Biography and Career

Elissa was born in Deir al-Ahmar and raised amidst the spectacular, natural scenery of the Bekaa valley. She gained a degree in Political Science from the Lebanese University. Her first forays into art and artistic activities consisted of acting in theatres of political critique, namely with well-known Chansonnier Wassim Tabbara, and the "Theatre de 10 Heures". This was the first time she came in contact with an audience, whose verwhelming warmth and energy she immediately took to.

Her theatrical beginnings motivated her to move on to singing, which she did in 1992-1993, when she participated in 'Studio Al Fan'. The show was broadcast on LBCI, one

of the most renowned TV stations in the Middle East. Elissa won a silver medal over the course of her stay in the program. Following this, she performed in concert tirelessly until 1999, when Lido Productions released her first album, 'Baddy Doub'. Elissa's debut on the commercial music scene was definitely an event of considerable importance. The album was a success and featured a smash hit with famous French gypsy act, Gerard Ferrer. The release of this first album took her straight to Cannes, to participate in the International Music Festival of 2000.

Following this first success, Elissa then released her second album, 'W'akherta Maak', which in turn included the hit duet 'Bitghib Betrouh', sung with Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alameh. 'Bitghib Betrouh' was a massive hit, and is still being played on radio and TV today, more than three years after its initial release.

Elissa's current album, 'Aichalak', has been the number one selling album in the Middle East since its release in June 2002. For this album, Elissa took advantage of the high momentum of her previous two albums, and managed to reach an even higher level of stardom. The video clip of the album's hit single, also entitled 'Aichalak', was filmed in Paris with acclaimed French director Fabrice Begotti. Elissa was officially dressed and made up by Christian Dior Paris for the entire duration of the shoot. This was the first time the illustrious French designer collaborated with an Arab artist. 2002 brought Elissa more consecration with the winning of the Murex d'Or award for best female artist. Hot on the heels of the outstanding 'Aichalak', Elissa shook the music scene further by teaming up with world-famous Irish singer Chris De Burgh. Needless to say, the collaboration of these two talents resulted in the historic duet 'Lebanese Night', which is featured on De Burgh's 2002 album, 'Timing is Everything'. To crown the year, Elissa was included in the anthology book '100 Pioneers of Lebanon', alongside artists such as Fairuz, Wadih al-Safi, as well as many other celebrities who have left their mark on the Lebanese cultural, political and social landscape.

Elissa is more than just a rising talent. With three smash hit albums already released, she has definitely surpassed expectations and risen above the rest of her generation, achieving full-fledged star status. With one of the biggest fan bases in the Middle East, Elissa has marked the musical scene in an unforgettable way, now and for years to come. The question on everybody's mind now is, "what does she have in store next?"

Building a career

Noteworthy events and participations Elissa is passionate about singing and truly inspired by her audience. This passion really shines through in the important events she has participated in since the beginning of her career.

Elissa's first album, 'Baddy Doub', was released in 1999. It brought her considerable success, and resulted in her participation in the renowned International Music Festival of Cannes in 2000. In 2001, she took part in Jordan's 'Fiesta Latina'. She also held a performance at the pyramids of Egypt as the opening act for British superstar Sting. In addition to this, she was the only Arabic artist to perform in front of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, at the Stars charity show in Dubai.

Also present at this event were Queen Rania of Jordan and the crown prince of Dubai, Cheikh Mohamed Bin Rachid El Maktoum.

2002 brought Elissa consecration with the winning of the Murex d'Or award, for best female artist. Elissa ended the year with a bang, when she inaugurated the opening of Kuwait's Virgin Megastore with Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the famous stores.

In September 2003, Elissa performed at the Hope Charity gala, which took place in the Royal Albert hall, one of London's most prestigious venues. Among other artists to perform that night was Spanish dancer and choreographer Joaquin Cortes, Italian singer Zucchero, and British pop singer Sarah Brightman. Elissa was the sole representative of the Middle East.

Smash hit duet

Chris De Burgh and Elissa In 2002, Elissa took the local music scene by storm when she sang and performed with the world-famous Irish singer Chris De Burgh.

Their smash hit duet, 'Lebanese Night', was written by De Burgh during a trip to Lebanon in the year 2000. He was inspired to write the song when he was dining in famed restaurant Abdel Wahab. De Burgh then went in search of an Arabic artist to perform the duo with him; the natural choice was Elissa.

The song was recorded and produced by Chris Porter, the man responsible for a multitude of hits by such international artists as George Michael and Robbie Williams.

Elissa's first album, 'Baddy Doub', was released in February 1999. It was one of

the largest selling albums in Lebanon and the Middle East, and included the smash hit single, 'Baddy Doub', featuring Gerard Ferrer, the renowned French Gypsy act from Marseille. The album sold over 150,000 copies (both CDs and tapes). The video clip for the song "Baddy Doub", filmed in black and white, is still on high rotation on most TV channels in the Middle East.

Elissa's second album, 'W'akherta Maak', released in September 2000, featured a duo with Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alameh. The duet 'Betghib Betrouh', along with its video clip, was the big success of the summer. A second video clip, this time for the song 'W'akherta Maak', was released in November, and pushed the CD to number one status once again throughout the Middle East, selling over 200,000 copies. The video clips for these songs are favorites of viewers all over the Arab world, and are still a constant on TV channel playlists.

Elissa's third album, 'Aichalak', was released in June 2002. It was the best selling Arab music album of 2002, and ranked high in 2003. The hit single 'Aichalak' still features prominently on radio and TV channels. The song 'Ajmal Ihsas' was the next single to be culled from the CD. The video clip for this song was filmed by director Selim el Turk, and is currently undergoing heavy rotation on Arab TV channels.

Elissa's newest album, ÔAhla DounyaÕ, will be released in early 2004. It was mixed using Super Audio Surround, the latest innovation in sound technology. This is the first instance of an artist utilizing this highly superior sound technology in the Middle East. Artists who have previously relied on Super Audio Surround include Sting, Andrea Boccelli and Pink Floyd. ÔAhla DounyaÕ is ElissaÕs most challenging album to date and has the potential to top the charts yet again.

Commercial work

Pepsi and Rayban Elissa's fantastic run continued in 2003, when she signed a deal with Pepsi. This contract, which was dear to her heart, made Elissa the official female star for Pepsi for the Arab world, with Amr Diab as her male counterpart. She has already filmed the ad for Pepsi X, to be followed this year with the Regular Pepsi ad. Further commercial projects in 2004 include the Ray Ban campaign, which was launched in February.

The most beloved queen of
Arabic crossover music

E L I S S A

with her brand new album

Ahla Dounya

Track listing is as follows: 

Promotion

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