dana, fostering understanding and unity among listeners. Beyond music, she finds inspiration in various forms of expression, such as film, dance, and profound conversations with friends, recognizing that inspiration is omnipresent in everyday life.
٣. Joseph Abboud (Zef)
Zef, the Lebanese singer-songwriter, discovered his passion for music while performing on the lively streets of Byblos. He enchanted listeners as a busker before venturing into the world of Arabic pop. Despite the conventional career path in advertising and communication, Zef decided to pursue music and declared “All I want to do is music.”
Zef’s dedication and collaboration with Anthony from Adonis, along with producer Sleiman Damien, led to the release of his debut single “Chi Nhar” and its captivating reverse music video filmed along Chekka’s shores. His music is a tribute to his grandfather and the sea, inspired by his rich maritime heritage. Zef’s success is a testimony to his talent and devotion to his craft, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists all over the world.
٤. Adonis Band
Adonis is an indie band from Lebanon that was formed in 2011 by Anthony Khoury and Joey Abu Jawdeh in Beirut. Both of them are professional architects who share a love for traditional Arabic music and a passion for creating music. They soon decided to start a band called Adonis, and invited Nicola to play the drums and percussion, and Anthony’s brother, Fabio, to play the bass guitar.
Adonis is known for their unique style of music that is a perfect blend of architectural precision and musical passion. Anthony’s mellifluous voice leads the ensemble, and their lyrics weave tales of romance and adventure against the backdrop of Beirut’s streets. Their debut album, ‘Daw L Baladiyyi’, is a testament to their artistic prowess, capturing hearts with its evocative melodies and intricate narratives, bridging generations with a sense of patriotism and nostalgia. One of their endeavours, including the mesmerizing music video for “Bent El Hawa,” showcase not only their artistic talent, but also their resilience in the face of adversity.
٥. Talia Lahoud
Talia Lahoud is making a name for herself on the global music scene from her hometown of Batroun, Lebanon. With a mesmerizing mix of English, Arabic, and French in her repertoire, Talia’s soaring vocals effortlessly evoke emotions, complemented by over a decade of classical guitar training.
Talia’s debut cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” became an instant hit, skyrocketing to the #1 spot on Anghami and accumulating 1 million plays within its first month. It also topped charts across six MENA countries. With a unique blend of influences ranging from French singer-songwriters to Middle Eastern classical music and global pop, Talia Lahoud is a truly unforgettable artist, poised to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
