Majida El Roumi

Majida El Roumi
Portrait of Majida El Roumi in 1994.
Background information
Native name	ماجدة الرومي
Birth name	Majida Halim El Roumi Baradhy
Born	(1956-12-13) December 13, 1956
Origin	Tyre, Lebanon
Genres	Arabic, classical, opera
Occupations	Singer, lyricist, actress
Instruments	Vocals, piano, oud
Years active	Early 1970s–present
Website	Official website

Majida El Roumi Baradhy (Arabic: ماجدة الرومي‎) (born December 13, 1956) is a Lebanese soprano. Born and raised in Kfarshima, Lebanon, she began her musical career in the early 1970s when she participated in the talent show Studio El Fan on Télé Liban at the age of 16 and won the gold medal for best female singer. Since her appearance on television, she became one of the most successful singers of the Arab world, as well as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

After releasing her first album Wadaa in 1976, Majida got the attention of well-known Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine and starred in one of his movies, Awdat Al Ibn Al Dal (The Return of the Prodigal Son). She also performed three soundtracks for the movie.^[1] Chahine introduced her as the Voice of the 20th Century and she received the 'Egyptian Critics Award'. Later, Majida was part of "Al-Akhar" (The Other), a film directed in 1999 by the same international filmmaker and selected for the opening of "Un Certain Regard" section at Cannes International Film Festival.

In 1977, Majida married Antoine Dfouni, a businessman from Byblos, Lebanon, who also became her manager. They had two daughters: Hala and Nour. They got divorced and ended all collaboration in 2006, after disagreements which Majida chose to keep away from any press coverage.^[2][3]

In 2001, Majida El Roumi released a single titled "Nachid El Hobb" (The Hymn Of Love) with lyrics from Dam'a wa Ibtisama (A Tear and A Smile) written by the Lebanese artist and writer Gibran Khalil Gibran. El Roumi chose this text after the UN ceremony in 2001, when she was named Goodwill Ambassador, and declared it to be the theme message for her mission of peace around the world. 2001 was also the year Magida's sister Maha had to be transported to USA for better medical care, as she was suffering from cancer.^[4] Regrettably she died on July same year. This unfortunate event saddened Majida deeply and affected her for a long time.

In 2005, after the Syrian army was withdrawn from Lebanon, Majida held a concert in Beirut Downtown^[5] and it was the first time she sings wearing jeans.^[6] In her speech she reiterated her ardent wish for peace in Lebanon and pleaded for the youth to preserve their land and that she believes in their potential and their love for the country. Later in 2009, she received an honorary doctorate for her career and the relentless message for peace in Lebanon. The ceremony was held in the Assembly Hall of the American University of Beirut and hosted by Dr. Peter Dorman.^[7][8]

She wrote the lyrics for some of her songs and also those of "Bokra" (Tomorrow), a charity operate that was released on 11/11/2011 at 11:11PM. The single's proceeds were donated to various charitable initiatives with arts and culture programs. The song was produced by Quincy Jones and RedOne. Majida quit the project before the mixing, waved her ownership over the lyrics and did not join anymore the group of the other artists, due to issues regarding the production and to contract violations.^[9]

The artist released her latest album in June 2012, Ghazal, after six years from her previous one. In its making she recorded it between Paris and Beirut, in the studios of Lebanese musician and producer Jean-Marie Riyachi.^[10] In January 2013 she was awarded Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by France (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) in a ceremony held in the Palace of Pine in Beirut, as a recognition for her contribution to the Arab music, her unremitting actions against famine in poor countries and her ceaseless message for world peace. The event took place in the presence of the French ambassador in Lebanon and more than 150 public figures, politicians and artists.^[11][12]

1956-1975: Early life and career beginnings

Majida El Roumi Baradhy is the daughter of Lebanese musician Halim El Roumi and wife Marie Loutfi who were a Melkite Greek Catholic couple from Tyre, a city in South Lebanon. They got married in Egypt and lived in Kfarshima and had three girls Maha, Mona, and Majida, and a boy Awad. Halim El Roumi worked with many singers with mentioning his discovery to many well-known artists, mainly the Lebanese singer Fairuz, and introduced her to the talented musicians: the Rahbani brothers. They stayed in Kfarshima, which was home to many Lebanese singers, musicians, poets and writers like Philemon Wehbi, Melhem Barakat and Issam Rajji. The residence of Halim El Roumi in Kfarshima was a meeting place for many cultural figures. Growing up in an artistic environment, Majida listened to the works of Fairuz, Umm Kulthoum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Wadih El Safi, and Asmahan. Her vocal abilities attracted the attention of her family and neighbors. When she was 5 years old, she sang her first song which was "Miladak" (Your Birth) in reference to the birth of Jesus Christ and dedicated to her brother.

Raymond Safadi, Majida's cousin, thought that she should pursue singing as a profession. The only obstacle was her father who did not want her to participate in Télé Liban's Studio el fan. Nevertheless, Majida entered the talent show, sang songs for Asmahan like "Ya Toyour" and "Layali El Ouns Fi Vienna" and Leila Mourad's "Ana Albi Dalili". After the good review, Halim El Roumi gave Majida his blessings to pursue singing as a profession as long as she continues her higher education. Later on, Majida received her BA in Arabic Literature from the Lebanese University.

Music career

The 1970s-The 1980s

1975-1982: "Wadaa" and "Live Recordings"

Her first hit was "Am Behlamak Ya Helm Ya Lebnan" (I Am Dreaming Of You, Oh Dream, Lebanon), written by poet Said Akl and composed by Elias Rahbani. The song was released in 1975. However, the majority of her early 1970s–1980s song were oriental. In all her albums she includes patriotic songs and works by her father. Her first album was released in 1977 titled "Wadaa" (The Farewell) containing wonderful recordings, and it was her first hit album in her musical career. In this album, Majida worked with many poets mainly with Maroun Karam and composers like Nour El Mallah and Ihsan El Monzer. The touch of her father was in one hit dedicated to Mother's Day titled "Ounshoudat Al Oumahat" (Mothers' Song). Majida's debut album was typical of the 1970s Arabic pop, with traditional percussion, a string section, guitar, and keyboard. Her Lebanese patriotism is evident in songs like "Nab' El Mahabbeh" (The Spring Of Love), which are sung in Lebanese Arabic dialect. The album made a huge success in the Arab World and was a strong take-off for Majida in that time, and its hit "Matrahak Bi Albi" (Your Place In My Heart) became one of her most wanted songs in her concerts today.

