Najwa Karam
Encyclopedia
Najwa Karam (born February 26, 1966) is a Multi-Platinum, Best-Selling Lebanese
Arab recording artist and Philanthropist. Najwa, widely known for her Mawwal
and other musical talents, has surpassed musical and political limits in building her Empire, as she has effectively helped change the Arabic music industry in its outreach. Najwa has left her mark by creating and introducing her own blend of traditional and Contemporary Arabic Music, which has defined her image and her music in the Middle East and throughout the world.
Najwa's singing career began with moderate success with her debut album "Ya Habayeb
," in 1989. Her second album, "Shams el-Ghinnieh
" achieved greater success, earning her her well-known title, Shams el-Ghinnieh, (The Sun of Song). But Najwa's major successes were to come in the mid-1990s when she would rise to new heights of fame and popularity in both the Arabic and International music worlds.
Najwa's Domination of the Arabic Music Industry began in 1994 through 1999, when she had major successes with albums, such as "Naghmet Hob," "Ma Bassmahlak," and "Maghroumeh." In 1999, her Album "Rouh Rouhi
," ranked #1 on every music Chart in almost every Arabic country. Then in 2000, Najwa's Album, "Oyoun Qalbi
," brought Najwa's greatest success yet, as it sold over 5 Million albums Worldwide, holding the up-to-date record for Best-Selling Arabic album of all time. In 2001 Najwa's New Album "Nedmaneh
" sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and is one of Najwa's most acclaimed albums to date. The success of Nedmaneh earned Najwa numerous awards, including a coveted Murex D'or award for "Best Arabic Artist," and three special awards from Najwa's production company, Rotana: "Artist of the Year", "Album of the Year" and "Highest Selling Album." By the time of the Release of "Saharni
" in 2003, Najwa had established the status of Pop Icon in the Middle East. Najwa's most recent Albums, such as "Shu Mghaiara," "Hayda Haki
," "Am Bemzah Ma'ak
," and "Hal Leile...MaFi Noum" have all sold millions of copies and achieved great success, earning her numerous awards worldwide. Her many Singles, such as "Shou Jani" and "Lashhad Hobbak" have also topped music charts.
One of the Best-Selling Arabic Artists in History, Najwa has participated in countless festivals and concerts around the globe, and has received a number of awards and accolades from various distinguished bodies. In her other works, Najwa has collaborated with Musician and Composer Melhem Barakat
, as well as with Wadih el Safi
on a single titled "W Kberna" (We grow old together), which achieved major success through out the Middle East. Also, Najwa is a sponsor and spokesperson for Pearl Properties, a UAE Real estate company, which features her in their advertisement commercials. In 2010 Najwa became the main judge and face of the new television series, "Arabs Got Talent," which became a television sensation across the Arab World. Then in 2011, a new era in music media was marked when Najwa Karam, in collaboration with Sony Entertainment and Rotana, produced the Middle East’s very first 3D music video, for her song, "MaFi Noum." Further, Najwa is one of Rotana
's most important and highest paid artists.
, Lebanon
, to Karam Karam and Barbara Chahine Karam, a family of Lebanese Maronite Catholics. She is the youngest of five children, having an older sister, Salwa, and three older brothers, Tony, Jean, and Nicolas. She spent her childhood in Zahlé
, in the care of her parents and older brothers. From an early age, Najwa was known among her friends and relatives for her powerful singing voice, but her parents emphasized the need for an education and a stable career over entertaining.
Karam attended secondary school at Jesus the Angel College, and then worked as a teacher for two years at Eastern College, Zahlé
.
In 1985, Karam decided to pursue a singing career by participating in the television singing contest Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights), although against her father's wishes. Interpreting popular varieties of the traditional Lebanese
Mawal in her powerful voice, Najwa walked away with the Gold Medal, public exposure, and her father's approval.
Following this win, Karam studied at the Lebanese Institute of Music for four years to improve her knowledge of music and the music industry in general. She was under the direction of renowned Lebanese composers Zaki Nassif
and Fouad Awad
. In 1987, Najwa participated in another television program named Laylat Haz, where she was warmly accepted by the audience. By 1989, Najwa had gained the knowledge and experience she needed to make her first attempt at breaking into the Arabic music industry.
, was released by a then-little-known record label, Relax-in International. The album contained seven tracks, all in the traditional Lebanese traditional/folkloric
style. Due to her previous exposure to the Lebanese public, the album was well-received in Lebanon but did not receive much attention from the rest of the Arab world
.
After a three year hiatus from music making, Karam returned to the scene with her follow up album, Shams el-Ghinnieh
. The album title was inspired by her nickname, Shams el-Ghinnieh (The sun of song), which was given to her by the Lebanese people and media because of her vocal abilities. The album was recorded by another small record company CM. The style of the album was more romantic and contemporary, in comparison to Najwa's debut, Ya Habayeb
, which was more traditional. Shams el-Ghinnieh
was received very well by the Lebanese public.
(I am with you). The album was classic in style and quite different from Shams el-Ghinnieh
, not really reflecting Najwa's artistic identity. Despite her personal miscontent, she had no choice but release it, bound by a contract with her production company. As expected, the album failed to do as well as Shams el-Ghinnieh
. Poor marketing and lack of resources did not help much either and were blamed for the low sales of the album. It remains Karam's least-known album, although many of her fans consider it the best in terms of showing Najwa's abilities and voice-power/
, owned by the Saudi Arabian Prince Walid Bin Talel. An agreement between the parties was made, and Najwa was now on Rotana
's roster.
Work on a new album began immediately. Expert poets, writers, and composers were enlisted to help Najwa make a fresh new musical image for herself to revitalize public interest, and finally draw attention from the wider Arab audience. By mid-1994, an album consisting of 8 new songs had been compiled and was ready to be released to the Middle East. Naghmet Hob
(The Rhythm of Love) fused Lebanese
tradition with Arab pop. Its catchy Lebanese dance song Law Habaytek (If I loved you) was an instant hit, introducing Najwa Karam to all of the Middle East. The song and its video clip dominated the Arabian
charts. Its follow up hits from the same album were "Wrood Eddar" (Roses of the Garden) and "Elala (la la)," which received similar success.
The wide success of Naghmet Hob
fueled a concert tour and a number of awards for Karam, including a prize from the Lebanese
Broadcasting Association for the Best Artist of 1994.
Karam had been thrust to the top of the Arabic music scene in less than a year, and was now constantly in the public eye. In 1995, Najwa started work on her second Rotana
album, her fifth release in total. It was titled Ma Bassmahlak
and closely followed the traditional style of Naghmet Hob
. The main difference was the lyrical and vocal nature of the tracks which had more depth. Riding the wave of her celebrity, two of the songs were hits, namely Ma Bassmahlak (I won't allow you) and Hakim el-Qady (The Judge has spoken).
(I'm Lucky). The title track, Hazi Helo, and three other songs, "Khayarouni", "Ala Mahlak" and "El-Ghorbil", were the most popular from the album.
Following the release of Hazi Helo
, Najwa set off on a large scale world concert tour, which would take in many Arab states, parts of Europe, and America
. She found a number of fans in the U.S.
, and performed to sold-out concerts all over. To honour her success in the U.S., Najwa was presented with the Key to the City of Chicago.
. The tracks on the album were quite different from those of Najwa's previous albums, with a more contemporary sound. For example the song "El Helw" was heavily influenced by foreign beats and synthesised melodies. Three months prior to the album's official release, the song El Tahady was distributed to the Arabic radio stations. By the time of the album's release, the song's popularity had dwindled, and Ma Hada La Hada
s relatively poor sales were attributed to this factor. However, the title track did become quite popular. It had harmonious musical arrangements which used the traditional Lebanese instrument the Qanoun, along with other traditional instruments such as the violin and the accordion. These musical stylings, along with an uplifting song topic and a powerful "mini movie" video clip made the song a huge hit.
The 1998 release, Maghroumeh
, marked Karam's "official" transition from purely traditional Lebanese
artist to the blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic that she is famous for today. It had poetic Arabic lyrics sung with Najwa's trademark power and authority; extensive use of Arabic instruments (trumbakke, mijwiz, zamour, tabal... etc.) and contemporary ones; and a brand new look for the album cover. Maghroumeh
was another success from Karam. The title track, Maghroumeh (I am in Love), was shot as a video clip, and was the biggest hit off the album, hitting number one on most radio stations in the region. Other hits were the feisty Ghamza (The Wink) and the sad love song Noqta al-Satr (Somewhere along the line).
Rouh Rouhi The new year brought about a number of changes in Karam's career lives. Najwa's new album was set to be released in the summer, and her personal changes were showing in her new album Rouh Rouhi
. It was similar to the Maghroumeh
album, but had a number of tweaks in the vocal and musical styles. The musical arrangements were heavily detailed and technical, and the lyrics were more poetic than all other Karam albums. The tracks Ariftu Albi La Meen (Do you know who my heart belongs to?), Atchana (Thirsty), and the title track, Rouh Rouhi (Soul of my Soul) were the major hits off the album, the latter two being shot as music videos. Many other songs succeeded like "Kif Bdawik (How do I treat You?)", and "Ma Berda Ghayrak (I Don't Accept Anyone Beside You)".
. Oyoun Qalbi
was a more romantic, reflective body of work compared to Karam's previous albums. Its major included Majboura (I have to) which had a modern jazz influence, and the "power ballets", Oyoun Qalbi (Sweetheart) and Khaleek al Ard (Stay down to earth). A music video was made for the Najwa 2000 megamix, which contained samples from each song on the Oyoun Qalbi
album. The album sold over 5 Million copies, topping charts. It holds the up to date record for best selling Arabic album of all time.
In 2001, Karam made her record breaking release Nedmaneh
. It sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and is one of Najwa's most acclaimed albums to date. It followed on from the style of music first presented by Karam in Oyoun Qalbi
, and further experimented with new styles and sounds. The song Aaskah (Falling in love) was an enormous hit, hitting number one all over the Middle East, and was also quite popular abroad. It was a more playful and vibrant song than most of Karam's previous work, with a strong bass line, and a distinct oriental influence. It was quite different from any Arabic song at the time, and appealed to a wide range of audiences. The success of Nedmaneh
brought about a number of awards, including a coveted Murex D'or for "Best Arabic Artist" award, and three special awards from Karam's production company, Rotana
: "Artist of the Year", "Album of the Year" and "Highest Selling Album".In 2001 Najwa Karem got married to Youssef Harb and got divorce her brother tony spilled out her secret.
