Diana Haddad
Encyclopedia
Diana Joseph Fouad Haddad (born in Bsalim, Lebanon
on 1 October 1976) is a Lebanese
singer
and television personality with Emirati
citizenship
. Mainly known as Diana Haddad, she is one of the most popular and successful singers in the Arab World
and has been so since the late 1990s. She was a record-breaker since her first song Saken in 1996, and she is still considered one of the most successful Arab female singers and one of the best selling singers in the Arab World. Haddad does not limit herself to one music style, she knows how to present a very wide range, moving from the most rhythmic songs to the slow romantic ones. Haddad first came to fame in 1993 when she just 16. While she was recording her first album she appeared on the Arabic
talent show Studio El Fan
in Beirut
performing the traditional Lebanese folk song
written by Elias Abou Azala Tayr El Yammameh which would be included on her first album Saken
.
Three years later, the release of her debut album Saken, which featured her single Saken, Lagaitek, a cover of Issam Rajji
's old hit, and Al-Sahra. Soon, after she became a mother to her first child, a daughter Sophie. In 1997 she released one of the most successful albums in her discography, Ahl Al Esheg
, which included the hit single Ahl Al Esheg. She released the most popular pop album of the 1990s Ammanih
. In 2000s she released the more critically acclaimed and successful albums Awel Marrah
and Diana 2006
. In 2007 Haddad gave birth to her second daughter Mira in Dubai
. On 30 October 2008, Haddad released her second long waited Khaliji
(Gulf Arabic) album Men Diana Illa
.
In April 2009, Haddad was dubbed by the Arab press as being one of the year's most the influential Middle East artists.
father Joseph Haddad and a Shiite Muslim mother Mouna Haddad in a small village called Bsalim in Lebanon on 1 October 1976. Her talent was discovered at an early age when she won the televised talent show, Studio el Fan. Haddad is the third born, with two older brothers and one younger brother and sister. Diana was raised in Kuwait
and educated at the Al Feheheel National School. Haddad was only 16 when she started working on her debut album
. The album took three years to prepare since Haddad was also working on her high school degree followed by her associate degree
in Computer Science. During this time Haddad met the Emirati
TV director Suhail Al-abdool
. They got married in 1995. They worked together exclusively, which drew some criticism from media and led to them deciding to artistically separate in 2003 to end false rumours of divorce and Diana's career being centred around her husband. Haddad and Al-abdool have one daughter, Sofy, born in July 1997. Haddad has produced several albums and established a very solid fan base – she is known for maintaining the same level of success, popularity and great performances, like a few other female Arabic singers like from the 1980s and 1990s, such as Majida El Roumi
, Latifa
, Samira Said
, Asalah Nasri
, Angham, Elissa
, Najwa Karam
, Nawal Al Zoghbi and the late Thekra
. Haddad is well known as being an elegant singer but still keeping the conservative Arabic traditions that actually attracted more fans and is critically acclaimed by the reviews of being "a great talent, a respectful diva".
Haddad was granted an honorary citizenship from the UAE, many officials stated that "Diana is like a daughter for us, married to a UAE citizen and always being very active in the national and traditional events make her nothing less than one of us".
The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song. By that time, Haddad had truly established herself as a top selling Lebanese singer. In that year Haddad participated in Carthage Festival (one of the best festivals in the Arab world till now) more the 20,000 people attended her concert and considered as one of the best one in the festival of that year, but even greater things lay ahead. Haddad's third album Ammanih was released late in 1997. The album was a hit and was the most successful album in that Year and still holds the record for being one of the best-selling albums in the Arab Music History and Haddad's best-selling album till now, featuring different styles and different music genres that she had never done before. The album sold millions of copies, not only in the Middle East
but also in Europe
, the US
, and internationally. The title track became her signature song, to date her most popular work ever. Ammaneh, at 1998 Haddad was chosen along with Julia Boutros
, Mohammed Fouad to represent The Middle East at the HollyWood Planet Ceremony which was held at UAE. Yammaia
, her fourth album, was released in late 1998. What is unique about Yammaia is that each song on the album was sung in a different Arabic dialect
: Classical Arabic
, Egyptian
, Lebanese
, and Khaliji. In Yammaia, Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue.
song "Bagiye" she sung in the Syrian dialect.