In the early 80s (1982), she released her album "Live Recordings", which included a song called "Zikrayati" (My Memories) with a new adaptation of Malagueña Salerosa, a well-known Son Huasteco or Huapango song from Mexico, performed by many international artists such as Nana Mouskouri, Antonio Aguilar, Yanni and many others. In addition, Ihsan El Monzer's music also had a part in this work as he composed three songs that showed Majida's classical side accompanied by soft music like in "Men Zaman" (Longtime Ago) and "El Helm El Jaye" (The Coming Dream). The album also included "Eter" (Perfume) composed by her father Halim El Roumi and was written by well-known poet Fouad Slaiman. Majida El Roumi has been wowing international crowds for a long time now. Music reviewer Peter Watrous said: "she wandered between near-European pop and Middle Eastern pop" when she performed at Hunter College in May 1989, accompanied by a 19-piece orchestra.^[13]

1983: "Majida El Roumi and the kids"

"Majida El Roumi and the kids" was released in 1983. The album includes eight songs and four karaokes. Ihsan El Monzer's music took a big part in the album; he gave her music for "Al Asfoura" (The Bird) written by Joseph Abi Daher. This hit made an international success and was translated into more than 3 languages around the world including Italian. "Endi Bissi" (I Have A Kitten) written by Henri Zougheib and "Al Oum" (Mother) written by Maroun Karam dedicated to Mother's Day, were also from his music. On the other hand, Jean Labaki composed three hits : "Eidi" (My Birthday) and "Al Amar" (The Moon) in which Majida hits a high C6, are written by Henri Zougheib and "Al Baher" (The Sea) is written by Joseph Abi Daher in which she hits a high G5.

1986-1988: "Dawi Ya Amar" and "Ya Saken Afkari"

Majida released her fourth album titled "Dawi Ya Amar" in 1986. The Album joined many tracks including oriental ones, such as "Taba Waqti" and "Loubnan Qalbi" (Lebanon Is In My Heart) both composed by Halim El Roumi. The title song was written and composed by Lebanese artist Zaki Nassif, who also gave her "Layletna Men Lyali El Omr" (Our Night Is A Night To Remember) and "Rafref Wa Sahedna" (Fly And Help Us). The album holds a Lebanese spirit between its tracks and Majida sings them in Lebanese Arabic dialect specially in a song titled "Baadak Helou" (You Are Still Beautiful) composed by Joseph Khalifeh and written by Elias El Murr. Majida also sang Abdel Halim Hafez's hit "El Touba" (The Repentance) in 1987.

The 1980s was a full of awesome works for Majida. Later in 1988, "Ya saken Afkari" (O Resident Of My Thoughts) saw the light. In this album, Majida showed a mix of modern and oriental styles specially in her classical "Besma'ak Bel Layl" (I Hear You During The Night) which was composed with soft piano accompanied with strings and "La Taghdabi" (Don't Be Mad) originally sung by her father with a new adaptation as a Ballad. Majida also gave love songs a part in this album in an oriental one given by Elie Choueiry "Ma Zal El Omr Harami" (Since Time Is A Thief) which speaks to lovers while they spend their nights together and she took music from Zaki Nassif again in a melancholic track titled "La Ma Fiyyi" (No, I Cannot) starting with an operatic intro in which Majida hits the high C#6 and shows a phenomenal ease using her head voice and chest voice. The song was dedicated to a friend of Majida who died during the Lebanese war in the 70s and she performed it many times live on stage.

The 1990s with four released albums

"Kalimat", "Ebhath Anni", "Rasael", "Ouhebouka Wa Baad"

In 1991, Majida released "Kalimat" (Words), her first pan-Arab hit, under the Music Master label. The title song was written by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani and composed by Ihsan El-Mounzer, the song made a remarkable success that Majida still performs it today on stage in every concert. Among the album tracks, another patriotic remark by Qabbani was "Beirut, Set EL Dounia" (Beirut, Lady Of The Universe) composed by Jamal Salameh. It is written as a confession and an apology from the Lebanese people to what they have done through wars and political issues to their precious city. In this track, the melody includes a revolutionary spirit and ends in an operatic way in which Majida hits the high B5. The album also included another patriotic song by Elie Choueiry "Kollon Youghanni Ala Laylah" (Everyone Is Singing On His Way) and cooperated with Lebanese composer/songwriter Melhem Barakat in "Ent w Ana" (You and I) written by Illia Abou Chedid, with a hint of oriental through the melodies and combining between classical and oriental styles. The album also included "Esma' Albi" (Listen To My Heart) originally interpreted by Halim El Roumi with a new adaptation and "El Iyyam" (Days) composed by Abdo Monzer. Majida initiated the movement that re-popularized classical Arabic poetry in music and began to fuse East and West. "Kalimat" (Words) made a huge success, it was the first and only Arabic album to be awarded a Platinum album selling record two times at that time.

Later in the 90s, exactly in 1994, "Ibhath Anni" (Look For Me) followed the template set by "Kalimat" was Majida's seventh released album. The title song is classical written by Lebanese well-known poet Ounsi el-Hajj and composed by Abdo Monzer. It is an operatic strings themed song about a lady calling for her beloved to search for her, and look for their love everywhere to find her. Poet Habib Younes gave Majida two poems "Lan A'oud" (I Won't Come Back) and "Ghanou Ma'i Lel Hobb" (Sing Along With Me For Love), both composed by Jamal Salameh, who also composed a poem from the late Nizar Qabbani titled "Al Jarida" (With A Newspaper) which made a wonderful success as it was a mix between oriental rhythms and western that it was full of energy with an orchestral intro that passed two minutes. Majida performed this song several times on stage including in the Cairo Opera House and on the stage of Olympia (Paris) in 1998. Elie Choueriy composed two patriotic tracks in this work: "Oum Thadda" (Stand Up And Challenge) from his own lyrics and "Saqata Al Qina'" (The Mask Has Fallen) written by award winning Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Both songs were once again a true message for freedom to Lebanese people to stand to what they believe in and defend their country from falling into political issues. Souad Al Sabah's "Kon Sadiqi" (Be My Friend) was about empowerment of women, and a message to being equal with men. The work also included two tracks composed by Halim El Roumi: "Mararti Fi Khayali" (You Passed In My Fantasy) written by Fouad Slaiman and "Ya Mkahel Remshak" written by Abdel Wahab Youssef. The album knew such success with its music and compositions: it has piano solos, string movements, wide orchestration especially in "Al Jarida" which was and still her longest song ever recorded.

