Contents
Wadih El Safi
Becoming a defining voice of Lebanese folk song and the mawwal.
Lebnan Ya Ote’et Sama · Indak Bahriyeh
- Born
- 1 November 1921
- Birthplace
- Niha, Lebanon
- Died
- 11 October 2013
More people
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi was a Lebanese singer and composer celebrated for a powerful voice and songs rooted in village life. He worked with leading musicians and helped bring Lebanese folk traditions to concert audiences.
Early life
Niha childhood
Was one of eight children; his father served in the gendarmerie.
School choir
Moved to Beirut with his family and sang at school before leaving to help support them.
Career
- 1938
Radio breakthrough
Won a singing competition organised by Lebanese Radio.
- 1947–1950
Brazil
Spent several years abroad before returning to Lebanon.
- Late 1950s
Festival work
Joined musicians including the Rahbani brothers in performances at Baalbeck.
- Later career
International touring
Performed for audiences across several countries.
Selected work
Lebnan Ya Ote’et Sama
A celebrated song addressing Lebanon.
Indak Bahriyeh
A well-known part of his Lebanese repertoire.
W Kberna
A duet with Najwa Karam.
Beyond work
Family
Married Melvina in 1952 and had six children.
Life abroad
Moved to Egypt and then Paris after the Lebanese Civil War began.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗KCRW remembrance ↗Photo: Ayham tnnary. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