To further Rotana
's crediting of Karam's successes, an honouring assemble was held on Saturday, 23 June 2001 where Karam was awarded for her achievements throughout her singing career and for the huge success of Nedmaneh
. The ceremony was held at the Venesia Hotel, Beirut
, Lebanon
. In attendance were the Lebanese Minister of Information, Ghazi Al-Aredi who was representing the President of the Lebanese Republic, Émile Lahoud
, prominent singer Wadih el Safi
, acclaimed composer Elias Rahbani and a number of journalists and reporters. During the night, Karam sang some of her hits (old and new), and was presented with numerous medals and trophies. The recording was released on a special edition CD (Live in Concert), along with a compilation CD of Najwa's hits from 1989-2000 titled The Very Best Of Najwa Karam
.
Karam's 2002 album, Tahamouni
, was far removed from the "easy going" contemporary feel of Oyoun Qalbi
and Nedmaneh
, and audiences noticed. The album was intended to get back in touch with a more youthful audience from other Arab nations, with whom had taken slight dis-interest in Karam's music from the late 90s. This was shown though songs like Tahamouni (They accused me) which included attempts at rapping, and Ew'a Tekoun Ze'alt (I hope you're not mad at me) which seemed to have a complete Western influence. The songs had a youthful sound.
"tarab" star, Wadih el Safi
(Born 1919). Wadi had known Najwa for a while, and had been impressed with her vocal talents. The two of them decided to make a duet together, depicting the trials of a father-daughter relationship. The song was titled W Kberna (We grow old together), and was an epic ballad in which both vocalists showed immense vocal range and depth. W Kberna was a success as the lyrics were easy to relate to and it teamed two of the region's most prominent artists together.
Taking this success, Najwa got back to the drawing board for a new album. Months were spent piecing together lyrics and arrangements, and by mid 2003, the album was ready for release. Rotana
set up a large launch party in Downtown Beirut
, where over fifteen thousand of Karam's fans packed the streets, waiting for Najwa to appear and sing her new material.
Saharni
(Charmed) was exactly the kind of album that was a rebirth of the "old Najwa Karam", and took the public by surprise, as they had at this point come to expect contemporary pop from the Shams el-Ghinnieh. The music had all the makings of distinctly Lebanese
music: trumbakke solos, traditional wind instruments, lots of bass and a vibrant singing style - all features far removed from the "western" motif that most artists opted for at the time. Not only had Karam's music changed, but she also sported a new look, which further emphasised that the album was a turn around. Saharni
s success was instantaneous, even though there was a lack of video clips for the songs, the album came through on top of the charts, and produced a number of major hits, including Edhak Lil Dounya (Smile to the world), and the title track Saharni (He charmed me).
Najwa made a world tour to complement Saharni
s success, taking in the Middle East as well as destinations such as France and the U.S.
with Wadih el Safi
. She also travelled to Australia, where her concert there still holds the record for largest ever recorded concert attendance for an Arabic artist. Najwa was presented with a number of awards and achievements in 2003. These include "Highest Selling Album" from Rotana
, and award for the "Best singer of Traditional Lebanese Song" from the Lions Club, "Song of the Year": Edhak Lil Donya from Sawt El Ghad Australia and an honorary Award from Australian Government.
As the New Year came and passed, Karam began work on a new single to be included in her upcoming album. This single would be like no other she had released before. Titled Leish Mgharrab? (Why are you living abroad?) it told of the hardships that people face when having to leave their home country for a better life. Coupled with this harrowing topic, was a revolutionary new music video (directed by Sa'aed el-Marouk), which would transform modern day Beirut
into a bleak and harsh wasteland in 2020. The original video - which also contained scenes of citizens protesting against the Lebanese government - was banned from being aired by the Lebanese Parliament. When the clip was edited slightly, it was finally allowed to go to air, along with its song. It hit home with many people, especially those living abroad in countries like Australia and the U.S.
. It also sent a direct message to Lebanese politicians, telling them to act on their words.
After a few months, Najwa had completed the rest of her new album, Shu Mghaira..!
. Like Saharni
, it was distinctly Lebanese
, but it was more of a modern adaptation, with a reflective and sad overtone. Najwa continued her many live appearances to promote the album, and a notable event for 2004 was her sell-out concert in Carthage
, Tunisia
where she performed to thousands of enthusiastic fans. The tracks Bi Hawak (In your love) and Shu Mghaira (How you've changed) were shot in an expensive duel video clip which was riddled with special effects. It remained at the number 1 position for 6 weeks on the Rotana Top 20 Chart. The two songs were the most popular from the album, and Najwa obtained the as "Female Artist of the Year" from MusicanaNet.net, which was decided via a large scale internet poll.
by director Sa'aed el-Marouk. It was to be on her upcoming 2005 album. The timing of the new clip was criticised in some tabloids, because it was released during the tense electoral season in Lebanon
, and the so-called Cedar Revolution
(Independence Intifada). It was argued by these tabloids that it was disrespectful for Karam to release new material at such a time. Karam defended herself by putting the claim on her Saudi production company, Rotana
, who she says fast tracked the release against her wishes. Even though there was some controversy surrounding Shu Jani, it fared well with the public.
Due to the prolonged situation in the Lebanon
region, Karam's 2005 album was postponed from originally being released in June, then July and then finally postponed until November 2005. However, Karam released another single in late July called Bhebak Walaa which was an upbeat, contemporary/traditional song typical of Karam's usual work. It was a fairly big hit, hitting number one on many internet and radio charts. On 6 September 2005, Karam released the video for Bhebak Walaa, directed by Salim el-Turk.
were displaying a lady's hand upon a cloudy horizon. No writing was on the posters. The advertisement had the public wondering what message the posters were relaying, and who did the mysterious hand belong to? Soon it was generally concluded that the hand belonged to a recording artist, but there were many conflicting suggestions as to whose it was. Gradually, the billboards had bits of the lady added to the picture, until on 30 November 2005 the "mystery lady" was revealed as Najwa Karam.
On the same day, Karam's 15th studio album, Kibir'el Hob
(Love Just Got Greater) was officially released. The album gained widespread attention through its rigorous advertising campaign, which included the billboard posters, many television appearances [on popular variety programs such as Dandana, and Akeed Maestro], and music video clips for singles. Kibir'el Hob
topped the highest selling album chart in Lebanon
for Rotana
during the Christmas sales period, and remained in the number one position through the New Year. In mid April 2006, Karam released a third and last single from the Kibir'el Hob
album, accompanied by a video clip, and proved to be among the most popular Arabic songs of the year 2006.
In response to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
, Karam teamed for the first time with popular Lebanese singer/songwriter Melhim Barakat to record the song Rah Yeb2a El Watan. The track was written and composed by Barakat, and called for unity among all Lebanese people. The single was released in late September and was critically acclaimed for its message and vocals, although criticised for its short running time. Plans for another collaboration with Barakat are underway.
On 6 June 2007, the company Rotana released Najwa's 16th album titled Hayda Haki. A new Lebanese album with Najwa Karam's special flavor in it. This album include 8 excellent songs as usual.
Different kind of styles in each song. A powerful mawal in Raje3 Tes2al 3a Meen and a nice/soft mawal for El hanone. Law ma btekzob is like her 90's songs, Ana Rouh and Nawer Eyami are two of a kind romance songs. Hata Be Ahlamak, Hayda Haki and Behkik are upbeat songs with different styles in each one and a special Najwa Karam's touch. Hayda Haki was the next song (after her 06-07 huge hit Shu Hal Hala) that Najwa Karam shot as a video clip with Lebanese director Said el Marouk.
From the First week of the release of Hayda Haki it was the best selling album in Lebanon in UAE and Kwait Number one best selling Album.The Album had huge succees from the first week of release in Lebanon
, the Gulf, Libya
, Syria
, Jordan
and other Arabic countries.
Najwa Karam was a guest on the show Album on MBC 1
. In 29 June 2007, she shined on Album's stage, one week before Album's final prime. She started by singing Hayda Haki by herself. Secondly, she sang Sho hal hala with one of the three groups. Thirdly, she sang Law Ma Btekzob with another group of the three groups.
In June she released her latest video clip : Hayda Haki, which displayed her character in a romantic atmosphere and love shots and in its first day on the charts she landed on the 1st spot.
Najwa Karam toured the United States and Canada with Lebanese Stars Wael Kfoury and Fadel Shaker, the tour lasted for a little more than a month as they visited major cities and was all success. The American concerts were in Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas, Detroit, New Jersey, Boston and Miami. And in Canada, concerts were in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, singing in the biggest and most important venues.
Najwa celebrated the New Year's Eve with Wael Kfoury in the Emirates Palace
in Abu Dhabi
, the huge demand on the concert left it sold out more than a week before its date.
Najwa Karam was the first guest on the first prime of Star Academy 5 LBC
on Friday 25 January 2008. She sang: Hayda Haki, Law ma btekzob and Ana rou7 ya rou7i.
On 9 February, Karam held a huge, successful concert in the capital city of Germany, Berlin.
After four days, Najwa released a video clip for "Law Ma Btekzob" by the director Fadi Haddad. The song achieved tremendous success across the middle east. Along with Law Ma Btekzob success, the song Behkeek was achieveing unexpected success too in Egypt and Lebanon ranking #2 in both charts for couple of weeks.
One of Najwa's most anticipated appearance on TV show Al Arrab (Final), with host Nishan, was aired on 31 May. As well, George Kurda7i was there. Najwa sang medley of her old and new songs and added songs for Fairouz, Sabah, Wadih El Safi and Samira Tawfiq. She also sang one of her old mawal "Wainak Ya Ra3i Deni" (Where are you God?) aka. Mawal El Adyan and it achieved huge success.
On 17 July 2008, Rotana released Najwa's 17th studio-album, Am Bimzah Maak (I'm Joking with you)
. The album received considerable success and positive reviews. The album contained eight songs. One of the most famous Arabic composer Melhim Baraket composed two songs from the album: "Kammil 3ala Rouhi" and "Gatalna El Khof". The album stayed for three months #1 in Virgin Mega Store Lebanon, 4 weeks #1 in UAE Virgin Mega Store, 8 Weeks in Saudi Arabia
, etc.; Rotana
, Najwa's production company, said that Najwa Karam's last album Am Bimzah Maak, was one of the top 3 best-selling (Rotana) albums in the middle east. It was chosen by Virgin MegaStore Jordan, as Top 3 most selling albums in the year of 2008.
One week after the release of her album, The Queen of Carthage, Najwa Karam shined in Carthage, Tunisia. The concert was very successful.
Najwa Karam went to Sweden where she shined in the Globe-arena 20 September.
The celebrating of Eid El Fitr took place in Dubai
.
While four songs from Aam Bimza7 Maak; Am Bimzah Maak, Enta El Shams, Amanti Galbi, and Taa Khabik were achieving a lot of success all over the middle east, Najwa released her second video clip from her latest album " Ma Bkhabi Aleyk" were she collaborated for the first time with Lebanese young director Randa Aalam.
She got an invitation to open the new music-channel named Al Dafrah that would take place 1 November.