In 1996, Majida signed with the Saudi label Rotana and released "Rasa'el" (Letters). Elie Choueiri composed the opening title "Samra El Nile" (The Brunette Of The Nile) written by Georges Jerdaq, a song for Egyptian women and "Aynaka" (Your Eyes) by Anwar Salman and composed by Jamal Salameh blurred the line between classical and Arabic music. Songs like "Shou3oubon Men Al Oushaq" (Nations Of Lovers) by Joseph Khalifeh from Onsi El-Hajj's poetry, in which she hits a high A5, and "Lawen Ma'i El Iyam" (Color Days With Me), in which she hits a high C6 with ease in Staccato technique, employed Majida's operatic skills to hit more than two octaves in both songs. "Hobbouka" (Your Love), written by Anwar Salman and "Baddi Ellak" (I Want To Tell You) by Henri Zougheib, evoked songs from Eastern Europe with a rhythmic melody and western instruments both composed by Jamal Salameh. Majida also performed "Ma Rah Tekhlas El Hkayi" (The Story Will Not End) from Elie Choueiry during many events mentioning in Jerash (1996) as a message of freedom under the March (music) style. Through "Qana", from Henri Zougheib and composed by Elie Choueiry, released as a response on the Israeli massacre during the South Lebanon conflict (1982–2000), Majida presented a clear Lebanese message to the whole world, a message that was stronger than any other political or diplomatic letter in which she affirmed that Lebanon would always be ready to fight for its rights and lands and would never give in and accept any kind of humiliation and disregard. The song was powerful with meanings which led the Israeli Embassies in some Arab capitals to protest and requested seizure of broadcasting. On the other hand, Majida's father composed "Mimi", by the Rahbani Brothers, in honor of Majida's elder daughter, and "Shou Bheb Eshar W Koun Andilak" (How Much I Love Satying Up At Night To Be Your Lantern) was given by Elie Bitar with melodies from Joseph Khalifeh, in addition to a single track by Abdo Monzer called "Min Lamma Tla'ayna" (From The Moment We Have Met), written by Rafiq Rouhana; these tracks showed a classical side in the album among all the other musical styles which proved a change in Majida's choice of songs comparing it to her oldies.

Majida El Roumi released her ninth official album in 1998, titled "Ouhibbouka Wa Ba'd" (I Love You And More), working in the title song with Saudi Arabian poet Al Nasser and composer/singer Abdel Rab Idriss, who produced also produced it. "Tawq Al Yasmin" (Jasmine Necklace) marked Majida's fourth collaboration with Qabbani and her first with Iraqi singer/songwriter Kadim Al Sahir. The song showed once again her operatic abilities to the high C6, it also had difficult music combining between tango style and oriental, mostly in the Kanun parts along with strings, not to forget a simple French interference from Charles Aznavour's Les Deux Guitares, that majida chose to take a paragraph and sing it as background for the song. Jamal Salameh composed three songs, "Al Qalb Al Maftouh" (The Open Heart) written by Lebanese journalist, the late Ghassan Tueni, as a letter to the beloved on the day of his open heart operation, "Inta El Madi" (You Are The Past) from Henri Zougheib's poetry with a strong belting on D5 at the end as a scream for refusing the comeback of her abandoned love. "Sayedi El Ra'is" (Mr. President), which was written by Henri Zougheib in collaboration with Habib Younes, in the form of a letter to the president reclaiming freedom and reject all faces of traitors who threaten peace and stability in the country. This track was so powerful, members of the government in a certain Arabic country had to gather for a meeting to discuss the poem's meanings and get the true message from it then permit its broadcasting on televisions. Jamal Salameh also arranged "Al Yawm Aada Habibi" (Today, My Beloved Returned). It is a waltz duet with her father who composed it and written by Abdel Jalil Wehbi. Al Nasser also gave Majida "Yaqoulou Inni Mra'atoun" (He Says I Am A Woman). This song again showed Majida's operatic skills by hitting a high G#5 with a hard orchestration including classical strings, harp and piano from Abdo Monzer's compositions who composed "Ana Lama Bwardi Tmasini" (When You Bring Me A Rose).

2001-2004

"Erhamni Ya Allah", "Cithare Du Ciel"

In addition, Majida released in 2003 two religious albums. The first one was titled "Irhamni Ya Allah" (Have Mercy On Me, O God), and Joseph Khalifeh composed all 12 tracks. Title song was taken from Psalm 51, as well as "Radita" (Satisfied) from Psalm 85, with a gentle call for God to enforce humans with his mercy and blessings. Majida also sang inspirational words from the Bible under the title of "Li Ajli Kalimatika" (For What You Say). She also dedicated songs for Lebanese Saints: Charbel Makhluf called "Charbel" also known as "Ya Ghafi Wa Oyounak La 'Inayna Nour" (O Sleeper And Your Eyes Are Our Light), Father Nematallah Hardini in "Ya Bouna Nematallah" (Our Father Meamtallah) both written by Henri Zougheib, and sister Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès in "Rafqa" written by Majida herself. In this work, clam tunes and relaxing music takes listeners to a new dimension full of prayers and blessings specially in the mentioned numbers also in "Mariam Je'tou Ouhayiki" (Mary, I Have Come To Salute You), from Majida's lyrics, "Men Atm El Iyyam" (From The Darkness Of Days) and "Fi Hatha El Masaa" (This Evening) both written by Fadi Al Rahi. Church Organ, Piano, Strings and many other instruments marked this work as one of the finest albums through its arrangements. Fadi Al Rahi also inspired words for writing a track number at the end of the album titled "Maha" as a salute to Majida's sister's soul wishing for it to rest in peace. The song is so emotional, Majida always performs with high sensitivity and grace during live recitals.

Majida also released another religious album in the same year called "Cithare Du Ciel" known as "Kitharat Al Samaa" (The Sky's Sitar) with all songs composed by Pierre Basbous. Title song was written by Majida herself as a call for the Virgin Mary, describing her as the Sitar of the sky, while the opening track is "Al Salam Aalayki" (Hail Mary) taken from the Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Majida also sang a special rendition of the Latin version "Ave Maria an opera piece with wonderful orchestration in which Majida hits a high A5. This showed Majida's operatic abilities as a Soprano with ease in vibrato. "Ya Ilah El Khayr" (God of Good) is taken from the Maronite Mass, "Ya Sayidat Al Entisar" (O Lady Of Victory) written by Majida herself and "Al Abana" (Our Father) from the Lord's Prayer also marked Majida's techniques in classical style specially in a french version of "Miserere mei, Deus" (Have Mercy On Me, O God) from Psalm 51 in which she hits the high G#5.

