George Wassouf
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| George Wassouf | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 23, 1961 |
| Origin | Kafroun, Syria |
| Genre(s) | Syrian, Arabic Music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1975 — present |
| Label(s) | Rotana |
| Website | http://www.wassoufbook.com |
George Wassouf (Arabic: جورج وسوف) is a Syrian singer.[1] He was born on December 23, 1961 in Kafroun, Homs, Syria into a Christian household. He moved with his family to Beirut when he was 15 years old, where he was granted Lebanese citizenship,[1] and was called the miraculous child at that time, for his artistic talent in singing.
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[edit] Music career
George Wassouf started singing very young at the age of 10 in his hometown Kafroun on different occasions such as marriages, parties, hotels, etc. Shortly thereafter he moved to Lebanon where he began his music career and his popularity grew. It was at the age of 16 when he became known as "Sultan El-Tarab" as called by the famous international Actor Omar Sharif, Arabic for "The Sultan of Music", with his classic song "el-Hawa Sultan".
People at that time thought of him as being the only one who could provide tarab with his magical and crystal voice that was very sharp and high- pitched when he was young and matured into the deep, commanding voice that he is now known for. A few of his first songs that brought him to fame include "Hawa Sultan", "Rohi ya Nesmah", "Helif el-Amar", and "Law Naweit".
Wassouf's magical voice was discovered by his first manager and producer "George Al-Khouri". This happened when Wassouf was 12 years old - he was singing at a wedding party. George Wassouf also got married at the age of 21 to Shalimar, who is originally from Sierra Leone. They have three children: Wadee', Hatem, and George Jr. His eldest son's name is Wadee', which is why he is known as Abu Wadee' (meaning father of Wadee).
George Wassouf has produced more than 30 albums and has performed concerts all around the world. Started from the famous Lebanese show which fired the fame of many Lebanese singers "Studio El Fan" 1980 when he was only 16 years old, surprisingly he was called at this time "Sultan of Tarab". The Song "Hilef il Amar" made a massive hit in the Arab world, although Wassouf was quite young at that time. However Wassouf was able to rise to the rank of "king" of Arab Tarab. Wassouf is famous for his unique style and performance. Some of the younger singers who attempt to copy his style are George al-Rassi and Wael Jassar. Wassouf is one of the few singers that were able to attract millions of fans in a short period of time. In addition, Wassouf is not only famous in the Arab World but is also known in Europe and the States as one of the best Arabian singers.
He doesn't like to shoot his songs into video clips although he had some successful hits in the early 1990s, he used to say about this: "I don't feel I can act ... I really can't... I only find myself when I'm on the stage ... singing, but the video clip forces me to act".
On June 2002, Wassouf Released his new album "Salaf Wi Dein", which made a huge success in both the Arab world and abroad.
[edit] Drug usage
On November 1, 2008, he was arrested in Sweden for possession of 30 grams of cocaine[2]
[edit] Discography
- 1984: El Hawa Sultan
- 1992: Rouh El Rouh
- 1993: She' Ghareeb
- 1994: Kalam El Nass
- 1995: Irda Bil Naseeb
- 1996: Leil El Ashiqeen
- 1998: Lissa El Dounya Bi Khair
- 1999: Tabeeb Garrah
- 2000: Dol Mush Habayib
- 2001: Zaman El Ajayib
- 2002: Inta Gherhom
- 2003: Salaf Wi Deine
- 2004: Etakhart Kteer
- 2006: Hiyya El Ayyam
- 2008: Kalamak Ya Habibi
- 2009: Allah Karim
[edit] Videography
- Kalam El Nass
- Irda Bil Nasseeb
- Lissa El Donya Bi Khair
- Tabeeb Garrah
- Ana Assef
- Dol Mush Habayib
- Yom El Wadaa'
- Zaman El Ajayib
- Mat'oulou Leh
- Salaf Wi Dein
- Sabir Wi Radi
- Sihirt El Leil
- Etakhart Kteer
- Ya Habibi
- As'ab Furaa
- Allem Albi Elshou'
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Georges Wassouf Songs and Albums
- George Wassouf Official Website
- George Wassouf Official Fan Club
- George Wassouf Music Videos
- George Wassouf Music Videos
- George Wassouf Bio, Pictures and Photos