Najwa shot a 3rd video clip from her successful album " Aam Bimza7 Maa" called Taa Taa Khabik. And it played on many Music channels in the middle east and received huge success in Lebanon, Maghreb
, Syria
, Jordan
and the Gulf countries
.
. She performed a mixture of old and new songs for the very active crowd.
On 9 March, specifically on Mothers Day, Najwa Karam released her anticipated single "El Deni Em" (A mother is the whole world), which received huge success and stayed #1 for three wjkjlkiuoppliopeeks on the Online-Magazine "Elaph".
After the meeting between Najwa Karam and Nidal El Ahmadieh (journalist) took place to discuss the many events that took place including Nidal El Ahmadieh's imprisonment, everything is back to normal and Najwa & Nidal are back to being on better terms.
In May 2009, Najwa Karam traveled to Morocco to perform at the Mawazine Festival 2009. Her opening performance attracted a crowd exceeding 60,000. She performed for two and a half hours long as the crowd sang and danced along with her. It will go down in history as one of, if not the most successful concert of Najwa's legendary career.
On 10 June 2009, Rotana released Najwa's 18th album, entitled "Khallini Shoufak" (Let me see you). It has been deemed a very strong release from Shams El Ghenniyie, Najwa Karam. The album contains 8 songs, each with a different style of music and catchy lyrics. It is worth mentioning that along with the lead single "Khallini Shufak", three other songs are receiving huge success: "Eidak" (your hand), "Allah Yesghello Balo" (may God make him worry), and "Aboos Eynak" (kiss your eye). The remaining songs are: "Wale'"(light the fire), "El Deni Em" (a mother is the whole world), "Albi Masna' Baroud" (my heart is a gun factory), "El Haramy" (the thieve). The album is considered to be Najwa's strongest return to her original style since "Saharny" (2003). Najwa said, "it's full of folkloric, balady songs, similar to Saharny and her 90's releases". Her video for "Khallini Shoufak" was released around the same time as her cd.
It's worth to mention that Najwa was a guest performer on Star Academy 6's (Lebanon) final prime. She sang "Am Bemzah Ma'ak" (I'm joking with you), "Ta'a Khabeek" (Let me hide you), and her latest single, "Khallini Shoufak" (Let Me See you).
Najwa appeared on Layali El Samar on March 25, 2010 on ABU DHABI TV.
Also Najwa was the guest star on Taratata, Dubai TV, and soon after she appeared on the TV show Akher Man Ya3lam.
Then On November 11, 2010 Najwa released her next single "Lashhad Hobbak" (I'll beg for your love). Its Video clip aired on Rotana Music Channels, attracting a large audience through its classy styles, such as the spider-webbed characteristics. The song became very popular among the masses, and it became a favorite of Najwa's fans. The beaded fulle spider-web bodysuit, designed by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad
, that was worn by Najwa in the video clip, was later also worn by Jeniffer Lopez, in her music video, "On the Floor."
In late 2010, although there were doubts of a new contract between Najwa and Rotana Production Company, after several meetings with Salem El Hendi, Najwa agreed to return to Rotana. Haifa Wehbe attended the dinner party which was held after the press conference telling the press that she was glad to accept Najwa’s invitation and delighted to be part of the celebration.
On January 17, 2011 Najwa was the last guest of the popular show, "Absher" with Nishan.
On February 23, 2011 the first issue of the online Najwa Karam Magazine was published by her official Page on Facebook.(facebook.com/NajwaKaram).
After Najwa decided to postponed her upcoming album, a Song called "Wayn" appeared on the internet. The song was verified stolen from the Najwa Karam Office and released without her permission. The song was recorded three years prior in 2009 and was removed from that year's Album, "Khallini Shoufak." Although illegally released, the song was well liked, and was played on numerous radio stations. With its slow rhythm and different style, unusual of Najwa's music, it reached the top ten singles, and became a favorite, especially among Najwa fans.
After a while, when she was performing on a stage, a man came called The BernZ , proposed to her :)
she felt like a princess, and therefore she married him, and gave birth to her 6th child of THE BERNZ!
released "Hal Leile...MaFi Noum", Najwa Karam's 19th Studio Album. The album contains the usual 8 songs, 3 of them, "Mafi Noum," "Shu Hal Leile," and "Eainy Bi Eainak" were written by Najwa Karam herself. "MaFi Noum (There's No Sleep)" and "Shu Hal Leile (What a Night)" were both successful before the Album release. After only three days, the Album reached Number 1 on Virgin Megastore
Charts, pushing Nawal Al Zoghbi's album, "Ma'rafsh Leh," from number one, down to number five. With Najwa's huge success, Tamer Hosny
, a well-known Egyptian singer, was unable to land a number one spot for his new album, "Elly Gai Ahla," which was released the same day. Also unable to reach a number one spot was Assi El Helani
with his album "Rouhi Ana." Two weeks after the album debut, with "MaFi Noum" still at the number 1 spot on the charts, A 3D Video clip was released for the song "MaFi Noum." It became the first produced 3D Music Clip in the Middle East, giving Najwa the earned distinction of first Arabic artist to create a video using 3D technology. The feat was accomplished with the assistance of three professional teams from the US and the UK and the Lebanese W&P Production Group, which undertook extensive research on 3D techniques to familiarize the Middle East crew with the breakthrough technology, including the handling of sophisticated 3D equipment and digital cameras that were used for the shoot. Directed by Waleed Nassif, the video was created by Sony
, and produced by Rotana. The clip received huge success as audiences were wowed by the up-beat style of the interactive Video clip. During the opening sequence, The Clip features, Season 1 Arab's Got Talent contestant, Abdelmalek Al Baljani, from Morocco
, in a dance solo. Because of his advanced dance skills, on the show, Najwa, a judge on Arab's Got Talent, had made a promise to cast Al Baljani in her next video, and when she actually did, many were surprised. The three-day shoot took place in Northern Lebanon
, at Nahr Ibrahim, in the Kesserwan area of Basateen Al Ossi, Jeita Grotto, and at the studio of Mansourieh. The 3D version premiered at the ABC Achrafieh theatre in Lebanon on July 25, 2011 and the video clip is currently being played in 600 3D Sony showrooms and outlets, throughout the Arab world. The clip was also shot in 2D to enable TV viewers to watch it on their regular TV sets. The "MaFi Noum" 3D clip had one of the largest production budgets in the Middle East.
The Album itself, unlike the largely Dabke 2009 album, "Khallini Shoufak
," was much like the Extremely successful and popular 2007 and 2008 albums, "Hayda Haki
," and "Aam Bimzah Maak" which consisted of more Baladi beats. "MaFi Noum" brings a greater variety of rhythms than Najwa's past album, with upbeat Dabke songs like, "Dallel" and "Bayaa Al Yanaseeb," slower songs such as "Law Bas Taraef" and "Eainy Bi Eainak," and melodious songs consisting of different rhythms like, "MaFi Noum" and "Ya Bayyi."
Controversy regading the usage of "DOUM TAC," in "MaFi Noum"
The song "MaFi Noum" Employs the fun, "Doum Tac" Derbake notes as a part of its variety of music styles. But the "Doum, Tac...Tarra Doum Doum Doum" parts of the song were at first questioned. In critiques and popular fandom, some believed that the derbake notes were unnecessary in the song, but after repeated listening to the song, especially over the radio, the "Doum Tac" parts become catchy and fun to sing along, and the "MaFi Noum" video clip adds to their appeal as the notes are associated with sudden movements and swift dance moves in the 3D music Video. Najwa has continuously reiterated in interviews the meaning and significance of the music notes. In concerts, the audience sings along the "Doum Tac," and it, like the well-known lines "Rooh Rouhi," "Ana Ma Fiyeh," and "Aam Bimzah Maak" has become a trademark and popular label of Najwa Karam's.
2011 Summer Concerts
On June 26, Najwa Sang infront of a massive crowd at the Timitar Festival in Aghadir, Morocco.
Following the Release of "MaFi Noum," Najwa appeared on the Star Academy 8 Final Prime, where she sang, "MaFi Noum," "Shu Hal Leile." and her 2010 Single, "Lashhad Hobbak."
Najwa also starred at the Exclusive Batroun International Festival in Lebanon, and at the Aswat Nisa2ayat, (Women's Voices) Concert in Morocco.
Other Concerts of the summer took place in Rest House Tyre, Ehden, Beit Mary, and Mayrouba, in Lebanon.
Jerash Festival
On July 28, 2011 Najwa participated in the Jerash
Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan
, where she sang for an audience numbering in the tens of thousands. Present in the crowd was Queen Noor of Jordan. The successful concert earned her another Jerash Festival award, as the concert was one of the biggest 2011 summer concerts in the Middle East.
was to go ahead with scheduled tour dates abroad, with all proceeds forwarded to the Lebanese Red Cross. Furthermore, Karam donated 3 fully equipped ambulance vehicles, also to the Lebanese Red Cross.
. The program aims at raising money for the underprivileged and disadvantaged across Asia. Najwa performed at the event.
Najwa has also raised money for other causes such as cancer research via a number of chartity performances.
Before the end of 2007 Najwa Karam appeared on LBCI TV and announced that she will be donating free full health insurance for 300 attending elderly people, hoping that this "small" first step will become bigger and bigger.
Najwa performed in a live concert on Berlin, Germany during February 2008, a percentage of the concert's earnings goes as aid for children of war in Lebanon and Palestine.
Najwa, also is currently working hard to be appointed United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, she feels that she has to contribute through her art to spread peace worldwide from the middle east.
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
Arab recording artist and Philanthropist. Najwa, widely known for her Mawwal
Mawwal
In Arabic music, the mawwāl is a traditional genre of vocal music that is usually presented before the actual song begins. It is characterized by spelling vowel syllables longer than usual...
and other musical talents, has surpassed musical and political limits in building her Empire, as she has effectively helped change the Arabic music industry in its outreach. Najwa has left her mark by creating and introducing her own blend of traditional and Contemporary Arabic Music, which has defined her image and her music in the Middle East and throughout the world.
Najwa's singing career began with moderate success with her debut album "Ya Habayeb
Ya Habayeb
Ya Habayeb is Najwa Karam's first studio album, released in 1989.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ya Habayeb" # "Weqolo Rujo'oa" # "Khally Ketfak"...
," in 1989. Her second album, "Shams el-Ghinnieh
Shams el-Ghinnieh
Released in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
" achieved greater success, earning her her well-known title, Shams el-Ghinnieh, (The Sun of Song). But Najwa's major successes were to come in the mid-1990s when she would rise to new heights of fame and popularity in both the Arabic and International music worlds.
Najwa's Domination of the Arabic Music Industry began in 1994 through 1999, when she had major successes with albums, such as "Naghmet Hob," "Ma Bassmahlak," and "Maghroumeh." In 1999, her Album "Rouh Rouhi
Rouh Rouhi
Rouh Rouhi is Najwa Karam's ninth studio album. It was released in 1999.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Atchana" # "Ariftu Albi La Meen" # "Rouh Rouhi"...