2006: The Comeback with "E'tazalt El Gharam"

After almost 8 years without releasing an album, Majida’s fans were surprised by Etazalet El Gharam (I Quit Love) which spoke to a younger audience. The album was released in 2006 under the ‘’Good News 4 Music’’ productions. It peaked the top rankings in the charts from the release day and stayed top 1 several weeks; it was also seen in the top 20 after four years from its release. The work is still selling well after six years, and a new copy by EMI Music is now selling out after the previous label was sold out. New styles, new orchestration, simpler lyrics and the large variety in music were present in this work in which Majida showed a youthful spirit in her songs. The title song was written by Noha Najem, poem reviewed by Nizar Francis and composed by Melhem Barakat. It made a huge success across the Arab world and it made the top rankings on Arabic radio stations and televisions from its release date, it also had a two minutes introduction arranged by Jean-Marie Riachi who put a lot of saxophones and strings into it which gave it a jazzy, rather oriental, style. It was later released as a video clip directed by Nadine Labaky with dancers from the Caracalla Dance Theatre by Elissar Caracalla’s choreography. First track titled "Ouhebouka Jeddan" (I Love You So Much) was taken from Nizar Qabbani’s poetry and composed by Marwan Khoury. The song spoke more to the youth with frequent uses of percussions and drums which showed a nice touch of Majida’s new in this work. The song ends with an 18 seconds breath (10 flat seconds on A4) and extends from the low A3 to the E5.

"Habibi" (My Beloved) is the second track in the album. The song is written by Noha Najem and reviewed by Nizar Francis, too. Jean-Marie Riachi arranged this track with a new adaptation of Tomaso Albinoni’s Adagio in G minor, previously interpreted by many well-known artists such as Lara Fabian (Belgian-Italian international singer) and Russian pop opera singer/songwriter Vitas. Majida showed a high sensitivity while performing this song especially in a concert held in Doha, Qatar in 2006 which was the first broadcast concert after the album release.^[14] "Habibi" extends from the low G#3 with ease in high notes on the F5. After a short period, it was mixed as a clip to commemorate the late Egyptian actor Ahmad Zaki with scenes from his movies.^[15]

Songs like "Keef" (How?) composed and arranged by Ihsan El Monzer and "Bel Alb Khallini" (Keep Me In Your Heart) composed by Jean-Marie Riachi, both written by Noha Najem are two classical songs and on a high level of romance in Majida’s voice which moved between strings and rhythmic melodies.

Lebanese violinist Claude Chalhoub arranged "Ghanni Lel Nas" (Sing For The People) which was written and composed by Marwan Khoury, a song dedicated to love through philosophical meanings.

Between different oriental scales, known as Arabian maqam, Dr. Abdel Rab Idriss composed "Al Hobb Wal Wafa" (Love And Loyalty). From the poetry of Al Nasser, the poem came expressing high feelings of men’s abandoning true love for their own gain and satisfaction considering women as an amusement, that’s where Majida puts an end to this situation and decides to move on with a better life and feels free to go out of her prison and her husband’s control finding satisfaction in love and loyalty. The song is on a high level of class with wide orchestration in diversity between western and oriental: Dr. Abdel Rab chose a transitional melodic phrase in the last part with a simple fade out showing the different circumstances and statuses of Majida during the song. Lebanese director Said El Marouk joined these circumstances and situations in an amazing video clip shot in Budapest inspired by the legendary fairy tale “The Beauty and the Beast” with a touch of creativity. Al Marouk worked really hard on this clip showing Majida running away across forests from her tyrant husband, symbolized by a wolf, leaving everything behind, and searching for freedom with her friends and her loved ones and trying to live her life full of happiness away from her past issues, which made her stronger and much self-confident.^[16] The clip cost around $700000; for Al Marouk chose hard frames and let nature express its beauty either taking it by helicopter or from the train station…

Jean-Marie Riachi also arranged “Nashid Al Zifaf” written by Noha Najem, with a new Arabic adaptaion of the Wedding March in C major for German pianist, composer, organist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn, originally used among the most well-known pieces and suites to Shakespeare’s play ‘’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’’. The track, dedicated to every girl getting married with, is full with sincere, truthful and warm wishes of eternal happiness. The arrangement shows a nice mixture of drums and strings and many symphonic instruments within the introduction along with mature choir. The piece extends for more than two octaves; from the low G3 with a semi-note transition in the last part of it where Majida hits a high C#6.^[17] Dr. Abdel Rab Idriss also composed music for another track titled "Laylika Al Sari" (Your Ongoing Night) from Al Nasser’s poetry and Assaad Khoury adapted a new version of "Ya Maazeb Albi" in Egyptian Arabic dialect, previously interpreted by Halim El Roumi from his composition.

The last track is a patriotic titled "Sawfa Nabqa" (We Will Stay).^[18] Joseph Khalifeh contributed Said Akl’s text into a symphonic piece to deliver a strong worded message to all Lebanese people to unity and freedom and to show how Lebanese managed to stay faithful no matter what their country faced through years. The song was arranged by Kamal Saiqali with wonderful choice of instruments and orchestration and it extended to more than two octaves and Majida hit a high A5 during a long interval of opera. Majida’s most important performance for this song was in 2005 during a concert in Beirut Downtown, in the Martyrs’ Square on 13 April, in the memory of the Lebanese Civil War beginnings:^[19] Majida chose to refuse reliving the last years of war and gave the youth the choice to continue with peace or drive Lebanon to a bad future.

2012-present

"Ghazal"

Majida released her new album "Ghazal" on June 22, 2012 having worked on it for 6 years with many composers and poets.^[20] The album includes 14 songs, and for the first time, Majida wrote 8 of them. The album is characterized by a musical mix between western and oriental music.

After the huge success of "E'tazalt Al Gharam" in 2006, Majida cooperated again with Lebanese poet Nizar Francis and the composer Melhim Barakat giving her another masterpiece "W Btetghayyar Al Da'aye'" (And Minutes Change) with a long orchestral intro. The song is about a lady, madly in love and her compassion towards her beloved will never change until she dies.

For the second time, after the phenomenal success of "Tawq Al Yasameen", Majida worked with Iraqi composer Kadim Al Sahir who composed "Wa'adtouka" (I Promised You) written by the modern Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani. The poem is about a woman who keeps promising her lover that she will stop loving him, but eventually, she realizes she cannot resist him.

"Bass Ellak Habibi" (When I Tell You I Love You) is an Arabic adaptation of Eternally originally a song with music by Charles Chaplin and words by Geoff Parsons. It was initially composed for Charles Chaplin's film Limelight in 1952. The Arabic lyrics were written by Majida herself and the musical arrangement was accomplished by Jean-Marie Riachi.

Track number 4 is "Metghayyar W Mhayyarni" (Changed And Confusing Me) is a rhythmic Jazz song in which Majida reveals a new kind of music style compared to her previous songs. This song is also written by Majida and composed by Saudi Arabian Abd El Rabb Idriss who has previously created an oriental melody based on oud but Jean-Marie Riachi adapted it in a modern jazzy version based on drums and saxophones.

