Ragheb Alama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ragheb Alama
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ragheb Sobhi Alama راغب صبحي علامة |
| Born | 7 June 1962 Ghoubeiry, Beirut, Lebanon |
| Genres | Arabic pop |
| Occupations | Actor, composer, singer, television personality |
| Instruments | Vocals, oud |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Labels | Backstage Production |
Ragheb Alama (Arabic: راغب علامة; born on June 7, 1962) is a famous Lebanese singer and TV star. He started his career in the 1980s. He first appeared on a talent show called Studio El Fan, where he won the Platinum Award.
Ragheb Alama became very famous after winning Studio El Fan. Since then, he has released many albums and hit songs every year. Some of his popular songs include "Ya Rait" (If Only) and "Alby Asheq'ha" (My Heart Adores Her). "Alby Asheq'ha" was the first Arabic song ever to have a music video! He continued his success in the 2000s with albums like Saharony El Leil (2001) and El Hob El Kebeer (2004). His 2008 album, Ba'asha'ak, sold so well that it received a Platinum award from Virgin Megastores.
In 2009, Ragheb Alama became a United Nations Ambassador for Climate Change. In 2010, his album Seneen Rayha was sold at Starbucks, making him the first Arab artist to have his music sold there. His album Habib Dehkati also featured a song with the international pop star Shakira. Ragheb Alama has won many awards, including two Murex d'Or Awards. His music has made him one of the most successful singers in the Arab world. In 2011, he became a main judge on Arab Idol, a popular TV show similar to American Idol.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Ragheb Alama was born in Ghoubeiry, a part of Beirut, Lebanon. He grew up in a family with four brothers (Mohammad, Ahmad, Khoder, and Hassan) and three sisters (Sabiha, Rima, and Lina). He is the middle child. His father named him after a famous Lebanese judge, "Ragheb Beik Alama." When he was eight years old, Ragheb started playing the oud, a string instrument. He even performed on a live radio show to show off his talent.
In 1996, Ragheb Alama married Jihane al-Ali. They have two sons: Khaled, born in 1998, and Louai, born in 2001.
Music Career Highlights
Early 2000s: Hit Albums
In 2000, Ragheb Alama recorded the song "Betgheeb Betrouh" with the singer Elissa. In 2003, he released the album "Tab Leh" (Oh Why?). The main song from this album quickly became number one for many weeks. He also worked with the famous Iranian-Armenian singer Andy Madadian on a song called "Yalla Ya Chabab" (Let's Go Guys).
At the end of 2004, he released "El Hob el Kebeer" (The Great Love). This album included the hit song "Naseeni el Dunya" (Make Me Forget the World). The title song, "El Hob el Kebeer," had a big music video filmed in Malaysia in 2005.
In 2006, Ragheb Alama took part in a special Formula One race in Bahrain. He finished in third place. He then signed an agreement to join the next race in Shanghai, China.
2008 Onwards: Backstage Production
In May 2008, Ragheb Alama released his album Baa'sha'ak. This album was produced by his own company, Backstage Production. It included popular songs like "Yighib" and "Ser Hobbi." By April 2009, the album had sold so well that it received a Platinum award from Virgin Megastores Dubai.
In 2010, Ragheb released another album, Seneen Rayha, also under his Backstage Production company. This album had an environmental theme and included hit songs like "Seneen Rayha" and "Betfell." This album was sold in Starbucks coffee shops, along with a special collection called Starz Vol. 1. This collection featured his song "Good Stuff (Remix)" with Shakira.
In 2014, Ragheb released Habib Dehkati (meaning "The Reason I Smile"). This album, also from Backstage Production, had fourteen songs.
Other Important Work
Towards the end of 2011, Ragheb Alama was chosen to be the head judge for the new MBC show Arab Idol. This show is a remake of the popular American Idol. Other judges on the panel included Ahlam, Nancy Ajram, and Hassan El Shafei. The Arab Idol team started looking for talented singers across the Middle East and the UK in September 2011.
In 2013, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) named him a Goodwill Ambassador for West Asia. This means he helps promote environmental protection in that region.
In 2015, he was a judge on The X Factor alongside Elissa and Donia Samir Ghanem. In 2019, he was a coach on the fifth season of The Voice: Ahla Sawt, where his team member Mahdi won the competition.
Saint George Schools
In the 1980s, when Ragheb Alama was starting his music career, he opened the Saint George Schools. His main goal was to provide education to as many students as possible. His brother, Ahmad Subhi Alama, helped him achieve this goal. Ahmad has been the General Manager of Saint George Schools since the beginning. The schools started with one building in Haret Hreik with about 200 students. Now, they have grown to almost 2000 students across four buildings in different locations.
Brand Partnerships
Throughout his career, Ragheb Alama has worked with many international companies. He has been the face of their advertising campaigns. Some of the companies that have partnered with Ragheb include Hublot (watches), Starbucks (coffee), Mercedes-Benz (cars), and Samsung (electronics). He has also worked with the United Nations, Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Persol (eyewear), and The Pearl Island.
Studio Albums
- 1986: Ya Rayt
- 1987: Al Hadiya
- 1988: Dawa el Leil
- 1989: Ma Y'gooz
- 1991: Alby Ashe'ha
- 1993: Ya Hayati
- 1995: Taw'am Ruhy
- 1996: Sayedati el Gameela
- 1997: Bravo 'Alaiky
- 1999: Habeeby Ya Nasy
- 2001: Saharooni el Leil
- 2002: Tab Leih
- 2004: El Hob el Kebeer
- 2008: Baa'sha'ak
- 2010: Seneen Rayha
- 2014: Habeeb Dehkati
