Ragheb Alama

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Ragheb Alama
_ar. راغب علامة
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Ragheb Subhi Alama
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Origin = Ghoubeiri, Beirut, Lebanon
Genre = Arab pop music, Classic, Arab Tarab,Khaleeji, Arabic music, Arabesque music, Music of Egypt, Middle Eastern music,Pop folk
Occupation = Singer
Years_active = 1980s–present
Label =Relax In, Alam Al Phan
URL = [http://www.ragheb-alama.com Ragheb-Alama.com]

Ragheb Subhi Alama ( _ar. راغب صبحي علامة) was born and raised in Ghoubeiri in Beirut, Lebanon. He got married to Jehan Al Ali in January 18 1996, and became the father of 2 children, Khaled (Born 1997) and Louay (Born 2001). He has 3 sisters and 4 brothers-of which he was the 4th. His father named him after the first Lebanese Judge, "Ragheb beik Alama".

One of the most celebrated singers in the Arab world, spanning a successful career of 25 years.

Biography

Early

Born on June 7th, 1962, Ragheb Alama had been a talented child. At an early age his father, Subhi Alama, discovered that his son was gifted with a good voice allied with talent and arranged for him to be introduced to the radio. Later, when he turned fifteen, he was admitted to the Conservatoire where he excelled in his studies of lute. He took part in Art Studio Program (studio al Phan) and at the concert won a gold medal for his achievements in the field of folklore songs. His rise to fame and popularity occurred in 1982. He has taken part in several Festivals, both Arab and International, such as at Carthage, Jerash and the City Lights Festival in Egypt. His awards include the Key of Detroit, that of the City of Sydney, a platinum disc for his album called "Albi A'she'aha". And Egypt's Oscar for Video Clip "Alamtini", Best Arabic Male Singer in the Arabian World Gold Lion in 1998. He released around 15 albums since early 1980s until now. The first successful album which remarked the debut of his career internationally was "Albi A'she'aha", which was also the first video clip ever made in the Arab world.Since then Ragheb's albums were remarkably successful such as "Ya Hayaty", " Bravo Aliki", "Farq Kbeer" , "Habiby ya Nasi", "Tab Leih" and recently "El Hob El Kbeer".

In 1999, [Foxy Brown] -An American rapper,was inspired by Ragheb Alama's song "Ya Bouy" and included parts of it in a special remix she made in her album "Hood Scriptures".

2000-Present

In the new millennium, Ragheb's made a comeback in "Betgheeb betrouh" with the then-rising singer Elissa. 2 years later, in 2003, Ragheb released Tab Leh? (Oh Why?) under the recording label Alam El Phan. The only single, the title track, entered the No.1 spot in no time, and was his most celebrated success to date.He also co-performed the hit "Yallah Ya Shabab" with Andy.

At the end of 2004, after a long delay, the pop icon released Al Hob el-Kabir (The Great Love), which was a celebrated hit as well. The song Nasseny Eldonia (make me forget the world) was one of the greatest hits an Arab singer ever made and he shot the clip in Italy. In July 2005, his 2nd single from Great Love, the title track, premiered on Melody Hit. The music video, directed by Wissam Smayra, was shot in Malaysia.

Ragheb is now an official spokesman for Samsung mobiles.

In 2006, Ragheb was invited to participate in the pro-celebrity Formula One race, held in Bahrain, as an introductory show to the competition.Although the Superstar had never experienced such an event, his passion for driving and determination for success made him win Third Place overall.

The Formula One Management started an agreement with the Superstar Ragheb Alama to study a possibility to participate in the next race that will be held in Shanghai, China, in Sep or Oct.

Ragheb Alama now is preparing for his new album, which is to be released in late summer 2007, most probably holding the title "Ihsas Ghareeb" (Strange Feeling).