In this album, Majida made another international step ; after Habibi's adaptation in 2006 of Adagio by Tomaso Albinoni previously sang by Lara Fabian, by singing "Al 'Alam Elna" (The World Is Ours) : she put lyrics to the Suite for Jazz Orchestra No. 2 (Waltz No. 2) composed by Soviet Russian composer and pianist Dmitri Shostakovich in 1938. In this song, Majida hits the lowest note in this album which is F#3.

"E'Balni Hayk" (Accept Me The Way I Am) is the 6th track, also written by Majida and composed by Jean-Marie Riachi. The melody starts calmly and becomes gradually strong and intense.

"Al tayru Taraban Yugharridu" (The Bird Is Enchantingly Tweeting) is a classical Arabic poem written by His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi and composed by Claude Chalhoub, who has accomplished a magnificent oriental violin solo, and Léna Khater. In this difficult song, Majida proves her pure Tarab (oriental) skills mixed with a western spirit.

"Salawna" (We Forgot And Moved On) was originally sang by Majida's father, and was also included in a previous album (Dawi Ya Amar – 1986) and now Majida has released a new version of it as a duet with her father. This song was dedicated to her father's soul.

"La Ma Te'elly Habbayta" (Don't Tell Me You Fell For Her) is a typical oriental Pop song written by Majida herself and composed by Jean-Marie Riachi.

"A'la Albi malak" (My Heart's King) starts with a magical piano solo. It is also written by Majida and composed by Tarek Abou Jaoudeh. It takes majida to a rhythmic side with modern instruments such as accordion. Previously, Majida sang it in several concerts like Biel (2009), Carthage Music Festival (2010), Mawazine Festivals (2010), Jounieh International Festival (2011).

"La Ma Rah Eza'l A'chi" (No, I Won't Regret Anything) is written by Majida too, and composed by Marwan Khoury. This song has known a huge success from Lebanese and Arabic audience as well. Firstly, Majida sang it in 2008 during Beiteddine Festival. In this song, Majida expresses a "scream" of freedom and a rebirth of a more powerful women who surpasses life's difficulties and rises after a lot of sacrifices have been given.

"Law Ta'ref" (If You Knew) is a romantic song written by Majida and composed by Tarek Abou Jaoudeh. It shows her suffering towards her beloved who was not loyal to their love and had no respect to her feelings.

"Biladi Ana" (My Country) is a duet between Majida and Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Arabic lyrics are taken from Cadmus, Said Akl's theater play and french lyrics are freely inspired from the same theater play by Lebanese novelist Alexandre Najjar. Musical composition is accomplished by Joseph Khalifeh and Jean-Marie Riachi. This song describes Lebanon "the peace", "the beauty", "the creativity" and encourages fraternity, unity between people worldwide and calls for loving each other by surpassing all human differences. Majida and Youssou N'Dour have already performed it during the VIe annual Jeux de la Francophonie in 2009, hosted in Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut accompanied with more than 150 dancers. In this song, Majida hits the highest note in the album which is the E5.

"Nashid Al Chohada'" (Martyr's Hymn) is a patriotic song written and composed by Elie Choueiry, encouraging people, specially Lebanese, to forget wars and move on peacefully without getting blindly involved into politics.

"Ghazal" was produced under the label of V. Production, Jean-Marie Riachi is its executive producer and all songs were recorded and mixed at JMR studio's by Xavier Escabasse. Rhythmic and brass section were recorded at studios Val d'Orge and Meudon assisted by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra recorded at studio Tomtom and Radio Budapest with vocals and oriental instruments recorded at JMR studio's. All tracks were mastered at Color Sound in Paris, France. The professional photographer Maya Kanakry took care of Majida's photo-shoot sessions.

Performances

Majida has performed during several festivals mostly in Beiteddine Festivals- Lebanon, Jerash- Jordan, Rabat- Morocco, Bosra- Syria, Carthage- Tunisia, Al Ain, the largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi lately during the Classical Music Festival in 2010 accompanied with the Russian Orchestra conducted by Andre Galanov. Majida also appeared at the Cairo Opera House many times, and sang in Doha- Qatar, Dubai- UAE in addition to The Roman theater of Marina, Alexandria and many other concerts and performances in the Arab World.

Majida stood twice on the Paris Olympia stage: first time in 1993^[21] and second time in 1998 sponsored by Lebanese First Lady at that time Mrs. Mona Herawi, Palais des Congrès de Paris in 1987,^[22] the opening of Damascus Opera House in 2004, Athens Concert Hall in Greece^[23] and the Royal Albert Hall in London which knew a huge success and was the first sold out concert after The Beatles' concert in 1965.^[24] Also, later in the 90s, Majida welcomed Shirley Bassey in the presidential palace in Lebanon for a private concert, she opened in one song before giving Shirley the stage whose orchestra members stood up, astonished by Majida's spectacular soprano performance.^[25]

Majida has also performed at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Hunter College in New York City as well as the Place des Arts in Montreal, Canada in November 2003^[26] attended by more than 3000 people with incredible standing ovations,^[27] then headed to Côte d'Ivoire in 2003 for two concerts which proceeds were returned as benefits to civil war orphans. The concert was attended by the country's president and First Lady. In 2007, Majida toured the USA and performed in Fox Theatre (Detroit, Michigan) and the tour included nights in Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Majida was also part of the annual Mawazine Festival in Morocco in June 2010,^[28] and Jounieh International Festivals on 25 June 2011.^[29] She also held a concert in Royal Opera House of Muscat in Shati Al-Qurm district in Oman in November 2011.^[30]

In December 2006, Majida performed "Light The Way", a duet with the international opera star, the tenor José Carreras at the 2006 Asian Games opening ceremony in its 15th edition in Doha.^[31][32] In 2009, she performed "Nous sommes les amis du monde", a duet with Youssou N'dour, on the inauguration of the "Jeux Olympiques de la Francophonie" in Beirut, Lebanon.^[33]

Majida had a special TV appearance in Christmas time during a recital hosted in the Lebanese Presidential Palace. President Michel Sulaiman and First Lady Wafaa hosted many public figures, politicians and artists in this occasion. The recital was broadcast live on the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation.^[34]