," ranked #1 on every music Chart in almost every Arabic country. Then in 2000, Najwa's Album, "Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
," brought Najwa's greatest success yet, as it sold over 5 Million albums Worldwide, holding the up-to-date record for Best-Selling Arabic album of all time. In 2001 Najwa's New Album "Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
" sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and is one of Najwa's most acclaimed albums to date. The success of Nedmaneh earned Najwa numerous awards, including a coveted Murex D'or award for "Best Arabic Artist," and three special awards from Najwa's production company, Rotana: "Artist of the Year", "Album of the Year" and "Highest Selling Album." By the time of the Release of "Saharni
Saharni
Saharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
" in 2003, Najwa had established the status of Pop Icon in the Middle East. Najwa's most recent Albums, such as "Shu Mghaiara," "Hayda Haki
Hayda Haki
Najwa Karam's 16th studio album, which featured the return of Tareq Aakef, who arranged almost all tracks of the album, and collaborated with newcomer Salim Assaf...
," "Am Bemzah Ma'ak
Am Bemzah Ma'ak
Am Bemzah Ma'ak is the seventeenth studio album from the Lebanese singer Najwa Karam. The album contains 8 tracks, and worked with the famous Lebanese composer Melhem Barakat on two songs. Najwa Karam already released a music video for the album's title, Aa Bemzah Ma'ak .Am Bemzah Ma'ak is the...
," and "Hal Leile...MaFi Noum" have all sold millions of copies and achieved great success, earning her numerous awards worldwide. Her many Singles, such as "Shou Jani" and "Lashhad Hobbak" have also topped music charts.
One of the Best-Selling Arabic Artists in History, Najwa has participated in countless festivals and concerts around the globe, and has received a number of awards and accolades from various distinguished bodies. In her other works, Najwa has collaborated with Musician and Composer Melhem Barakat
Melhem Barakat
Melhem Barakat , also known as Melhim Barakat, is a Lebanese singer and song-writer. He is nicknamed by his fans as Abou Majd. Melhem Barakat started his career back in the 1960s, Barakat has arguebly established a genre of his own in both the way he sings and composes, which makes him one of the...
, as well as with Wadih el Safi
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
on a single titled "W Kberna" (We grow old together), which achieved major success through out the Middle East. Also, Najwa is a sponsor and spokesperson for Pearl Properties, a UAE Real estate company, which features her in their advertisement commercials. In 2010 Najwa became the main judge and face of the new television series, "Arabs Got Talent," which became a television sensation across the Arab World. Then in 2011, a new era in music media was marked when Najwa Karam, in collaboration with Sony Entertainment and Rotana, produced the Middle East’s very first 3D music video, for her song, "MaFi Noum." Further, Najwa is one of Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
's most important and highest paid artists.
The early years and Layali Lubnan: 1972–1988
Najwa Karam Karam was born in ZahléZahlé
Zahlé is the capital and largest city of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 50,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Lebanon, after Beirut, Tripoli and Jounieh...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, to Karam Karam and Barbara Chahine Karam, a family of Lebanese Maronite Catholics. She is the youngest of five children, having an older sister, Salwa, and three older brothers, Tony, Jean, and Nicolas. She spent her childhood in Zahlé
Zahlé
Zahlé is the capital and largest city of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 50,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Lebanon, after Beirut, Tripoli and Jounieh...
, in the care of her parents and older brothers. From an early age, Najwa was known among her friends and relatives for her powerful singing voice, but her parents emphasized the need for an education and a stable career over entertaining.
Karam attended secondary school at Jesus the Angel College, and then worked as a teacher for two years at Eastern College, Zahlé
Zahlé
Zahlé is the capital and largest city of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 50,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Lebanon, after Beirut, Tripoli and Jounieh...
.
In 1985, Karam decided to pursue a singing career by participating in the television singing contest Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights), although against her father's wishes. Interpreting popular varieties of the traditional Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
Mawal in her powerful voice, Najwa walked away with the Gold Medal, public exposure, and her father's approval.
Following this win, Karam studied at the Lebanese Institute of Music for four years to improve her knowledge of music and the music industry in general. She was under the direction of renowned Lebanese composers Zaki Nassif
Zaki Nassif
Zaki Nassif is one of the first generation of Lebanese composers who accompanied the rise of Radio Liban in the 1940s, and continues today as a force in Lebanese folk music.-Biography:...
and Fouad Awad
Fouad Awad
Fouad Awad is an award-winning avant-garde Israeli-Palestinian theatre director, and a prominent figure in the Palestinian theatrical movement. He's considered a leading figure in the Palestinian theatrical movement in Israel....
. In 1987, Najwa participated in another television program named Laylat Haz, where she was warmly accepted by the audience. By 1989, Najwa had gained the knowledge and experience she needed to make her first attempt at breaking into the Arabic music industry.
Shams el-Ghinnieh, (The Sun of Song)
In 1989, Karam's first studio album, Ya HabayebYa Habayeb
Ya Habayeb is Najwa Karam's first studio album, released in 1989.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ya Habayeb" # "Weqolo Rujo'oa" # "Khally Ketfak"...
, was released by a then-little-known record label, Relax-in International. The album contained seven tracks, all in the traditional Lebanese traditional/folkloric
Mount Lebanon
Mount Lebanon , as a geographic designation, is a Lebanese mountain range, averaging above 2,200 meters in height and receiving a substantial amount of precipitation, including snow, which averages around four meters deep. It extends across the whole country along about , parallel to the...
style. Due to her previous exposure to the Lebanese public, the album was well-received in Lebanon but did not receive much attention from the rest of the Arab world
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
.
After a three year hiatus from music making, Karam returned to the scene with her follow up album, Shams el-Ghinnieh
Shams el-Ghinnieh
Released in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
. The album title was inspired by her nickname, Shams el-Ghinnieh (The sun of song), which was given to her by the Lebanese people and media because of her vocal abilities. The album was recorded by another small record company CM. The style of the album was more romantic and contemporary, in comparison to Najwa's debut, Ya Habayeb
Ya Habayeb
Ya Habayeb is Najwa Karam's first studio album, released in 1989.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ya Habayeb" # "Weqolo Rujo'oa" # "Khally Ketfak"...
, which was more traditional. Shams el-Ghinnieh
Shams el-Ghinnieh
Released in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
was received very well by the Lebanese public.
Ana Ma'akon (I'm With You)
The next year, 1993, Karam signed on with another record label for her new album. This time it was an even less known Saudi Arn company. The new album was called Ana Ma'akonAna Ma'akon
Ana Ma'akon was released in 1993 as Najwa Karam's third album, and is her least successful album to date.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ana Ma'akon" # "Mdallalin" # "Law Sa'alouni"...
(I am with you). The album was classic in style and quite different from Shams el-Ghinnieh
Shams el-Ghinnieh
Released in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
, not really reflecting Najwa's artistic identity. Despite her personal miscontent, she had no choice but release it, bound by a contract with her production company. As expected, the album failed to do as well as Shams el-Ghinnieh
Shams el-Ghinnieh
Released in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
. Poor marketing and lack of resources did not help much either and were blamed for the low sales of the album. It remains Karam's least-known album, although many of her fans consider it the best in terms of showing Najwa's abilities and voice-power/
Domination: 1994–1999
Najwa's fortunes took a turn for the better when she was approached by the Middle East's largest recording label, RotanaRotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
, owned by the Saudi Arabian Prince Walid Bin Talel. An agreement between the parties was made, and Najwa was now on Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
's roster.
Work on a new album began immediately. Expert poets, writers, and composers were enlisted to help Najwa make a fresh new musical image for herself to revitalize public interest, and finally draw attention from the wider Arab audience. By mid-1994, an album consisting of 8 new songs had been compiled and was ready to be released to the Middle East. Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob is the fourth album by Najwa Karam, released by the Rotana label in 1994. It was her breakthrough, which made her a star in the Arabic-music world.-Charts:-Track listing:...
(The Rhythm of Love) fused Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
tradition with Arab pop. Its catchy Lebanese dance song Law Habaytek (If I loved you) was an instant hit, introducing Najwa Karam to all of the Middle East. The song and its video clip dominated the Arabian
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
charts. Its follow up hits from the same album were "Wrood Eddar" (Roses of the Garden) and "Elala (la la)," which received similar success.
The wide success of Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob is the fourth album by Najwa Karam, released by the Rotana label in 1994. It was her breakthrough, which made her a star in the Arabic-music world.-Charts:-Track listing:...
fueled a concert tour and a number of awards for Karam, including a prize from the Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
Broadcasting Association for the Best Artist of 1994.
Karam had been thrust to the top of the Arabic music scene in less than a year, and was now constantly in the public eye. In 1995, Najwa started work on her second Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
album, her fifth release in total. It was titled Ma Bassmahlak
Ma Bassmahlak
Ma Bassmahlak is the fifth album by Najwa Karam and her second release on the Rotana label.-Track listing:# "Etghazzal Feeyi" # "Ana ow Heey" # "Ma Bassmahlak"...
and closely followed the traditional style of Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob
Naghmet Hob is the fourth album by Najwa Karam, released by the Rotana label in 1994. It was her breakthrough, which made her a star in the Arabic-music world.-Charts:-Track listing:...
. The main difference was the lyrical and vocal nature of the tracks which had more depth. Riding the wave of her celebrity, two of the songs were hits, namely Ma Bassmahlak (I won't allow you) and Hakim el-Qady (The Judge has spoken).
Hazi Helo, (I'm Lucky)
With five albums under her belt, the latter two of which witnessed ground breaking success, Najwa was becoming a familiar face in the Arabic music industry. On 16 June 1996, Karam released her newest album entitled Hazi HeloHazi Helo
Hazi Helo is the sixth studio album by Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ala Mahlak" # "Hazi Helo" # "Ba'adak Ma Btarifni" # "El-Ghorbil"...
(I'm Lucky). The title track, Hazi Helo, and three other songs, "Khayarouni", "Ala Mahlak" and "El-Ghorbil", were the most popular from the album.
Following the release of Hazi Helo
Hazi Helo
Hazi Helo is the sixth studio album by Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ala Mahlak" # "Hazi Helo" # "Ba'adak Ma Btarifni" # "El-Ghorbil"...
, Najwa set off on a large scale world concert tour, which would take in many Arab states, parts of Europe, and America
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
. She found a number of fans in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and performed to sold-out concerts all over. To honour her success in the U.S., Najwa was presented with the Key to the City of Chicago.
