Role

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Composer

Genre

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Vocal

 

M. Wadih El-Safi was a renowned Lebanese composer, singer, and actor who was born on November 1, 1921, in Niha, Lebanon. He was the youngest of six siblings and grew up in a musical family. His father, Sheikh Salim El-Safi, was a famous singer and oud player, and his mother, Aisha Al-Ba'lawi, was a talented singer and composer. El-Safi's interest in music began at a young age, and he started singing and playing the oud when he was only six years old. He received his early education at the Maronite School in Niha and later attended the Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society School in Beirut. Despite his academic pursuits, El-Safi remained committed to his passion for music and continued to hone his skills as a singer and composer. In 1947, El-Safi made his debut as a professional singer and composer, and his first song, "Ya Msafer Wahdak," became an instant hit. He quickly gained popularity in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world, and his music became known for its unique blend of traditional Arabic music and modern Western influences. Throughout his career, El-Safi composed and performed hundreds of songs, many of which became classics in the Arab world. Some of his most famous works include "Sa'alouni El-Nass," "Ya Bint El-Sultan," "Zahrat El-Mada'en," and "Ya Msafer Wahdak." He also composed music for several films and television shows, including "Al-Masrah Al-Kabir" and "Al-Malik Farouq." In addition to his musical career, El-Safi was also a talented actor and appeared in several films and television shows. He starred in the 1961 film "Al-Masrah Al-Kabir" and the 1972 film "Al-Malik Farouq," both of which were based on his own compositions. El-Safi's contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1970, he was awarded the National Order of the Cedar by the Lebanese government, and in 1992, he was awarded the Medal of Merit by the President of Lebanon. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arab Music Festival in 1997 and was honored with a star on the Beirut Walk of Fame in 2009. Despite his success, El-Safi remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and compose music until his death on October 11, 2013, at the age of 91. His legacy as one of the greatest composers and singers in the Arab world lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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