Majida El Roumi's latest concerts included a tour in the Arab world in 2012–2013; she was part of the Batroun International Festival 2012 ^[35] and hosted a concert in the touristic neighborhood of Katara, Qatar on its Amphitheatre^[36] with more than 4500 people watching. It was so cold that night that one of the orchestra members fainted but tickets were sold out two weeks before the big eve. The summer of 2013 was very active with Majida's sold out concerts. After her concert is Megarama Centre in Casablanca, Morocco, she was part of the 49th edition of Carthage Music Festival; she worked for the first time with the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra. It was a one of a kind concert for her in Carthage^[37] and M. Mourad Saqli, president of the festival confirmed that Majida's night ranks first in terms of income among the whole performances.^[38] She also visited Chokri Belaid's shrine to pray for this person who gave for his country so much, and "Ben Saadoun" children hospital checking up how could their hard cases be treated and taken care of, after hosting a press conference explaining how exceptional this visit is.^[39][40] Following her continuous success, concerts in Morocco were more demanded that she was part of the 9th edition of Twiza Festival in Tangier.^[41] and Timitar Music Testival in Agadir in its 10th year.^[42][43][44] Her visit to Tanger also included a visit to the children's orphan hospital in "Al Qortobi" center and give the kids some presents.^[45] Majida opened the Bahrain Summer Festival in August 2013, too; a full house concert with a wonderful performance with songs for love and peace on the Bahrain National Theater.^[46][47] Batroun Festivals in Lebanon gained Majida for another historical performance for the end of August in 2013. The country's political situation was unstable as her concert followed two consecutive explosions in Beirut suburbs. People attended the sold out concert leaving with moments filled with Majida's voice. It was also the only concert ever that Majida sang "Kalimat" twice with historical standing ovations between each and every song of the program.^[48][49]

Public positions

"Music can speak out louder than words. I will use my music and my voice to speak out on behalf of the needy and undernourished everywhere."

—Majida El Roumi

"I liked her thoughts and clarity of mind before loving her velvety voice, Majida EL Roumi, resembles me in depth as a rebel. She’s very promising; she feels and intelligently understands the word which is a rare quality. I believe Lebanon is in great need of her, and she will become Lebanon’s Ambassadress to all Lebanese and Arabs alike."

—Arabic poet Nizar Qabbani

Majida El Roumi was appointed an ambassador for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on World Food Day, October 16, 2001 in an official ceremony in Rome, Italy.^[50] She has participated in numerous round-table discussions on the role of FAO ambassadors in helping the Organization combat world hunger. As FAO ambassador, Majida inaugurated the First Annual Agricultural Week in Lebanon and dedicated the book prepared by FAO Sanabel El Kheir on November 8, 2005 during an official ceremony to celebrate World Food Day 60th Anniversary at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut.^[51] Majida El Roumi made her debut appearance as the new Patron of the Lebanese Osteoporosis Prevention Society and of the Bone & Joint Decade (Lebanon) at a large press conference at Beirut’s Phoenicia Hotel on the 31 October, following a week-long campaign of television interviews by various members of LOPS committee on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day.

In her acceptance speech, Majida said: "While pursuing our dreams and hopes, we tend to forget the importance of our bones, and we end up wearing them out - we realize only when it is too late that we didn’t take care of them. This is why I am participating in this campaign, to shed light on this truth, because if we are aware we can avoid this terrible disease and thereby avoid misery, sadness and a poor quality of life."^[52]

She was also chosen as an ambassador of the 'Alam Sagheer' (Small World) program, along with Titanic actor and producer Billy Zane, dedicated to education without borders. Majida said during a press conference that the event is evidence that humanity can unite for good and to make peoples lives better anywhere in the world. She also thanked the organizers and hoped peace will spread all over the Arab world.^[53] The charity event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who described the festival as one that “celebrates human connections, international dialogue and strong support for the less fortunate of our fellow global citizens - values that are fundamental to our collective vision for the United Arab Emirates”. The festival took place at Emirates Palace and expected to raise millions for underprivileged children across the globe. The Minister toured with Majida various booths of participating countries and they attended performances for each country including Lebanon.^[54]

In December 2012, Majida El Roumi visited the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) headquarters to follow up on the exacerbating problem of poverty in Beirut. El Roumi called for educating the youth since, “ignorance can only lead to poverty,” as per her words. "Poverty is the cradle of wars, violence and corruption”, she said, expressing hope that women would come to realize their true capacities and their equal worth to men. She also considered that art is a message that should be used for common good hoping that her message will prompt officials to tend to Lebanon’s disadvantaged members of society.^[55]

Voice characteristics

Majida’s first singing coach was her father, who followed her talent from her childhood and trained her on oriental singing and improving her vocals. Later she was influenced by many artists such as Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Leila Mourad and Asmahan.

She is known for her wide vocal range. It includes the Soprano range as it extends from the low E3 to the high C#6, meaning 2.9 octaves. Majida also sang the Lyric soprano style in “Cithare Du Ciel” album in 2003: she focused on opera techniques with ease in vibrato and high notes (As one can hear in her French version of "Miserere mei, Deus" (Have Mercy On Me, O God) where she hits a high G#5).

"I’m proud to be Lebanese, since my citizenship corresponds to such a marvelous, clear, irresistible voice like that of Majida EL Roumi; who rarely has any resemble, her talent equals her modesty, and her beauty equals her spontanousness."

—Pianist Walid Akl^[56]

	"Al Hobb Wal Wafaa" Sample From Al Hobb Wal Wafaa (2006) for Majida El Roumi with an oriental pitch in a hard melismas interval.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Majida’s voice is powerful, also agile, she usually sang with chest register but most of her songs include operatic parts where she shows real abilities in head voice. She is also from the rare artists who ever excelled in singing both western and oriental songs (Tarab) as well as the classical techniques.

As good as she sings in western, she perfected singing hard oriental melodies and Arabian maqams (most recognized for all of her father’s muwashshahat, most of her oldies and lately in Ghazal album in Claude Chalhoub’s music) and she is able to sing hard melismas (Ex: In “Al Jarida” and “Al Hobb Wal Wafaa”)

Speeches

During many cultural, social and political events, Majida El Roumi always chooses to deliver messages or was asked to give a speech for the occasion. Some of her marked speeches are listed below:^[57]

• Ghazal's First Copy: In a passionate speech addressed to Lebanese, El-Roumi entreated her compatriots to join her in her mission of peace, rejecting wars and divisions in a special release ceremony for her album Ghazal. Majida chose to donate proceeds from her new album to student scholarships at AUB in 2012.^[58][59]
• Bikaffe (It Is Enough): A strong speech at the memory of the well-known Journalist Gebran Tueni after 2 years from his assassination. This speech is dedicated to all Lebanese people, leaders and especially politicians in 2007.^[60]
• Dialogue Between Generations: A speech Majida delivered in Jerash- Jordan about dialogue between generations in 2002.
• Maha: A poem written by Majida mourning her sister Maha, during a special mass in Kfarshima in 2002.
• Water: An article for Majida published in Lebanese newspapers on the International Water Day in 2002.
• World's Peace: Majida's speech on the International Day of Peace in Beirut in 2002.
• Telefood Day: An article for Majida published in Lebanese newspapers on the World Food Day in 2002.
• FAO Ambassadress: Majida's speech for her designation as the honorable ambassadress of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001.
• Nizar Qabbani: A short message by Majida mourning the Arab poet Nizar Qabbani in 1998.
• Red Cross: Majida's speech about Red Cross at a concert in Tripoli, Lebanon in 1996.
• Rapture: Majida's opinion on ecstasy while singing in 1995.
• Cedar's Medal: Majida's speech on the occasion of receiving Lebanese Medal of the Cedars from President Hraoui in 1994.
• The Lebanese Song: A lecture Majida gave on the Lebanese song and music in 1992.
• Halim El Roumi: Majida's speech on the occasion of commemorating her father, Halim El Roumi, in Kfarshima- Lebanon in 1991.