Ma Hada La Hada, (Nobody) and Maghroumeh, (In Love)
After the sell-out world tour, Najwa returned to Lebanon with a fresh mind and new song ideas. And so work began on her next studio album - Ma Hada La HadaMa Hada La Hada
Ma Hada La Hada is Najwa Karam's seventh studio album.-Charts:-Track listing:# "El Tahady" # "Habib el-Zein" # "El-Helw"...
. The tracks on the album were quite different from those of Najwa's previous albums, with a more contemporary sound. For example the song "El Helw" was heavily influenced by foreign beats and synthesised melodies. Three months prior to the album's official release, the song El Tahady was distributed to the Arabic radio stations. By the time of the album's release, the song's popularity had dwindled, and Ma Hada La Hada
Ma Hada La Hada
Ma Hada La Hada is Najwa Karam's seventh studio album.-Charts:-Track listing:# "El Tahady" # "Habib el-Zein" # "El-Helw"...
s relatively poor sales were attributed to this factor. However, the title track did become quite popular. It had harmonious musical arrangements which used the traditional Lebanese instrument the Qanoun, along with other traditional instruments such as the violin and the accordion. These musical stylings, along with an uplifting song topic and a powerful "mini movie" video clip made the song a huge hit.
The 1998 release, Maghroumeh
Maghroumeh
-Track listing:# "Maghroumeh" # "Wada'ato" # "Ghamzeh" # "Noqta al-Satr" # "Mahsoub Alayi" # "A'am Beqoulo" # "Telt Malek"...
, marked Karam's "official" transition from purely traditional Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
artist to the blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic that she is famous for today. It had poetic Arabic lyrics sung with Najwa's trademark power and authority; extensive use of Arabic instruments (trumbakke, mijwiz, zamour, tabal... etc.) and contemporary ones; and a brand new look for the album cover. Maghroumeh
Maghroumeh
-Track listing:# "Maghroumeh" # "Wada'ato" # "Ghamzeh" # "Noqta al-Satr" # "Mahsoub Alayi" # "A'am Beqoulo" # "Telt Malek"...
was another success from Karam. The title track, Maghroumeh (I am in Love), was shot as a video clip, and was the biggest hit off the album, hitting number one on most radio stations in the region. Other hits were the feisty Ghamza (The Wink) and the sad love song Noqta al-Satr (Somewhere along the line).
Rouh Rouhi The new year brought about a number of changes in Karam's career lives. Najwa's new album was set to be released in the summer, and her personal changes were showing in her new album Rouh Rouhi
Rouh Rouhi
Rouh Rouhi is Najwa Karam's ninth studio album. It was released in 1999.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Atchana" # "Ariftu Albi La Meen" # "Rouh Rouhi"...
. It was similar to the Maghroumeh
Maghroumeh
-Track listing:# "Maghroumeh" # "Wada'ato" # "Ghamzeh" # "Noqta al-Satr" # "Mahsoub Alayi" # "A'am Beqoulo" # "Telt Malek"...
album, but had a number of tweaks in the vocal and musical styles. The musical arrangements were heavily detailed and technical, and the lyrics were more poetic than all other Karam albums. The tracks Ariftu Albi La Meen (Do you know who my heart belongs to?), Atchana (Thirsty), and the title track, Rouh Rouhi (Soul of my Soul) were the major hits off the album, the latter two being shot as music videos. Many other songs succeeded like "Kif Bdawik (How do I treat You?)", and "Ma Berda Ghayrak (I Don't Accept Anyone Beside You)".
No Regrets
Another year, another change for Najwa Karam. This time it came about in the form of a music album called Oyoun QalbiOyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
. Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
was a more romantic, reflective body of work compared to Karam's previous albums. Its major included Majboura (I have to) which had a modern jazz influence, and the "power ballets", Oyoun Qalbi (Sweetheart) and Khaleek al Ard (Stay down to earth). A music video was made for the Najwa 2000 megamix, which contained samples from each song on the Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
album. The album sold over 5 Million copies, topping charts. It holds the up to date record for best selling Arabic album of all time.
In 2001, Karam made her record breaking release Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
. It sold over 4 million copies worldwide, and is one of Najwa's most acclaimed albums to date. It followed on from the style of music first presented by Karam in Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
, and further experimented with new styles and sounds. The song Aaskah (Falling in love) was an enormous hit, hitting number one all over the Middle East, and was also quite popular abroad. It was a more playful and vibrant song than most of Karam's previous work, with a strong bass line, and a distinct oriental influence. It was quite different from any Arabic song at the time, and appealed to a wide range of audiences. The success of Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
brought about a number of awards, including a coveted Murex D'or for "Best Arabic Artist" award, and three special awards from Karam's production company, Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
: "Artist of the Year", "Album of the Year" and "Highest Selling Album".In 2001 Najwa Karem got married to Youssef Harb and got divorce her brother tony spilled out her secret.
To further Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
's crediting of Karam's successes, an honouring assemble was held on Saturday, 23 June 2001 where Karam was awarded for her achievements throughout her singing career and for the huge success of Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
. The ceremony was held at the Venesia Hotel, Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. In attendance were the Lebanese Minister of Information, Ghazi Al-Aredi who was representing the President of the Lebanese Republic, Émile Lahoud
Émile Lahoud
General Émile Jamil Lahoud is a former President of Lebanon. Lahoud is a Maronite-Catholic, as is required for the Lebanese presidency. Under Lebanon's unwritten constitutional agreement, the National Pact, the presidency is earmarked for Maronite_Catholic, the parliament speaker's post for a Shia...
, prominent singer Wadih el Safi
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
, acclaimed composer Elias Rahbani and a number of journalists and reporters. During the night, Karam sang some of her hits (old and new), and was presented with numerous medals and trophies. The recording was released on a special edition CD (Live in Concert), along with a compilation CD of Najwa's hits from 1989-2000 titled The Very Best Of Najwa Karam
The Very Best Of Najwa Karam
The Very Best of Najwa Karam is Najwa Karam's first greatest hits compilation and is composed of 15 of her biggest hits from 1989 to 2000.-Track listing:#"Oyoun Qalbi"#"Khaleek al-Ardh"#"Majbourah"#"Rouh Rouhi"#"Ariftu Albi Lamin"#"Maghroumeh"...
.
Karam's 2002 album, Tahamouni
Tahamouni
-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Bara'ah *2. Ew'a Tekoun Ze'alt *3. Ya Medawebni *4. Tahamouni *5. Benoub *6. Temasken ...
, was far removed from the "easy going" contemporary feel of Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi
Oyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
and Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh
Nedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
, and audiences noticed. The album was intended to get back in touch with a more youthful audience from other Arab nations, with whom had taken slight dis-interest in Karam's music from the late 90s. This was shown though songs like Tahamouni (They accused me) which included attempts at rapping, and Ew'a Tekoun Ze'alt (I hope you're not mad at me) which seemed to have a complete Western influence. The songs had a youthful sound.
Saharni, (He Charmed Me)
In late 2002, Karam began meeting with the LebaneseLebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
"tarab" star, Wadih el Safi
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
(Born 1919). Wadi had known Najwa for a while, and had been impressed with her vocal talents. The two of them decided to make a duet together, depicting the trials of a father-daughter relationship. The song was titled W Kberna (We grow old together), and was an epic ballad in which both vocalists showed immense vocal range and depth. W Kberna was a success as the lyrics were easy to relate to and it teamed two of the region's most prominent artists together.
Taking this success, Najwa got back to the drawing board for a new album. Months were spent piecing together lyrics and arrangements, and by mid 2003, the album was ready for release. Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
set up a large launch party in Downtown Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, where over fifteen thousand of Karam's fans packed the streets, waiting for Najwa to appear and sing her new material.
Saharni
Saharni
Saharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
(Charmed) was exactly the kind of album that was a rebirth of the "old Najwa Karam", and took the public by surprise, as they had at this point come to expect contemporary pop from the Shams el-Ghinnieh. The music had all the makings of distinctly Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
music: trumbakke solos, traditional wind instruments, lots of bass and a vibrant singing style - all features far removed from the "western" motif that most artists opted for at the time. Not only had Karam's music changed, but she also sported a new look, which further emphasised that the album was a turn around. Saharni
Saharni
Saharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
s success was instantaneous, even though there was a lack of video clips for the songs, the album came through on top of the charts, and produced a number of major hits, including Edhak Lil Dounya (Smile to the world), and the title track Saharni (He charmed me).
Najwa made a world tour to complement Saharni
Saharni
Saharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
s success, taking in the Middle East as well as destinations such as France and the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
with Wadih el Safi
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
. She also travelled to Australia, where her concert there still holds the record for largest ever recorded concert attendance for an Arabic artist. Najwa was presented with a number of awards and achievements in 2003. These include "Highest Selling Album" from Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
, and award for the "Best singer of Traditional Lebanese Song" from the Lions Club, "Song of the Year": Edhak Lil Donya from Sawt El Ghad Australia and an honorary Award from Australian Government.
As the New Year came and passed, Karam began work on a new single to be included in her upcoming album. This single would be like no other she had released before. Titled Leish Mgharrab? (Why are you living abroad?) it told of the hardships that people face when having to leave their home country for a better life. Coupled with this harrowing topic, was a revolutionary new music video (directed by Sa'aed el-Marouk), which would transform modern day Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
into a bleak and harsh wasteland in 2020. The original video - which also contained scenes of citizens protesting against the Lebanese government - was banned from being aired by the Lebanese Parliament. When the clip was edited slightly, it was finally allowed to go to air, along with its song. It hit home with many people, especially those living abroad in countries like Australia and the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It also sent a direct message to Lebanese politicians, telling them to act on their words.
After a few months, Najwa had completed the rest of her new album, Shu Mghaira..!
Shu Mghaira..!
Shu Mghaira..! is Najwa Karam's fourteenth studio album. It was released in 2004.-Track listing:#"Behawak" #"Shu Kent Teqele" #"Ya Donya" #"'Areft Akhtar"...
. Like Saharni
Saharni
Saharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
, it was distinctly Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, but it was more of a modern adaptation, with a reflective and sad overtone. Najwa continued her many live appearances to promote the album, and a notable event for 2004 was her sell-out concert in Carthage
Carthage
Carthage , implying it was a 'new Tyre') is a major urban centre that has existed for nearly 3,000 years on the Gulf of Tunis, developing from a Phoenician colony of the 1st millennium BC...
, Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
where she performed to thousands of enthusiastic fans. The tracks Bi Hawak (In your love) and Shu Mghaira (How you've changed) were shot in an expensive duel video clip which was riddled with special effects. It remained at the number 1 position for 6 weeks on the Rotana Top 20 Chart. The two songs were the most popular from the album, and Najwa obtained the as "Female Artist of the Year" from MusicanaNet.net, which was decided via a large scale internet poll.