It showed an upbeat side to Haddad's music and the Arabic genre in general, enjoying the most simple things in life such as nature and the sun. Shater continued along the lines of Ammanih; several collaborations and joyful music. The single Shater also achieved Huge success Topping more than 17 radio, TV Charts for more than 4 Months according To MBC. The video was shot in Dubai
by her husband. It would also be an important year since, in October that same year Diana Haddad officially converted to Islam
and became a Shiite Muslim in honour of deceased Muslim mother Mouna who died in 1998. However, her decision met with strong opposition from her Maronite Christian father Joseph Haddad and some of her other relatives for awhile. She went on to do Umrah
that same year in Mecca
. Diana Haddad rarely speaks openly about her religious beliefs stating its personal and only between her and God.
Prior to her official conversion Haddad did thorough research into Shia Islam and she once stated in an interview in Al-Jareema magazine, that attending the lectures of Islamic scholars Sheikh Al-Shrawi and Tarek Swaed is also what motivated her to convert.
, in the summer of 2000. Jarh Al Habib featured pop and classic cuts, ranging from slow-themed love song Ba´ali Zaman to the fast paced anthem Mani Mani, to the Wade´e El-Safi tribute "Noor Enayeh" to the title track, which was a collaboration with, and a tribute to, the musician Mohammed El-Ezabi. Jarh Al Habib established an image of an older, more artistically mature and diverse Haddad. Diana Haddad was scheduled to tour the USA in 2000 in 15 cities but later canceled the concerts, in solidarity with the Palestinian people during the 2000 second Intifada
. Haddad went on to record and shoot a video of a song in dedication to this Al Haq Yaktubo Min Dami (The Right is Written in My Blood).
Akhbar Helwa
, Haddad's seventh album showed a marked transition of her style. It was released in July 2001 and contains nine hits such as, Elli Fi Balli, Akhbar Helwa, Ela Habibi and El Huwara. Law Yesaloni
was the eighth album and included songs such as Ashwaq, Baad Eyonak, Hasabtah, Kma Kum, Laitny Ma Arftek and Law Yesaloni. Haddad has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, she was the first Lebanese artist to release a full Khaliji album.
and pop, again with several varieties of Arabic: Egyptian, Khaliji, Lebanese, and for first time singing in Moroccan Arabic
. The album debuted at #1 at Virgin Mega Stores in Kuwait, UAE, Egypt. Haddad returned to prominence with the release of this album and its hit singles Waily, Saheby, Awel Marrah and Law Ma Dakhalt Be Rassi. Waily was the debut of the album at the hit show Star Academy Arab World and went on to be a success all over the Arabic countries, topping the charts. Soon after Haddad released the song Awel Marrah, another number one single and topped the three main Arabic music charts on Middle East Broadcasting Center
(MBC), Arab Radio and Television Network
(ART), Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation
and Dubai TV
for nine weeks. In 2005, Haddad sang in a concert in Islamabad
, Pakistan
making her the first Arab and Lebanese singer to participate in any such event there.
Haddad's tenth album was released in March 2006. She called it Diana 2006. Six lead singles were released in different regions of the Arab World: the Raï
single Mas and Louly which featured the Algeria
n Raï singer, Cheb Khaled
, and was the biggest hit in that year debuting at #1 on more than 5 Arab radio stations and peaking at #1 on more than 20 other Arab radio stations, making it the best duet of 2006 & best video clip of 2006, the two Egyptian singles Zay Al Sokar and Aadi which featured Haddad in a new romantic look. The Khaliji song Hasafah was a hit on the Arab Gulf charts, and the Lebanese song Awayed Adeemeh was the best folk song in Lebanon song for 2006, along with the folk song Athab El hawa, a song from Syrian folklore.
The album was successful and given good reviews in Lebanon, Egypt, the Maghreb
and Khaleej areas. In February, Haddad won awards for "Best Female Solo Artist" and "Best Video Clip" for Mas And Louly in Egypt
. According to Stars Cafe Mage ( Now Hits Marker ) the Album Diana 2006
was one of the best-selling albums of the year and stayed at #1 for 10 weeks and styed on the charts for the whole year.
According to Hitmarker & Virgin Mega Stores the album Diana 2006 was the third best-selling album of the year between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2006 behind Amr diab & Sherin.