Discography

Albums

Release Year	Album	Label
1977	Wadaa (The Farewell)	Voix d'Orient (Sawt Al Sharq)
1982	Live Recordings	Voix d'Orient (Sawt Al Sharq)
1983	Majida El Roumi Wal Atfal (Majida And The Kids)	Relax-In by Ahmad and Mahmoud Moussa & CO
1986	Dawi Ya Amar (Moon So Bright)	Yousuf Haider CO. Kuwait
1988	Ya Saken Afkari (O Resident Of My Thoughts)	Relax-In by Ahmad and Mahmoud Moussa & CO
1991	Kalimat (Words)	Arabian Masters
1994	Ebhath Anni (Look For Me)	Music Master
1996	Rasael (Letters)	Rotana Records
1998	Ouhebouka Wa Baad (I Love You And More)	Fursan Productions
2003	Irhamni Ya Allah (Have Mercy On Me My God)	All Rights Reserved for Basilica of Our Lady of the Miraculous Icon - Ashrafiyeh
2003	Cithare Du Ciel (The Sky's Cithare)	All Rights Reserved for Basilica of Our Lady of the Miraculous Icon - Ashrafiyeh
2006	E'tazalet El Gharam (I Quit Love)	Good News 4 Music
2012	Ghazal (Flirtation)	V. Productions
2013	Nour Men Nour (The Light Of Light)	V. Productions

Singles

Since the 1970s, Majida always released singles, with some of them were not included in her albums. She also performed many Christmas carols in several recitals, and dedicated patriotic singles for countries she visited. Most well-known singles are listed below:

Song Title	Poet	Composer	Notes
Adam Wa Hanan	Jamal Bkhit	Farouk Al Sharnouby	The soundtrack for Egyptian movie "Al-Akhar" (1998).
Ahenou Ilayka	Al Nasser	Abdel Rab Idriss	Performed many times on stage including in Carthage International Festivals in 2003 and in Dubai in 2004
Ahla W Sahla	Majida El Roumi	Marwan Khoury	(to encourage tourism in Lebanon) Sang for the first time at the Batroun International Festival 2012 and will be released in 2013.
Al Bahrain	Jamal Bkhit	Michel Jeha	Dedicated to Bahrain.
Al Qassam	Ali Al Sharqawi	Ihsan EL Monzer	Last performed in 2005, during the concert in Martyrs' Square, Beirut.
Nashid Al Salam (AL Zanabeq Al Baydaa)	Mahmoud Darwish	Joseph Khalifeh	First performed in a concert in Beirut Downtown in 2008 also in a concert in Egypt in the same year.
Ala Anhad	Abou El Kassem El Chabbi	Halim El Roumi
Ana Habbaytak Ana	Eliya Abou Chedid	Nour El Mallah	Sang in 1986 at LBC TV program.
Assalama	Elie Choueiry	Elie Choueiry	Dedicated to Tunisia, last performed in 2010 during Carthage Inetrnational Festivals.
Bakeer Fallayt	Majida El Roumi	Joseph Khalifeh	Dedicated to Halim El Roumi, performed in 1988 during a concert in Casino Du Liban.
Bel Majdi Wal Karama	Prayer	Example	Prayer released in a special album for Majida's daughter, Hala, distributed during the wedding ceremony in 2006.
Byawm Ersik	Talal Haydar & Majida El Roumi	Salim Assaf	Special wedding song for Majida's daughter Hala during her wedding, released in a special album and distributed during the wedding ceremony in 2006.
Domina	Dr. Souad Al Sabbah	Elias Al Rahbani	Dedicated for Kuwait.
El Madaen	Habib Younes	Elie Choueiry	Dedicated to Jordan.
Emmi	Eliya Abou Chedid	Elie Choueiry	Performed in 1988 during a concert in Casino Du Liban.
Ftahi Albik	Majida El Roumi	Richard Rodgers	With music from The Sound of Music musical in 1959, also a special wedding song for Majida's daughter Hala during her wedding, released in a special album and distributed during the wedding ceremony in 2006.[61]
Ghadabak Nar (Al Thawra)	Elie Choueiry	Elie Choueiry	Patriotic (Performed in 1988 during a concert in Casino Du Liban)
Hal Tasma'in	Majida El Roumi	Elie Choueiry	Dedicated to Palestine.
Hasnaa Carthage	Farouk Joueidy	Halim El Roumi	Majida sang a new version after Halim El Roumi previously performed it.
Jayi Men Beirut	Abdel Rahman El Abnoudi	Jamal Salameh	Patriotic
Kiriyalaysoun	Prayer	Ziad Rahbani	Prayer (1976)
Kouwait Ya Bilad El Salam		Joseph Khalifeh	Dedicated for Kuwait.
Lebnan	Majida El Roumi	Jean-Marie Riachi	Majida performed it once in Jounieh International Festials in 2011 dedicated to Lebanon.
Lebnanikon Lebnanina	Elie Choueiry	Elie Choueiry	Patriotic dedicated to Lebanon performed many times in 2007 and 2008.
Lebsou El Kafafi	Talal Haidar	Nour El Mallah	Performed in Casino du Liban concert in 1988.
Ma Ajmal Al Oshaq	Al Nasser	Jamal Salameh	Performed many times on stage, including in the Olympia concert in 1998.
Ma Baddi Hadaya	Majida El Roumi	Joseph Khalifeh	A Christmas Carol released in 2005.
Marrou Bina Nashar	Habib Younes	Ihsan El Monzer
Mouftaraq El Toroq	Salah Jahin	Kamal Al Tawil	Majida worked for the first time with composeer Jamal Salameh in 1976 in the song's arrangement. The song was in Egyptian Arabic dialect and Majida sang it in the movie "Awdat Al Ibn El Dall" (The Return of the Prodigal Son).
Nashid Al Hobb	Gibran Khalil Gibran	Joseph Khalifeh	Released in 2001
Tkhayaltak Jayi Men Biid	Eliya Abou Chedid	Ihsan El Monzer	Released in 1988
Tofli Zghiri	Majida El Roumi	Abdo El Monzer	Released in 1994
Touba Lel Sa'eena	Prayer	Ziad Rahbani	1976 - Last performed in the meeting with the youth during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon in September 2012.[62]
W'sina	Henry Zgheib	Jamal Salameh	1996
Wajaba El Shokrou	Ibn Zurmruk	Halim El Roumi	A Muwashshah performed by Majida in the 80s.
Woulida El Massih	Prayer	Joseph Khalifeh	A Christmas carol recorded and released in 2005.
Ya Kouwait	Henri Zougheib	Elias Al Rahbani	Dedicated to Kuwait.
Ya Qatar	Elie Choueiry	Elie Choueiry	Dedicated to Qatar, the song was performed in Doha concert in 2006.
Ya Taleb Iddy	Said Akl	Zaki Nassif	Patriotic dedicated to the Lebanese Army released in the 80s and Majida last sang this song in Jounieh International Festivals in 2011.
Yarnou Bi Tarfen	Eben Jaber El Darir	Halim El Roumi	A Muwashshah performed by Majida in the 80s.

