Majida El Roumi

Majida El Roumi Al Baradhy was born on 14 December 1956 and descends from the Christian “Al Baradhy” family from Tyre, South Lebanon. She is the daughter of the Lebanese musician Halim El Roumi,[1][2] born in Tyre in 1919 and moved to Haifa, Palestine at the age of 2 with his whole family due to the crisis of World War I.[3] When Halim moved to Egypt to follow his musical career, he met Marie Loutfy, a Melkite Greek Catholic woman. They got married in Port Said and had three girls Maha, Mona, Majida and a boy Awad. The whole family moved from Egypt to Lebanon and settled in Kfarshima, which is part of Greater Beirut when Majida was at the age of 6 as she grew up in an artistic environment and family of artists. Kfarshima is also home to many Lebanese singers, musicians and poets like Philimon Wehbe, Melhem Barakat and Issam Rajji.[4] The residence of Halim El Roumi was a meeting place for many cultural figures as he worked with many singers with mentioning his discovery to many well-known artists, mainly the Lebanese star Fairuz.[5]

As a child, Majida used to listen to the works of Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Wadih El Safi and Asmahan and at the age of 5 when she sang her first song “Miladak” (Your Birth) in reference to the birth of Jesus Christ and dedicated to her brother on his birthday.[6]

She was featured in her school's stage in Saint Coeur, Al Hadath. At the age of 14 she accompanied her father in an interview on Télé Liban with Najib Hankash when she first performed songs for Umm Kulthum and Fairuz. At the age of 16, Raymond Safadi, Majida's cousin, noticed her musical capabilities and thought that she should pursue singing as a profession. She participated in the talent show Studio El Fan in 1974 after she sneaked out of the house with her brother and her cousins. From her first appearance on television, she performed for Layla Murad and Asmahan and won the gold medal for oriental singing.[7]

Her success prompted her father to change his mind and give her his blessings to pursue in singing as long as she continues her higher education. Later on, Majida graduated from the Lebanese University after receiving her BA in Arabic Literature. In 1975, Majida released her first single “Am Behlamak” (Im dreaming of you, Lebanon) with collaboration with Lebanese poet Said Akl and musician Elias Rahbani. The song was liked in Lebanon as it kicked off with the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in April 1975.[8]

After releasing her first album Wadaa (Farewell) in 1976, Majida got the attention of Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine. She starred alongside Hisham Saleem in her first and only movie Awdat Al Ibn Al Dal (The Return of the Prodigal Son) and performed three soundtracks for it.[9][10]

Majida El Roumi And Youssou N'dour at the opening ceremony at Les Jeux De La Francophie.

Majida El Roumi performing "Light The Way" with José Carreras during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar in 2006.

Majida stood twice on the Paris Olympia stage: first time in 1993[25] and second time in 1998 sponsored by Lebanese First Lady at that time Mrs. Mona Herawi, Palais des Congrès de Paris in 1987,[26] Palais des festivals et des congrès de Cannes, Salle Gaveau, the opening of Damascus Opera House in 2004, Athens Concert Hall in Greece[27] 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.[28] 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.[29]

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, Quebec, Canada in November 2003[30] attended by more than 3000 people with incredible standing ovations,[31] 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,[32] and Jounieh International Festivals on 25 June 2011.[33] She also held a concert in Royal Opera House of Muscat in Shati Al-Qurm district in Oman in November 2011.[34]

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.[35][36] In 2009, she performed "Nous sommes les amis du monde", a duet with Senegal artist Youssou N'dour, on the inauguration of the "Jeux Olympiques de la Francophonie" in Beirut, Lebanon.[37]

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.[38]

Majida El Roumi's concerts included a tour in the Arab world in 2012–2013; she was part of the Batroun International Festival 2012 [39] and hosted a concert in the touristic neighborhood of Katara, Qatar on its Amphitheatre.[40] 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[41] and M. Mourad Saqli, president of the festival confirmed that Majida's night ranks first in terms of income among the whole performances.[42] 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.[43][44] Following her continuous success, concerts in Morocco were more demanded that she was part of the 9th edition of Twiza Festival in Tangier.[45] and Timitar Music Testival in Agadir in its 10th year.[46][47][48] Her visit to Tanger also included a visit to the children's orphan hospital in "Al Qortobi" center and give the kids some presents.[49] 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.[50][51]

Majida performing during the 70th Lebanese independence anniversary in Abu Dhabi National Theater in November 2013.

