With his sensuous vocals, Ragheb Alama (born: Ragheb Subhi Alama) has risen to the upper echelon of Middle Eastern pop music. The recipient of an Arabian World Gold Lion award as Best Arabic Singer of 1998, Alama continues to bring a modern sensibility to the traditional music of his homeland. Alama's talents as a singer were apparent from an early age. His father was so impressed with his singing that he arranged for him to be interviewed on Lebanese radio before his tenth birthday. Enrolling at the Beirut Conservatory of Music, at the age of 15, Alama spent several years studying the lute. His skill at singing traditional folk songs resulted in his receiving a gold medal. Launching his professional career in 1982, Alama has become a regular performer at music festivals in Lebanon and Egypt. He received a platinum disc for his album, Albi A'she'aha, and an Egyptian Oscar for his video clip, "Alamtini." ~ Craig Harris