Haddad gave birth to a baby girl in Dubai, 26 November 2007, named Mira. The music video of the lead single Mas and Louly was directed by a Lebanese director, Laila Kanaan, who directed the music video of the fourth Egyptian single Aadi. In March 2008 Haddad released the fourth single Athab El Hawa from her album Diana 2006, directed by her friend Nahla Al Fahad, which premiered on Melody TV. Channels and received positive reviews
(whose concert attracted 85,000) whereas, the younger yet popular fellow Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram
attracted 20,000 and Syrian singer Asala Nasri attracted 10,000. In July 2008, Haddad took part in Kalmeem Festival in Morocco. Her concert attracted again more people with 90,000 people attending, making it one of the most popular concert of the festival history to date.
On 30 October 2008, Haddad released the long awaited album and it was called Men Diana Illa which means From Diana to (a letter written in a booklet in the original copy of the album explaining to whom). The album is Haddad's second 100% Khaliji album, containing 10 songs in the Khaleeji, Saudi and Iraqi dialects and in different music styles from pop and ballads to traditional. Some songs use typical Arabic beats (be it from the Gulf or Iraq), while others use styles that border on Latin
, African
, and Indian music
. Haddad worked with a number of composers, never depending on one lyricist or musician.
Despite poor promotion and distribution from the producing company, Platinum Records and Nojoom Music, the album topped the charts in Qatar
, UAE, Saudi Arabia
, Kuwait
and Jordan
. Most of the songs, like "Rooh ya Seghayer", "Shlon Ahofah", Sheft Itesalak, topped the radio and TV charts. Currently, Haddad has released one single from the album Sheft Itesalak which was directed by Nahla Al Fahad, and the shooting took place in Beirut
, Lebanon.
In late 2008, Haddad announced news that she is working on a duet with Alicia Keys
, but Keys asked for a half million dollars for the duet which was too much for a song according to Haddad. Instead Diana finished another duet with Lebanese Canadian singer with Karl Wolf
.
In February 2009 she released the long-awaited Lebanese single "Ya Aybo" written by Pierre Hayek, composed By Yasser Jalal, arranged by Rojeah Khoury and directed by Nahla Al Fahad (third video clip with Nahla Al Fahad). The shooting took place in Lebanon. The single was an instant hit in the Arab World, debuting #1 in most charts in the Middle East. In April 2009 Haddad was chosen as the most influential artist in the Middle East (as per polls done by "Shaba 20" Mag). She got the highest votes beating many well known stars like Assala, Najwa Karam, Elissa, Nancy Ajram and others. She also won the title "The Arabia Star" for the fourth time. The ceremony took place in UAE where she was given the two awards.
Haddad made a summer mini tour in 2009, beginning with two concerts in Paris. Then she took part in Al Mydiak Festival in Morocco in honor of the King Crowning Day. During this concert Haddad set a record in the festival's history by attracting more than 150,000 people according to the Festival's management and Nahla Fahad. She travelled to Algeria, where she took a part in Al Kazef and Jamela festivals. Haddad was scheduled to do two concerts in Egypt, but it was cancelled due to large fear of swine flu
. Diana Haddad ended the short tour in Lebanon with two concerts; the first one was in Maghdouche
her hometown (she sung there for the very first time). Her concert in Maghdouche attracted more than 6,000 people from all over Lebanon. Diana Haddad was happy and proud to sing in her hometown for the first time since the beginning of her career. Haddad ended her tour of Lebanon when she made a concert for Eid Al Fitr.
Haddad will be working with a number of well-known poets and composers on her upcoming album like Wisam Al Amir, Hisham Polis, Yaser Jalal, Munir Bo Asad, Ahmad Muhy, Muhammad Yeha, and Wael Tawfiq. Diana will surprise her fans with a duet on her new album with Lebanese-Canadian singer Karl Wolf
.
Now Haddad is traveling between Cairo and Beirut to put the final touches on the songs for her upcoming album. In a recent interview Diana Haddad confirmed that she had not yet moved to Beirut, and she is still living in Dubai at her home with her two Emirati daughters Sophie and Mira. Diana, divorced from her husband in 2009. The news was announced via a joint statement distributed through the office of her ex-husband Suhail Al-abdool
affirmed that the couple will continue their friendship and noted that they still hold the love and respect for each
other.
After divorcing her husband Suhail al-abdool and breaking away from his music label Nojoom in late 2009. Early 2010, Diana Haddad stated her album will be released after the Summer of 2010, however due to the public's preoccupation of the 2010 World Cup she decided to postpone its release until after Ramadan later in the year. It is believed it will consist of 13 songs in total, six Lebanese, three in Egyptian dialect and four in the Gulf dialect.