2005 and beyond
In the second quarter of 2005, Karam released a new single and video clip called Shu Jani. Shu Jani was a contemporary pop song, with the use of traditional Lebanese instruments. The video was filmed in the Faraya ski resort in LebanonLebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
by director Sa'aed el-Marouk. It was to be on her upcoming 2005 album. The timing of the new clip was criticised in some tabloids, because it was released during the tense electoral season in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, and the so-called Cedar Revolution
Cedar Revolution
The Cedar Revolution or Independence Intifada was a chain of demonstrations in Lebanon triggered by the assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14, 2005.The primary goals of the original activists were the...
(Independence Intifada). It was argued by these tabloids that it was disrespectful for Karam to release new material at such a time. Karam defended herself by putting the claim on her Saudi production company, Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
, who she says fast tracked the release against her wishes. Even though there was some controversy surrounding Shu Jani, it fared well with the public.
Due to the prolonged situation in the Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
region, Karam's 2005 album was postponed from originally being released in June, then July and then finally postponed until November 2005. However, Karam released another single in late July called Bhebak Walaa which was an upbeat, contemporary/traditional song typical of Karam's usual work. It was a fairly big hit, hitting number one on many internet and radio charts. On 6 September 2005, Karam released the video for Bhebak Walaa, directed by Salim el-Turk.
Kibir'el Hob, (Love Got Greater)
In November 2005, billboards and unipolls all over BeirutBeirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
were displaying a lady's hand upon a cloudy horizon. No writing was on the posters. The advertisement had the public wondering what message the posters were relaying, and who did the mysterious hand belong to? Soon it was generally concluded that the hand belonged to a recording artist, but there were many conflicting suggestions as to whose it was. Gradually, the billboards had bits of the lady added to the picture, until on 30 November 2005 the "mystery lady" was revealed as Najwa Karam.
On the same day, Karam's 15th studio album, Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob is Najwa Karam's fifteenth studio album. It was released in 2005 by Rotana Records as her 2006 album. Najwa began recording sometime in mid-2005 after promotion from her last effort stopped. Three singles from the album have been released so far....
(Love Just Got Greater) was officially released. The album gained widespread attention through its rigorous advertising campaign, which included the billboard posters, many television appearances [on popular variety programs such as Dandana, and Akeed Maestro], and music video clips for singles. Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob is Najwa Karam's fifteenth studio album. It was released in 2005 by Rotana Records as her 2006 album. Najwa began recording sometime in mid-2005 after promotion from her last effort stopped. Three singles from the album have been released so far....
topped the highest selling album chart in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
for Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
during the Christmas sales period, and remained in the number one position through the New Year. In mid April 2006, Karam released a third and last single from the Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob
Kibir'el Hob is Najwa Karam's fifteenth studio album. It was released in 2005 by Rotana Records as her 2006 album. Najwa began recording sometime in mid-2005 after promotion from her last effort stopped. Three singles from the album have been released so far....
album, accompanied by a video clip, and proved to be among the most popular Arabic songs of the year 2006.
In response to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
The 2006 Lebanon War, also called the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War and known in Lebanon as the July War #Other uses|Tammūz]]) and in Israel as the Second Lebanon War , was a 34-day military conflict in Lebanon, northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied territories. The principal parties were Hezbollah...
, Karam teamed for the first time with popular Lebanese singer/songwriter Melhim Barakat to record the song Rah Yeb2a El Watan. The track was written and composed by Barakat, and called for unity among all Lebanese people. The single was released in late September and was critically acclaimed for its message and vocals, although criticised for its short running time. Plans for another collaboration with Barakat are underway.
2007-2008: Haida Haki, (That's What I'm Talking About) & Aam Bimzah Maak, (I'm Kidding With You)
28 May began Sawt el Ghad and several other Arab radio stations to play the new hit Hayda Haki. This song with a very new style was expected to be a great deal for 2007.On 6 June 2007, the company Rotana released Najwa's 16th album titled Hayda Haki. A new Lebanese album with Najwa Karam's special flavor in it. This album include 8 excellent songs as usual.
Different kind of styles in each song. A powerful mawal in Raje3 Tes2al 3a Meen and a nice/soft mawal for El hanone. Law ma btekzob is like her 90's songs, Ana Rouh and Nawer Eyami are two of a kind romance songs. Hata Be Ahlamak, Hayda Haki and Behkik are upbeat songs with different styles in each one and a special Najwa Karam's touch. Hayda Haki was the next song (after her 06-07 huge hit Shu Hal Hala) that Najwa Karam shot as a video clip with Lebanese director Said el Marouk.
From the First week of the release of Hayda Haki it was the best selling album in Lebanon in UAE and Kwait Number one best selling Album.The Album had huge succees from the first week of release in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, the Gulf, Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
and other Arabic countries.
Najwa Karam was a guest on the show Album on MBC 1
Middle East Broadcasting Center
The Middle East Broadcasting Center Group is the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World which was launched in London in 1991 and later moved to its headquarters in Dubai in 2002. MBC Group provides multiple channels of information, interaction and entertainment...
. In 29 June 2007, she shined on Album's stage, one week before Album's final prime. She started by singing Hayda Haki by herself. Secondly, she sang Sho hal hala with one of the three groups. Thirdly, she sang Law Ma Btekzob with another group of the three groups.
In June she released her latest video clip : Hayda Haki, which displayed her character in a romantic atmosphere and love shots and in its first day on the charts she landed on the 1st spot.
Najwa Karam toured the United States and Canada with Lebanese Stars Wael Kfoury and Fadel Shaker, the tour lasted for a little more than a month as they visited major cities and was all success. The American concerts were in Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas, Detroit, New Jersey, Boston and Miami. And in Canada, concerts were in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, singing in the biggest and most important venues.
Najwa celebrated the New Year's Eve with Wael Kfoury in the Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel located in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi.-Construction:The building was designed by renowned architect, John Elliott RIBA, who was Senior Vice President at Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, an international firm specialising in Luxury Hotels.It...
in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
, the huge demand on the concert left it sold out more than a week before its date.
Najwa Karam was the first guest on the first prime of Star Academy 5 LBC
LBC
LBC Radio operates two London-based radio stations, with news and talk formats. LBC was Britain's first legal commercial Independent Local Radio station, providing a service of news and information to London. It began broadcasting on 8 October 1973, a week ahead of Capital Radio...
on Friday 25 January 2008. She sang: Hayda Haki, Law ma btekzob and Ana rou7 ya rou7i.
On 9 February, Karam held a huge, successful concert in the capital city of Germany, Berlin.
After four days, Najwa released a video clip for "Law Ma Btekzob" by the director Fadi Haddad. The song achieved tremendous success across the middle east. Along with Law Ma Btekzob success, the song Behkeek was achieveing unexpected success too in Egypt and Lebanon ranking #2 in both charts for couple of weeks.
One of Najwa's most anticipated appearance on TV show Al Arrab (Final), with host Nishan, was aired on 31 May. As well, George Kurda7i was there. Najwa sang medley of her old and new songs and added songs for Fairouz, Sabah, Wadih El Safi and Samira Tawfiq. She also sang one of her old mawal "Wainak Ya Ra3i Deni" (Where are you God?) aka. Mawal El Adyan and it achieved huge success.
On 17 July 2008, Rotana released Najwa's 17th studio-album, Am Bimzah Maak (I'm Joking with you)
Am Bemzah Ma'ak
Am Bemzah Ma'ak is the seventeenth studio album from the Lebanese singer Najwa Karam. The album contains 8 tracks, and worked with the famous Lebanese composer Melhem Barakat on two songs. Najwa Karam already released a music video for the album's title, Aa Bemzah Ma'ak .Am Bemzah Ma'ak is the...
. The album received considerable success and positive reviews. The album contained eight songs. One of the most famous Arabic composer Melhim Baraket composed two songs from the album: "Kammil 3ala Rouhi" and "Gatalna El Khof". The album stayed for three months #1 in Virgin Mega Store Lebanon, 4 weeks #1 in UAE Virgin Mega Store, 8 Weeks in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, etc.; Rotana
Rotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
, Najwa's production company, said that Najwa Karam's last album Am Bimzah Maak, was one of the top 3 best-selling (Rotana) albums in the middle east. It was chosen by Virgin MegaStore Jordan, as Top 3 most selling albums in the year of 2008.
One week after the release of her album, The Queen of Carthage, Najwa Karam shined in Carthage, Tunisia. The concert was very successful.
Najwa Karam went to Sweden where she shined in the Globe-arena 20 September.
The celebrating of Eid El Fitr took place in Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
.
While four songs from Aam Bimza7 Maak; Am Bimzah Maak, Enta El Shams, Amanti Galbi, and Taa Khabik were achieving a lot of success all over the middle east, Najwa released her second video clip from her latest album " Ma Bkhabi Aleyk" were she collaborated for the first time with Lebanese young director Randa Aalam.
She got an invitation to open the new music-channel named Al Dafrah that would take place 1 November.
Najwa shot a 3rd video clip from her successful album " Aam Bimza7 Maa" called Taa Taa Khabik. And it played on many Music channels in the middle east and received huge success in Lebanon, Maghreb
Maghreb
The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa, west of Egypt. It includes five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara...
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
and the Gulf countries
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
.
2009: Khaleeni Shoofak, (Let Me See You)
On February 2009, Najwa attended one of the Middle East most important concert, Hala Febrayer 09 in KuwaitKuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
. She performed a mixture of old and new songs for the very active crowd.
On 9 March, specifically on Mothers Day, Najwa Karam released her anticipated single "El Deni Em" (A mother is the whole world), which received huge success and stayed #1 for three wjkjlkiuoppliopeeks on the Online-Magazine "Elaph".
After the meeting between Najwa Karam and Nidal El Ahmadieh (journalist) took place to discuss the many events that took place including Nidal El Ahmadieh's imprisonment, everything is back to normal and Najwa & Nidal are back to being on better terms.
In May 2009, Najwa Karam traveled to Morocco to perform at the Mawazine Festival 2009. Her opening performance attracted a crowd exceeding 60,000. She performed for two and a half hours long as the crowd sang and danced along with her. It will go down in history as one of, if not the most successful concert of Najwa's legendary career.
On 10 June 2009, Rotana released Najwa's 18th album, entitled "Khallini Shoufak" (Let me see you). It has been deemed a very strong release from Shams El Ghenniyie, Najwa Karam. The album contains 8 songs, each with a different style of music and catchy lyrics. It is worth mentioning that along with the lead single "Khallini Shufak", three other songs are receiving huge success: "Eidak" (your hand), "Allah Yesghello Balo" (may God make him worry), and "Aboos Eynak" (kiss your eye). The remaining songs are: "Wale'"(light the fire), "El Deni Em" (a mother is the whole world), "Albi Masna' Baroud" (my heart is a gun factory), "El Haramy" (the thieve). The album is considered to be Najwa's strongest return to her original style since "Saharny" (2003). Najwa said, "it's full of folkloric, balady songs, similar to Saharny and her 90's releases". Her video for "Khallini Shoufak" was released around the same time as her cd.