Egyptian songs: remakes

Song Title	Poet	Composer	Notes
Ya Touyour	Youssef Badrous	Mohammed al-Qasabji	Originally sang by Asmahan
Layali El Onsi Fi Vienna	Ahmed Rami	Farid al-Atrash	Originally sang by Asmahan
Ehna El Tnen	Hassan Al Sayyed	Riad AL Sunbati	Originally sang by Leila Mourad
La Mosh Ana Lli Abki	Houssein Al Sayyed	Mohammed Abdel Wahab	Sang by Mohammed Abdel Wahab
Ha Laweaak
Emta Ha Taaraf	Ma’moun Al Chinawi	Mohammed al-Qasabji	Originally sang by Asmahan
Ana Albi Dalili	Abou Saoud Al Abyari	Mohammed al-Qasabji	Originally sang by Leila Mourad and last performed by Majida during a concert in the American University of Beirut in 2009.[63]

Videography

Release Year	Song Title	Notes
1975	Am Behlamak Ya Helm Ya Lebnan
1975	Kell Shi Am Yekhlas
1977	Am Yes'alouni Alayk El Nass
1977	Wadaa
1978	Khedni Habibi
1988	Ana Am Behlam
1988	Min Elna Ghayrak
1989	Al Madaen
1990	Domina
1991	Kalimat
1991	Kouwait Ya Bilad Al Salam
1994	Al Jarida	Directed by Sten Walegren.
1994	Kon Sadiqi	Directed by Sten Walegren.
1994	Lan Aoud
1996	Aynaka	Directed by Ralph Dfouni.
1996	Hobbouka (Vol.1)	Directed by Corine Chedrawi.
1996	Hobbouka (Vol.2)	Another Clip release for this song directed by Ralph Dfouni.
1996	Qana	Directed by Georges Ghayad.
1998	Sayedi El Rais	Directed by Ralph Dfouni.
1999	Adam Wa Hanan	Directed by Khaled Youssef, from Al-Akhar, movie by Youssef Chahine.
2000	Beirut, Set Al Doniya
2001	Nashid El Hobb
2005	Al Hobb Wal Wafaa	Directed by Said Al Marouk.
2006	E'tazalet El Gharam	Directed by Nadine Labaky.
2006	Habibi	Tribute to Ahmed Zaki taken from a concert in Egypt in 2006.
2008	La Ma Rah Ez'al A Shi	Directed by Toni Kahwaji, taken from Beit El Dine Festivals 2008.

Awards

•  Tunisia: National Order of the work from the Presidency of the Republic of Tunisia in 1987.
•  Lebanon: The Golden Cedar, 1988.
•  France: Shield from the French National Assembly for 1993.
•  Lebanon: National Shield of Honor of the Cedars, Knight's Order from the President of the Lebanese Republic, 1994.
•  Algeria: "Algerian citizenship" Certificate from the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, 1997.
•  France: The Médecines Sans Frontières Shield in 1999.
•  Egypt: Order of Merit from the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, 2000.
• A Certificate and a shield of Honor for FAO Ambassador, 2001.
•  Ivory Coast: The National Shield of Honor, Order of Merit of Officer's Grade from the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, 2003.
•  Syria: The Shield of Honour from the Syrian Ministry of Culture, 2004.
•  Algeria: Le Bouclier de l'information et de la culture / Algerian Shield of Culture and Information and The Gold Medal for the fiftieth anniversary of the outbreak of the liberation revolution, from the President of Republic of Algeria in 2005.
•  Lebanon: Honorary member of the Students' Scholarship Association at the American University in Beirut, 2005.
•  Lebanon: Honorary President of the Lebanese Association for the prevention of osteoporosis and The Universal framework of the joints and bone disease - the Lebanese branch, 2007.
•  Lebanon: Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from the Board of Trustees of the American University in Beirut, (2009).
•  Belize: Patent of Lebanese honor and gratitude by the Universal Association of Lebanese Worldwide - Belize and the actual recognition of her efforts in the service of Lebanon, humanity and Universal peace (2009).
•  Lebanon: Honoring from the Catholic Church on the occasion of an encounter of Catholic priests in Lebanon (2010).
•  Jordan: Honoring Shield from her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan in 2002.
•  Morocco: The National Shield of Honour.
•  Tunisia: The National Order of Cultural Merit from the Rubplic of Tunisia, 2010.^[64]
•  Lebanon: The National Shield of Honor of the Cedars - Order of Commodore from the President of the Republic, June 25, 2011.
•  France: Ordre des Arts et des Lettres - insigne d'Officier / Officer Grade, from the president of the Republic, January 24, 2013.^[65]

Gallery

• 

  Majida El Roumi during her music video shoot in 2006.

• 

  Majida El Roumi during the making of "E'tazalet El Gharam" music video in 2006.

• 

  Majida El Roumi honored by P. Michel Suleiman during her concert in Jounieh in June 2011.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Majida El Roumi.

• Majida El Roumi Official Website
• Majida El Roumi on Youtube
• Majida El Roumi on Itunes
• Majida El Roumi Online Radio on Yala.fm

Authority control VIAF: 76507829 BNF: cb13968707n

Persondata
Name	El Roumi, Majida
Alternative names
Short description	Lebanese singer
Date of birth	December 13, 1956
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death