The Batroun International Festivals in Lebanon won Majida over one more time for another 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.[52][53] Majida's first concert in 2014 and after 40 years of her career debut was for the closing season of Dubai Classics in February, it was held in Dubai World Trade Center.[54][55] The festival opening was with international artist Sarah Brightman performing her Dreamchaser World Tour.[56] Majida broke her 8 years of absence and went back to Egypt for a concert in March on the stage of Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria. Although Majida’s Alexandria concert tickets were criticised for being overpriced, the event sold-out and was (as expected) a raging success.[57] She opened her concert by a mix of both the Egyptian and Lebanese national anthem then sang most of her oldies and hits . In her press conference a day before the concert, Majida affirmed that the aim of this visit was just to encourage the tourism in Egypt after the crises the country has been through. She also pointed out she has nothing but respect for the June 2013 Egyptian protests emphasizing that she has no political intentions whatsoever.[58] At the end of the concert, the mayor of Alexandria, Mr. Tarek Mahdi gave majida the golden key of the city in the presence of the minister of tourism in Egypt Mr. Hicham Zaazouh.[59] A day after her concert, Majida spent a touristic tour in the city and visitied Montaza Palace where she planted in its garden the first Lebanese Cedar since King Farouk's era,[60][61] she also cried over Youssef Chahine's tomb as a loyal memory for the maker of her first movie.[62][63]

Majida El Roumi was appointed an ambassador for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on World Food Day, 16 October 2001 in an official ceremony in Rome, Italy.[64] 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 8 November 2005 during an official ceremony to celebrate World Food Day 60th Anniversary at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut.

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."[65]

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.[66] The charity event was held under the patronage of 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.[67]

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.[68]

In celebration of Bulgari's 130th anniversary,[69] Majida El Roumi has been named the first Middle East Humanitarian Ambassador of the Bulgari – Save the Children Partnership in July 2014 and joins the likes of Naomi Watts, Dita Von Teese, Meg Ryan, and Leighton Meester and so many others in the support of this worthy cause. The partnership between one of the industry’s leading jewelry houses and the world’s largest independent international organization running programs in developing and developed countries has generated over AED 98 million and benefited under-privileged children in 23 countries around the globe.[70] El Roumi is responsible for the overall direction, leadership, and coordination of Save the Children programs in Jordan[71] as it was told in the press conference that took place at Al Bustan Hotel, Lebanon, in the presence of a crowd of Lebanese journalists and dignitaries. The renowned Spanish photographer Fabrizio Ferri has actively supported this initiative with his time and talent. Over the years, he has photographed over 200 celebrities wearing the ring and the pendant in support of Bvlgari’s commitment to quality schooling for the world’s neediest children[72] including Majida, whose poster was officially launched during the press conference.[73] Majida clearly stated during the press conference "I will strive to bring joy to my surroundings and to the people who are in need of it. Everything that's happening is a crime in every meaning of the word. I feel that I have a mission and my appointment is for a cause that I truly believe in. I will travel the extra mile and do what I can regardless of the size of my mission."[74] She also added, “There is no financial rewards for my participation in this humanitarian effort, as financial things do not bring happiness.”[75]

"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 spontaneousness."

— Pianist Walid Akl[76]

Majida El Roumi holding the Lebanese flag her concert in the Martyrs' Square, Beirut on 13 April 2005.

Majida El Roumi giving a speech at the release of the first copy of "Ghazal" at the Assembly Hall of American University of Beirut in July 2012

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:[77]

• 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.[78][79]
• 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.[80]
• 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.

Majida during her honoring ceremony from France in Officer Grade in the French Embassy in Beirut, January 2013.

•  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 Médecins 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.
•  Jordan: Honoring Shield from her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan in 2002.
•  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).
•  Morocco: The National Shield of Honour.
•  Tunisia: The National Order of Cultural Merit from the Republic of Tunisia, 2010.[85]
•  Lebanon: The National Shield of Honor of the Cedars – Order of Commodore from the President of the Republic, 25 June 2011.
•  France: Ordre des Arts et des Lettres – insigne d'Officier / Officer Grade, from the president of the Republic, 24 January 2013.[86]
•  Egypt: The Golden Key of the city of Alexandria from the mayor Mr. Tarek Mahdi, 20 March 2014.[87]

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  Portrait by Maya Kanakry for Majida taken in 1991.
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  Majida El Roumi during her music video shoot in 2006.
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  Majida El Roumi during the making of "E'tazalet El Gharam" music video in 2006.
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  Majida El Roumi honored by P. Michel Suleiman during her concert in Jounieh in June 2011.

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