Ragheb Alama
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| Ragheb Alama راغب علامة |
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ragheb Subhi Alama |
| Origin | Ghoubeiri, Beirut, Lebanon |
| Genre(s) | Arabic pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Label(s) | Relax In, Alam Al Phan |
| Website | Ragheb-Alama.com |
Ragheb Subhi Alama (Arabic: راغب صبحي علامة born June 7, 1962) is a Lebanese singer. Born and raised in Ghoubeiri in Beirut, Lebanon, Alama has a career spanning over 20 years. He married Jehan Al Ali in January 18 1996, and has two children, Khaled (Born 1997) and Louay (Born 2001). He has 3 sisters and 4 brothers-of which he was the youngest. His father named him after the first Lebanese judge, "Ragheb beik Alama".
[edit] Biography
At an early age his father, Subhi Alama, arranged for him to be introduced to the radio. 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 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 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. The first successful album which remarked the debut of his career internationally was "Albi A'she'aha", which was also the first professionally shot video clip 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 El Hob El Kbeer.
In 1999, Foxy Brown was inspired by Alama's song "Ya Bouy" and included parts of it in a special remix she made in her album Hood Scriptures.
[edit] 2000-Present
In 2000, Alama recorded "Betgheeb betrouh" with the then-rising singer Elissa. In 2003, Alama released Tab Leh? (Oh Why?) under the recording label Alam El Phan. The only single, the title track, entered the No.1 spot. He co-performed "Yallah Ya Shabab" with Andy Madadian.
At the end of 2004, after a long delay, he released Al Hob el-Kabir (The Great Love). The first single was "Nasseny Eldonia" (make me forget the world), video for which was shot in Italy. In July 2005, the title track premiered on Melody Hit. The music video, directed by Wissam Smayra, was shot in Malaysia.
Aside from his singing career, Alama has been an official spokesman for Samsung mobiles. In 2006, he participated in the pro-celebrity Formula One race, held in Bahrain, as an introductory show to the competition. He won Third Place overall. The Formula One Management started an agreement with Alama to participate in the next race that will be held in Shanghai, China.
In May 2008, Ragheb Alama has released Baashaq, and in September 2008, he won platinum CD medal, and he had highest percentage of album sales.
