Nawal Al Zoghbi

Biography
by Jason Birchmeier
Nawal Al Zoghbi, aka Nawal Al Zoghby, is a Lebanese pop superstar who sings in Arabic and is popular throughout the Arab world, from the Middle East and North Africa to Western Europe and North America. Sometimes likened to Madonna, she takes great control over her career, continually refashioning herself musically as well as in terms of image. She is known for portraying a relatively sexy style and for demonstrating commercial savvy. Moreover, she is also outspoken from a political standpoint, supporting the Palestinian struggle with songs such as "Ya Quds" (O Jerusalem). Born June 29, 1972, in Byblos, Lebanon, she made her full-length recording debut in 1992 with the album Wehyati Andak, which was a commercial success and established her as a rising star in the Arab world. Successive albums furthered her popularity to the point where she became one of the Arab world's biggest superstars, regularly topping the charts and winning industry awards. Successive albums include Ayza El Radd (1994), Balaee Fi Zamany (1995), Habeit Ya Leil (1997), Mandam Aleik (1998), Maloum (1999), El Layali (2000), Tool Omri (2001), Elli Tmaneito (2002), Eineik Kaddabeen (2004), Yama Alou (2006), and Khalas Sameht (2008). Many of her biggest hits were compiled in 2001 on the album The Very Best of Nawal Al Zoughbi.