It's worth to mention that Najwa was a guest performer on Star Academy 6's (Lebanon) final prime. She sang "Am Bemzah Ma'ak" (I'm joking with you), "Ta'a Khabeek" (Let me hide you), and her latest single, "Khallini Shoufak" (Let Me See you).
Najwa appeared on Layali El Samar on March 25, 2010 on ABU DHABI TV.
Also Najwa was the guest star on Taratata, Dubai TV, and soon after she appeared on the TV show Akher Man Ya3lam.
2010-2011: Bil Rou7, Bil Dam (with soul, with blood) & Lashhad Hobbak (I'll beg for your love)
On May 7, 2010, Sawt El Ghad Radio, Beirut, started playing Najwa's new hit "Bil Rou7, Bil Dam" (with soul, with blood) The New hit single was the first song of Najwa's that was produced directly out of Rotana in 17 years. The song, along with its video clip, which featured in it the Guinness world record for largest plate of tabbouleh, sponsored by Najwa, were well received, and reached great success.Then On November 11, 2010 Najwa released her next single "Lashhad Hobbak" (I'll beg for your love). Its Video clip aired on Rotana Music Channels, attracting a large audience through its classy styles, such as the spider-webbed characteristics. The song became very popular among the masses, and it became a favorite of Najwa's fans. The beaded fulle spider-web bodysuit, designed by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad is a Beirut-based Lebanese fashion designer.In 1995, Zuhair Murad opened his first atelier in Beirut and not long after he came to establish a very high reputation on the international fashion scene. What began as a mere hobby soon turned into an empire of unique sophistication and...
, that was worn by Najwa in the video clip, was later also worn by Jeniffer Lopez, in her music video, "On the Floor."
In late 2010, although there were doubts of a new contract between Najwa and Rotana Production Company, after several meetings with Salem El Hendi, Najwa agreed to return to Rotana. Haifa Wehbe attended the dinner party which was held after the press conference telling the press that she was glad to accept Najwa’s invitation and delighted to be part of the celebration.
On January 17, 2011 Najwa was the last guest of the popular show, "Absher" with Nishan.
On February 23, 2011 the first issue of the online Najwa Karam Magazine was published by her official Page on Facebook.(facebook.com/NajwaKaram).
After Najwa decided to postponed her upcoming album, a Song called "Wayn" appeared on the internet. The song was verified stolen from the Najwa Karam Office and released without her permission. The song was recorded three years prior in 2009 and was removed from that year's Album, "Khallini Shoufak." Although illegally released, the song was well liked, and was played on numerous radio stations. With its slow rhythm and different style, unusual of Najwa's music, it reached the top ten singles, and became a favorite, especially among Najwa fans.
After a while, when she was performing on a stage, a man came called The BernZ , proposed to her :)
she felt like a princess, and therefore she married him, and gave birth to her 6th child of THE BERNZ!
Arabs' got Talent
"Arabs' got Talent" debuted on 14 January 2011 on MBC4. It was the first Time for Najwa to be in a jury. The show is very successful and very popular in the Arab world. The 7th Episode was the first live show. It was on 25 February 2011.2011: Hal Leile...MaFi Noum (Tonight, There's No Sleep)
On June 28, 2011 RotanaRotana Records
Rotana Records is the Arab World's largest record label. It is owned by the Rotana Group, established by the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, who sometimes personally signs artists to the label. Rotana Records is part of a huge media empire that includes a film production company, a magazine in...
released "Hal Leile...MaFi Noum", Najwa Karam's 19th Studio Album. The album contains the usual 8 songs, 3 of them, "Mafi Noum," "Shu Hal Leile," and "Eainy Bi Eainak" were written by Najwa Karam herself. "MaFi Noum (There's No Sleep)" and "Shu Hal Leile (What a Night)" were both successful before the Album release. After only three days, the Album reached Number 1 on Virgin Megastore
Virgin Megastore
Virgin Megastores is an international chain of record shops, founded by Sir Richard Branson on London's Oxford Street in early 1971. Virgin Megastores are best described today as entertainment retailers....
Charts, pushing Nawal Al Zoghbi's album, "Ma'rafsh Leh," from number one, down to number five. With Najwa's huge success, Tamer Hosny
Tamer Hosny
Tamer Hosny is an Egyptian singer, actor, composer, director, producer and songwriter. Hosny first came to attention when he appeared on mix tapes with other Egyptian artists...
, a well-known Egyptian singer, was unable to land a number one spot for his new album, "Elly Gai Ahla," which was released the same day. Also unable to reach a number one spot was Assi El Helani
Assi El Helani
Mohammed El Helani , widely known as Assi El Helani , is a Lebanese singer who has been a major figure in the music scene of the Middle East since the 1990s. Assi's musical career officially started after winning the Art Studio TV Program for young artists at the age of 17.He has released more than...
with his album "Rouhi Ana." Two weeks after the album debut, with "MaFi Noum" still at the number 1 spot on the charts, A 3D Video clip was released for the song "MaFi Noum." It became the first produced 3D Music Clip in the Middle East, giving Najwa the earned distinction of first Arabic artist to create a video using 3D technology. The feat was accomplished with the assistance of three professional teams from the US and the UK and the Lebanese W&P Production Group, which undertook extensive research on 3D techniques to familiarize the Middle East crew with the breakthrough technology, including the handling of sophisticated 3D equipment and digital cameras that were used for the shoot. Directed by Waleed Nassif, the video was created by Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
, and produced by Rotana. The clip received huge success as audiences were wowed by the up-beat style of the interactive Video clip. During the opening sequence, The Clip features, Season 1 Arab's Got Talent contestant, Abdelmalek Al Baljani, from Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, in a dance solo. Because of his advanced dance skills, on the show, Najwa, a judge on Arab's Got Talent, had made a promise to cast Al Baljani in her next video, and when she actually did, many were surprised. The three-day shoot took place in Northern Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, at Nahr Ibrahim, in the Kesserwan area of Basateen Al Ossi, Jeita Grotto, and at the studio of Mansourieh. The 3D version premiered at the ABC Achrafieh theatre in Lebanon on July 25, 2011 and the video clip is currently being played in 600 3D Sony showrooms and outlets, throughout the Arab world. The clip was also shot in 2D to enable TV viewers to watch it on their regular TV sets. The "MaFi Noum" 3D clip had one of the largest production budgets in the Middle East.
The Album itself, unlike the largely Dabke 2009 album, "Khallini Shoufak
Khallini Shoufak
Khalini Shoufak is an album by Najwa Karam, released on June 10, 2009. The album was released by Rotana. Seven of the songs have a Dabka theme.-Track listing:#"Allah Yeshghelo Balo"#"Harami"#"Aboos Einak"#"Albi Masna'a Baroud"#"Khalini Shoufak"...
," was much like the Extremely successful and popular 2007 and 2008 albums, "Hayda Haki
Hayda Haki
Najwa Karam's 16th studio album, which featured the return of Tareq Aakef, who arranged almost all tracks of the album, and collaborated with newcomer Salim Assaf...
," and "Aam Bimzah Maak" which consisted of more Baladi beats. "MaFi Noum" brings a greater variety of rhythms than Najwa's past album, with upbeat Dabke songs like, "Dallel" and "Bayaa Al Yanaseeb," slower songs such as "Law Bas Taraef" and "Eainy Bi Eainak," and melodious songs consisting of different rhythms like, "MaFi Noum" and "Ya Bayyi."
Controversy regading the usage of "DOUM TAC," in "MaFi Noum"
The song "MaFi Noum" Employs the fun, "Doum Tac" Derbake notes as a part of its variety of music styles. But the "Doum, Tac...Tarra Doum Doum Doum" parts of the song were at first questioned. In critiques and popular fandom, some believed that the derbake notes were unnecessary in the song, but after repeated listening to the song, especially over the radio, the "Doum Tac" parts become catchy and fun to sing along, and the "MaFi Noum" video clip adds to their appeal as the notes are associated with sudden movements and swift dance moves in the 3D music Video. Najwa has continuously reiterated in interviews the meaning and significance of the music notes. In concerts, the audience sings along the "Doum Tac," and it, like the well-known lines "Rooh Rouhi," "Ana Ma Fiyeh," and "Aam Bimzah Maak" has become a trademark and popular label of Najwa Karam's.
2011 Summer Concerts
On June 26, Najwa Sang infront of a massive crowd at the Timitar Festival in Aghadir, Morocco.
Following the Release of "MaFi Noum," Najwa appeared on the Star Academy 8 Final Prime, where she sang, "MaFi Noum," "Shu Hal Leile." and her 2010 Single, "Lashhad Hobbak."
Najwa also starred at the Exclusive Batroun International Festival in Lebanon, and at the Aswat Nisa2ayat, (Women's Voices) Concert in Morocco.
Other Concerts of the summer took place in Rest House Tyre, Ehden, Beit Mary, and Mayrouba, in Lebanon.
Jerash Festival
On July 28, 2011 Najwa participated in the Jerash
Jerash
Jerash, the Gerasa of Antiquity, is the capital and largest city of Jerash Governorate , which is situated in the north of Jordan, north of the capital Amman towards Syria...
Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, where she sang for an audience numbering in the tens of thousands. Present in the crowd was Queen Noor of Jordan. The successful concert earned her another Jerash Festival award, as the concert was one of the biggest 2011 summer concerts in the Middle East.
2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
Karam's initial response to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
The 2006 Lebanon War, also called the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War and known in Lebanon as the July War #Other uses|Tammūz]]) and in Israel as the Second Lebanon War , was a 34-day military conflict in Lebanon, northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied territories. The principal parties were Hezbollah...
was to go ahead with scheduled tour dates abroad, with all proceeds forwarded to the Lebanese Red Cross. Furthermore, Karam donated 3 fully equipped ambulance vehicles, also to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Other causes
In November 2006, Karam attended the launching of charity program Reach Out To Asia in DohaDoha
Doha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf, it had a population of 998,651 in 2008, and is also one of the municipalities of Qatar...
. The program aims at raising money for the underprivileged and disadvantaged across Asia. Najwa performed at the event.
Najwa has also raised money for other causes such as cancer research via a number of chartity performances.
Before the end of 2007 Najwa Karam appeared on LBCI TV and announced that she will be donating free full health insurance for 300 attending elderly people, hoping that this "small" first step will become bigger and bigger.
Najwa performed in a live concert on Berlin, Germany during February 2008, a percentage of the concert's earnings goes as aid for children of war in Lebanon and Palestine.