The album's most anticipated song is her duet with the Lebanese Canadian singer Karl Wolf
. Noting that, Diana is collaborating with prominent composers and lyricists from Lebanon and Egypt on the album. According to Hitmarker, Haddad was the 7th best selling artist during the last decade in the Arab world; her song "Mani Mani" ranked as the 9th most popular song in the last decade.
, although born in the Mountain town of Bsalim. She is the third born out of 5 siblings, the others being sister Lolita and brothers Danny, Fadi and Samir. She was raised in Kuwait until 1990 when the Gulf War reached there. She married a much older Emirati TV director Suhail Al Abdoul in the early mid 1990s while still in her teens and gave birth to their first child Sophie on 19 July 1996. Diana Haddad has always stated in the face of critics who called it a marriage of convenience
that it was out of love she married, not search of wealth. However, she recognized that she was far too young to marry, even though in love she had not fully grown up.
The couple's second daughter Mira was born on 26 November 2007. Diana Haddad is also noted to being quite petite in size and height.
Following the death of her Muslim
mother, Diana Haddad converted to Shia Islam in late 1999 and performed Umrah
soon afterwards. Haddad rarely speaks about her Conversion or religious beliefs in public, but frequently states she is true a believer of God. Although Diana Haddad once told an Arabic Magazine how her Christian relatives (particularly her father) did not support her decision to convert to Islam and were against it, however eventually respected her decision. She is the only one of her siblings who practices Islam. Diana Haddad lives in Dubai with her two daughters Sophie and Mira fathered from her Ex-husband Suhail Al Abdoul.
In February 2010 in an interview with Mazen Diab for "Stars Cafe" Diana Haddad spoke on the topic of her divorce and marriage openly, she went on to state despite not regretting her marriage or her choice. She did however regret being married at such a young age, stating that she would not encourage it and that girls should be at least old enough to be mentally prepared for the path of marriage. When Mazen attempted to ask whether she saw comparisons between her divorce and that of her friend fellow Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoghbi divorce from her husband Elie Deeb Haddad politely declined to be compared to Al-Zoghbi's situation. She explained unlike Al Zoghbi her divorce had not been as publicized and she is on good terms with her ex-husband Suhail Al-Abdoul.
Haddad revealed that she was not against plastic surgery as long as it was not exaggerated and admitted to having Rhinoplasty on her nose. Haddad says in future if she decides to ever under go cosmetic surgery she would not conceal it because she has nothing to hide.
In late 2009 while traveling in Lebanon
with her driver in Beirut
.
Diana Haddad and her driver were suddenly attacked by armed militant
bandits
demanding everyone in the car to get out, it is believed these were robbers with the motive to steal. Amid the dangerous atmosphere Haddad's driver refuse to obey the demands of the criminals and made a daring yet life saving quick exit and escape. The militants attempted to catch up with them but failed. Haddad called the incident traumatic and said she was not able to sleep for days afterwards with fear and anxiety, however she went on to say she is grateful and thankful to be safe and alive, that it shows the true kindness of God.
Haddad frequently visits her native Lebanon when possible and owns real estate there. Since her conversion to Shia Islam nearly a decade ago, Haddad describes herself as a "private yet observant Muslim" who prays, reads from the Qur'an
and fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. She takes part in charity activities whenever possible. Rumours had been circulating that Haddad had embraced Sufism
(a mystical interpretation of islam) in midst of her divorce, she however denied these claims.
Then rumours began that she had left Islam and returned to Christianity (which she denied) and stated she did not find offensive since she "respects all religions" but continued to state she is a devout Muslim, dedicated to her faith.
She has stated that to her the hardest time of the year is celebrating eid in absence of her dead mother despite celebrating it with other Muslim relatives the death of her mother is still a painful memory. She revealed that a song on her 2010 album would be dedicated to her mother and the relationship between a mother and daughter.
She was a Main Judge on the Khaleeji version of Star Academy
Najm Al Khaleej 1st series from 2009–2010.
In March 2010 during an interview with the Arabic Elaph newspaper, Haddad was asked whether
she participated in the recent Lebanese elections of 2009 she stated that she had not voted and explaining;
"I live in the UAE now, however as for Lebanon, my wish is for it to live in peace, because Lebanon is a lover of life and peace. I hope that God loves every official in Lebanon who puts the country's interests over his personal benefit." Haddad is currently expecting to release a religious song called A Gift From God in honor of the holy month of Ramadan.
