Samira Said
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Samira Said (Arabic: سميرة سعيد (native name: Samira Bensaïd) ; born October 1, 1959) is an Arabic singer. She was born and raised in Rabat, Morocco. Said lives in Cairo, Egypt with her husband Moustapha Naboulssi. The couple has a son.
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[edit] Early career
Samira began singing professionally at the age of 9. Encouraged by her family, she began her career by participating in talent shows. Her first appearance on television was in the show "Mawaheb".
In a short time, Samira Bensaid, as she is known in Morocco, became one of the leading names in her home country. Her best known works include "Maghlouba" and "Wa'ady".
Said's ambitions extended beyond Morocco and following the advice of her idol and friend, Abdul Halim Hafez, she moved to Egypt to expand her career.
[edit] International career
In 1980 Said sang Morocco's first (and so far only) entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song "Bitaqat Khub" came 18th out of 19.
In the early 1980s, Said recorded a song called "Al hob Elli Ana Aichah", composed by Mohamad Sultan. She went on to record with big names in the music scene in Egypt, including Baligh Hamdi, Helmi Bakr and Mohamad Al-Mouji.
Said's performance of "Alemnah Al hob", on Layali Television in 1983, is credited with making her well known in Egypt. Said is known for her careful selection of songs and accompanists, working with several well known composers and lyricists. As a result, many of her songs are critically acclaimed, such as "Asmar malak", "Malak moch zay aweydak", "Sayidati anissati sadati", "Ech gab li gab", "El Leila dee", "Min ghir sabab", "Amrak ajib", "Al gani Baad Yomeen", "Mosh Hatnazel Anak" and "Alf Leila wal Leila".
In 2005, she followed this success with 'Aweeny Beek' (make me stronger). Most recently, she sang 'Kollena Ensan' (All people) during the African Cup Of Nations in Cairo in January of 2006 and performed in Casablanca in July of that year.
[edit] Style
Said has achieved an unusual longevity in the Arabic world, frequently adopting new stylistic influences, such as Tarab, Raï and Jazz. She has worked with a variety of young talents, producing a series of albums including "Inssani", "Khaifa", "Ashka", "Enta Habibi", "Kul Dee Eshaat", "Al Bal", "Rohy", and her latest album, "Leila Habibi."
[edit] Awards
In 2003 Said won a World Music Award and a BBC award for the best artist in the Middle East with her album 'Youm Wara Youm' (the title track of which is a duet with Cheb Mami).
[edit] Discography
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