Najwa, also is currently working hard to be appointed United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, she feels that she has to contribute through her art to spread peace worldwide from the middle east.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awarded by | Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Layali Lubnan | Gold Medal First Place | ||
| 1994 | Lebanese Broadcasting | The Best Singer | ||
| 1995 | Lebanese Broadcasting | The Best Singer | ||
| 1995 | LaRami.com | The Most Famous Singer | ||
| 1996 | U.S | American Citizenship | ||
| 1996 | U.S | Key to the City of Chicago | ||
| 1996 | Jordan | Jerash Festival Award | ||
| 1996 | 2nd Orbit | Festival Award | ||
| 1996 | LaRami.com | The Most Famous Singer | ||
| 1997 | Tunis | Carthage Festival Award | ||
| 1998 | Oman | Masqat Festival Award | ||
| 1998 | Germany | Key to the City of Düsseldorf | ||
| 1998 | Canada | Arab Communities Festival Award | ||
| 1998 | Libya | Alfatih Festival Award | ||
| 1999 | Australia | Arab Communities Festival Award | ||
| 1999 | Lebanese Army | Honorary Award | ||
| 2000 | Tunisia | Carthage Festival Award | ||
| 2000 | Tunisia | Alzahra City festival Award | ||
| 2000 | French Press Organization (IFP) | Pronounced As "Lebanese Diva" | ||
| 2001 | Qatar | "Doha Arab Song" Festival Award | ||
| 2001 | Kuwait | Hala February Festival Award | ||
| 2001 | UAE | Layali Dubai Festival Award | ||
| 2001 | Lebanon | Murex D'or award for The Best Arabic singer | ||
| 2001 | Lebanon | Best Singer from Lebanese Radio Stations | ||
| 2001 | Rotana | Artist of the year | ||
| 2001 | Rotana | Album of the Year: Nedmani | ||
| 2001 | Rotana | The highest selling album: Nedmani | ||
| 2001 | Al delta, Almahabi, Almeraj, Jabal Lebanon & Sawt El Musica | Awards | ||
| 2002 | Aley | Festival Award | ||
| 2002 | Lebanon | Tyre Festival Award | ||
| 2003 | Rotana | Highest selling album: Saharni | ||
| 2003 | Lebanon | Tyre Festival Award | ||
| 2003 | Lions | Best Singer of the Traditional Lebanese Songs | ||
| 2003 | Lebanon | Faraya City Award | ||
| 2003 | Jordan | Jarash Festival Award | ||
| 2003 | Sawt El Ghad Australia | Song of the Year: Edhak Lil Donya | ||
| 2003 | Australian Government | Honorary Award | ||
| 2004 | Kuwait | Hala February Award | ||
| 2004 | Tunisia | Carthage Festival Award | ||
| 2004 | Lebanon | Zahle City Award | ||
| 2004 | MusicanaNet.net | Female Artist of the Year | ||
| 2005 | Rotana | Arabic Singer of the Year | ||
| 2005 | Sawt El Ghad Australia | Song of the Year: Bhebak Walaa | ||
| 2006 | Sawt El Ghad Australia | Shu Hal Hala marked #4 in Top 100 songs | ||
| 2007 | Qatar | Doha Festival Award | ||
| 2007 | Kuwait | Hala February Award | ||
| 2007 | Jordan | Jerash Festival Award | ||
| 2007 | Canada | The Best Female Singer in the Middle East | ||
| 2007 | Mosaqiue Fm | Best Album of the Year: Hayda Haki | ||
| 2007 | Zahrat Al Khaleej Yearly Survey | Most Popular Female Singer #1, Best Female Singer #2 | ||
| 2008 | Tunisia | Queen Of Carthage | ||
| 2008 | Software Times Award | The Best Arabic Singer | ||
| 2008 | LE Music Choice | The Best Lebanese Song: Am Bimzah Maak | ||
| 2008 | Al Sarih Magazine | The Best Arabic Singer | ||
| 2008 | Zahrat Al Khalig | The Best Arabic Singer (receiving 90%) | ||
| 2008 | Stars Magazine | #1 The Best Album: Am Bimzah Maak | Rotana | One of the most selling albums: Am Bimzah Maak |
| 2009 | Melody FM | Najwa Karam Best female singer | ||
| 2009 | Al Jaras TV | "Khallini shufak" Best Album for the year | Best Female singer for the year | |
| 2009 | Hiya TV | Najwa karam best female singer of the year, program: Top of the Tops | "Khallini shufak" Best Album fot the year receiving 64% | |
| 2009 | Najwa Karam Best singer ever who sings LEBANESE SONG accordind to www.bisara7.com | |||
| 2009 | IRAQ Radio FM | Najwa karam best female singer for the year (97%) | "Khallini Shoufak" best selling album in Iraq | |
| 2009 | El Madina FM | Best Female Singer for the year (31.0%) | ||
| 2009 | Zahrat El khalij | Best Female Arab Singer for the year | ||
| 2011 | Virgin Records | "Hal Leile...MaFi Noum" Number 1 on Charts 3 Days after release | ||
| 2011 | Sony | "MaFi Noum" First 3D Music Video in the Middle East | ||
| 2011 | Jerash, Jordan | Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts Award |
Studio albums
- 1989: Ya HabayebYa HabayebYa Habayeb is Najwa Karam's first studio album, released in 1989.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ya Habayeb" # "Weqolo Rujo'oa" # "Khally Ketfak"...
- 1992: Shams el-GhinniehShams el-GhinniehReleased in 1992 and is the second album from Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Shams el-Ghinnieh" # "Hab el-Hawa" # "Wasse' Ya Dar" # "Ya Rakib Al Abbayah"...
- 1993: Ana Ma'akonAna Ma'akonAna Ma'akon was released in 1993 as Najwa Karam's third album, and is her least successful album to date.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ana Ma'akon" # "Mdallalin" # "Law Sa'alouni"...
- 1994: Naghmet HobNaghmet HobNaghmet Hob is the fourth album by Najwa Karam, released by the Rotana label in 1994. It was her breakthrough, which made her a star in the Arabic-music world.-Charts:-Track listing:...
- 1995: Ma BassmahlakMa BassmahlakMa Bassmahlak is the fifth album by Najwa Karam and her second release on the Rotana label.-Track listing:# "Etghazzal Feeyi" # "Ana ow Heey" # "Ma Bassmahlak"...
- 1996: Hazi HeloHazi HeloHazi Helo is the sixth studio album by Najwa Karam.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Ala Mahlak" # "Hazi Helo" # "Ba'adak Ma Btarifni" # "El-Ghorbil"...
- 1997: Ma Hada La HadaMa Hada La HadaMa Hada La Hada is Najwa Karam's seventh studio album.-Charts:-Track listing:# "El Tahady" # "Habib el-Zein" # "El-Helw"...
- 1998: MaghroumehMaghroumeh-Track listing:# "Maghroumeh" # "Wada'ato" # "Ghamzeh" # "Noqta al-Satr" # "Mahsoub Alayi" # "A'am Beqoulo" # "Telt Malek"...
- 1999: Rouh RouhiRouh RouhiRouh Rouhi is Najwa Karam's ninth studio album. It was released in 1999.-Charts:-Track listing:# "Atchana" # "Ariftu Albi La Meen" # "Rouh Rouhi"...
- 2000: Oyoun QalbiOyoun QalbiOyoun Qalbi is Najwa Karam's tenth studio album. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:*1. Khams Nmjoum *2. Majboura *3. Ismak Besharifni ...
- 2001: NedmanehNedmanehNedmaneh is Najwa Karam's 11th studio album and one of her best-selling recordings. It shipped an estimated 4 million units worldwide.-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Yal Haneet ...
- 2002: TahamouniTahamouni-Charts:-Track listing:*1. Bara'ah *2. Ew'a Tekoun Ze'alt *3. Ya Medawebni *4. Tahamouni *5. Benoub *6. Temasken ...
- 2003: SaharniSaharniSaharni is Najwa Karam's thirteenth studio album released in 2003.-Charts:-Track listing:#Saharni #Lehbayeb #Edhak Lil Dounya #Chou el-Maneh ...
- 2004: Shu Mghaira..!Shu Mghaira..!Shu Mghaira..! is Najwa Karam's fourteenth studio album. It was released in 2004.-Track listing:#"Behawak" #"Shu Kent Teqele" #"Ya Donya" #"'Areft Akhtar"...
- 2005: Kibir'el HobKibir'el HobKibir'el Hob is Najwa Karam's fifteenth studio album. It was released in 2005 by Rotana Records as her 2006 album. Najwa began recording sometime in mid-2005 after promotion from her last effort stopped. Three singles from the album have been released so far....
- 2007: Hayda HakiHayda HakiNajwa Karam's 16th studio album, which featured the return of Tareq Aakef, who arranged almost all tracks of the album, and collaborated with newcomer Salim Assaf...
: - 2008: Am Bemzah Ma'akAm Bemzah Ma'akAm Bemzah Ma'ak is the seventeenth studio album from the Lebanese singer Najwa Karam. The album contains 8 tracks, and worked with the famous Lebanese composer Melhem Barakat on two songs. Najwa Karam already released a music video for the album's title, Aa Bemzah Ma'ak .Am Bemzah Ma'ak is the...
- 2009: Khallini ShoufakKhallini ShoufakKhalini Shoufak is an album by Najwa Karam, released on June 10, 2009. The album was released by Rotana. Seven of the songs have a Dabka theme.-Track listing:#"Allah Yeshghelo Balo"#"Harami"#"Aboos Einak"#"Albi Masna'a Baroud"#"Khalini Shoufak"...
- 2011: Hal Leile... MaFi Noum
Singles not appearing in albums
- 2000: Tal Omrak
- 2003: W Kberna with Wadih El SafiWadih El SafiWadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
- 2005: Shou Jani
- 2006: Rah Yeb'a El Watan featuring Melhem Barakat
- 2007: Bel Sana with Melhem Barakat
- 2010: Bil Rou7, Bil Dam
- 2010: Lashhad Hobbak
- 2011: Wayn
Compilations
- 2001: The Very Best Of Najwa KaramThe Very Best Of Najwa KaramThe Very Best of Najwa Karam is Najwa Karam's first greatest hits compilation and is composed of 15 of her biggest hits from 1989 to 2000.-Track listing:#"Oyoun Qalbi"#"Khaleek al-Ardh"#"Majbourah"#"Rouh Rouhi"#"Ariftu Albi Lamin"#"Maghroumeh"...
- 2006: Greatest HitsGreatest Hits (Najwa Karam)-Greatest hits 2008:#"Saharni"#"Edhak Lil Dounya"#"Ewa Tekoun Zealt"#"Tahamouni"#"Roba'I Wa Khomasi" #"Nedmaneh"#"Ashqah"#"Oyoun Qalbi"#"Ma Bassmahlak"#"Maghrouumeh"#"Ana Meen"#"Rouh Rouhi"#"Atshana"#"Khaleek al-Ardh"#"Majbourah"#"Naghmet Hob"...
Live recordings
- 2001: Live in Concert
- 2008: Queen of Carthage 2008