Then in 2000 upon the uprising of the Palestinian Intifada
, Diana released a
track & video dedicated for the Palestinian cause and struggle called Al Haq yaktubo min Dami (The right is written with my blood) She cancelled her scheduled 15 city US tour of that year,in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
When asked why she chose to sing for the intifada Haddad responded;
This song is the least I can do for the Palestinian people in support for their cause,” said Haddad adding “if we believe that these hard times are not the times to contribute anything; then when is the right time?!”
“We cannot watch idly what we see on television and not move,” she explained.
The lyrics of the song was written by Saudi Arabian poet Saoud Al Sharbatli, translates as;
“The right is written with my blood… There is a name that my mouth repeats, Al Quds, here we are, we have come to save you. Young soldiers have beat the old, thrown stones and made the enemy’s murdering army flee.” The music video was shot by Haddad's ex-husband Suhail al-abdool.
Haddad joined a campaign in 2003 against the dangers of the use of drugs and smoking in the UAE by releasing a single called Bi Edak El Qarar (The Decision is in Your Hands) written by poet Karim Al Iraqi and composed by Dr. Fatih Allah Ahmad. She was chosen to be part of the campaign by the organizers of the project out of a large list of candidates because of wide her wide popularity around the Arab world at the time. The video was directed by her husband Suhail Al-abdool
and aired on television channels across the Arab world.
In 2006 she filmed the Ana Al Insan (I am Human) video clip in protest of Israeli air-strikes in Lebanon, a song she dedicated in calling for a ceasefire.
The songs talk about humanity and its nature of selfishness and forgetting where they came from (ashes to ashes). It received positive reviews. It is originally from the album Yammaia
(1998).
She also took a part in Jameela Festival in Algeria with Kadem Al Saher. The revenue from the festival went to the victims of the 2006 Lebanon war. She also made charity concerts in UAE, Dubai, Egypt and Sweden, the last one being with Cheb Khaled. The money raised
from the single (Ana al Insan) and charity concerts went to the damaged families and victims of the 2006 Lebanon war and other causes. In 2008, she did the same for Gazans and took a part in the "Aghethohom" (literally Help Them) campaign in Dubai
.
Diana Haddad is also known for her sympathy towards children and from time to time she visits custody homes checking on children, seeing what they need, raising money for them, even throwing banquets for them from time to time.
In 2007 she was named as the "Philanthropy star " for her many humanitarian work. In 2007 she took a part in a charity concert held by the American CHF firm in UAE, Jemira along with Assi el Helani, Youri Mrakkadi and Bassem Feghali. The money raised from the concert went to Lebanon's children. She was invited by the Emarati princess Haya Bent Hussain to a charity event and auction for patients in UAE. In 2008 she was honored by Al Rashid Care Center, for her work with handicapped children from the centre. Diana Haddad stated in interview about why she did this for the children, she said: "As a mother I know we must share our lives with these children."
, Amal Hijazi
, Diana Karazon
and even Cheb Khaled. However in an interview with Tarattatta -a music variety show, she said Arab "patriotic songs" proved useless and vain.
Haddad explained that a long tradition of patriotic themes in Arabic songs did not lead to any change in situations and issues involving the Arab World
. Speaking about why she declined participation in Al Dameer Al Arabi (The Arab Conscience). Haddad pointed out that such themes are all worn-out, and has no role to play anymore. “We have to find a different way to help our societies,” she concluded.
. She has also attended many fashion shows of Walid Attalah, her stylist at the time. She has also worked with Akl Fakeh the only Lebanese stylist who has won the UAE Golden Key for his designs. When she attended the Fashion show of her stylist and personal designer Akl Fakih in late 2009, she was perhaps the most notable guest there. To quote the Khaleej Times on Haddad's appearance there; " Adding that extra touch of glamour was the presence of Arab singer Diana Haddad in the audience."
In 2007 Haddad was awarded the title The Most Stylish Star of 2007 by "Stars Cafe" Magazine (the official source for World Music Award results in The Middle East). She received the highest votes from experts in fashion as per polls by the said magazine beating well known stars like Nawal Al Zoghbi, Haifa Wehbe, Elissa and Nancy Ajram.
In 2008 Haddad was chosen to represent the Middle East in Calvin Klein's first fashion show in the Middle East held in UAE. She wore a classical black dress from his collection. Now Haddad is working to release a clothing line in her name.
