Happy Birthday, Sabah! Here’s Everything You Should Know About Sabbouha

Sabah was arguably one of the most influential artists in the Arab world, taking over the music and film industries by storm with her angelic vocals and charming personality. In honor of Sabbouha’s birthday, we’re going to share with you everything you should know about this Lebanese icon.

Also known as Al-Shahroura, Sabah was an icon in every sense. She captured the hearts of the Arab world with her undeniable charm and love for the spotlight. Let’s dive into her story, one filled with trials and triumphs that will live on forever.

Born Janette Gerges Feghali on November 10, 1927, Sabah had a humble childhood. Her exceptional talent was evident from a young age, and her powerful voice touched everyone who heard it.

It was the renowned Egyptian actor and producer Assia Dagher who first recognized her potential and helped launch her career, opening doors to fame by offering her film contracts. This is how Sabah’s journey began, and it wasn’t long before she became a household name.

When she arrived in Egypt, people were captivated by her beauty and unique voice. It wasn’t until Egyptian poet Saleh Jawdat gave her the nickname “Sabah” due to her striking features that she started going by that name!

The Rise of Al-Shahroura

She was a jack of all trades who not only excelled in acting and singing but was known for being versatile. Throughout her career, she sang over 4,000 songs, starred in around 87 films, and performed in 16 plays. She was known for her emotional and joyful folk songs that always lifted people’s spirits.

In fact, her voice was so versatile that it covered every musical scale, which led renowned composers like Riad Al Sunbati, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Baligh Hamdi, Philemon Wehbe, and the Rahbani brothers to collaborate with her.

Sabah, the Fashion Icon

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Before Madonna, we had Al-Shahroura! Singing legend, acting connoisseur, and fashion icon, Sabah stunned crowds with her bold looks and extravagant outfits. She created a space for herself in the industry where she could fully express herself, whether it be through song or over-the-top outfits.

A historic moment in her career was when she became the first Lebanese artist to perform at the renowned Olympia Theater in Paris, following in the footsteps of Umm Kulthum.

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Marriages, Heartbreaks, and Other Stories

Sabah’s personal life was anything but quiet. Married nine times and constantly in the spotlight, she later admitted to her fans that many of these marriages were exploitive and out of self-interest, leading some to nickname her “Madame Bank”.

Despite the hardships and heartache, Al-Shahroura focused her artistic journey, refusing to let personal struggles overshadow her success and passion for her craft.

Becoming A Guinness World Record Holder

We all knew Sabah was an incredible artist, but did you know she was World Record incredible? Sabbouha entered the Guinness World Record for being the most prolific artist, doing what she loved for 75 continuous years. Apart from her major contributions to the film industry, Sabah released more than 50 albums, in addition to a large musical archive that includes over 4,000 songs.

Sabah: the Legacy That Never Dies

After passing away on November 26, 2014, Sabah left behind a legacy that the world continues to celebrate. She was not just an artist but a phenomenon that took the film and music industries by storm.

Happy birthday, Sabbouha!

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