In Jarh Al Habib, the Lebanese track Noor Aini, is dedicated to the Lebanese folk singer Wadih el Safi
. A track she performed live with him on Lebanese television. However, today, Haddad is known to be perhaps the only Lebanese singer who specialises in singing the Khaleeji dialect. A trend she has followed since the late 1990s with hit singles such as Men Ghebet, Wainhom, a tribute to her late mother, and Al Fousoul al Arba'a being the first ones of note.
The 2002 album, Law Yesaloni, where Haddad made history in being the first Lebanese singer to release a 100% Khaliji album. Her success in the Khaliji genre has perhaps what inspired fellow Lebanese singers Yara and friend Nawal Al Zoghbi to record 100% Khaliji albums of their own. She has recorded several songs dedicated the UAE, her naturalized country. Firstly in 2001 she recorded the Khaliji song Mnawer Bladek (You Lighten Your Country) a patriotic song dedicated to the Emirates and Sheikh Zayed the then ruler of the UAE. The video was directed by her ex-husband Suhail Al Abdoul and set in Dubai.
In 2001, in a national concert in the UAE, Haddad teamed up with Arab singer Rashid Al Majed to sing the song live Ard El Emarat, (The :and of the Emirates) even singing the opening verses in English. She collaborated with Al Majed again to sing the duet Asma Bilad another song dedicated to the UAE.
In recent years, her popularity and album sales are still increasing as is her fanbase. Many old fans from her native country of Lebanon
feel disappointed with her latest Khaliji style, with some going as far as accusing the singer of "selling out" her Lebanese roots and wishing for her to return to her original "Lebanese" style. However this negative view is mainly held by fans from Lebanon.
However among the Gulf and Saudi community and the Arab World in general, her current adopted Arabian style has seen her gain a wider fan base and respect among Arabs who appreciate her level of modesty and talent. Many consider her strong voice and deep vocals to be one of the current most recognized and distinctive ones out their today along with Sabah
, Najwa Karam
, Asalah Nasri and Fairuz
. She was known in the early days of her career as voice of the mountains.
In an Interview with Diana Haddad and her husband Suhail al-abdoul when they were titled as one of the UAE's 2007 Hot Power Couples, they made the same list the previous year in 2006 which was conducted in "Ahlan!" magazine where she stated her love for Khaliji Gulf traditions and saying "I love Dubai,”. “You can find everything here – it’s a cultural city. I even sang for Dubai’s National Day in 2006. That was a big event for me."
Her connection to the Gulf Region
and influences can be traced back to her childhood where she spent mostly in Kuwait and her marriage to Emirati video director Suhail Al-abdool playing a major role. The irony is that despite Khaliji music being a specific style of Arabic beats, instruments, and dialect, and while it may be possible for a non-Khaliji to perform, it is almost never accepted as genuine material. However, Haddad has managed to break that barrier and stereotype. She is very popular among people in the Gulf Region and has been somewhat "adopted" into Emirati culture and society. On October 30, she released her 2nd full Khaliji album Men Diana Illa
although not living up to phenomenal success of its predecessor Law Yesaloni
, the album top charts in the Gulf, Iraq and Jordan and met with moderate success.
contest in 1992-3. Nearly always she has received positive feedback from those who worked or met her, respecting her professional attitude and her hard work she puts in making albums. In early years Diana Haddad (before the height of her career) was accused of depending on the influence of her ex-husband Suhail Al-Abdoul, but with the release and success of her first albums mostly positive reviews of her albums declared it was obvious that Diana Haddad had an innate quality that is rare and the rumours stopped, when she retraced from her collaboration with him.
Despite at times making criticism at music styles she does not like, or the videos she feels are obscene, Diana Haddad has never launched personal attacks against other singers even the ones she does not like, except at the Nawal incident being an exception.
The owner of Alam Al Phan record company credited Diana Haddad in the 2004 interview with Khaleej Times, after signing her, stating that unlike many singers who are motivated by greed Diana Haddad is different as she spent 2 years "perfecting" on her Awel Marrah
album." When asked what made him want to work with her, he answered: "She is a genuine singer" and added that his company will do everything to promote artists like her.
on grounds of "emotional distress" she suffered as a result of criticisms made by Abdoul in the Arabic press and his wife Diana Haddad's statements that her voice was "out of tune". However in 2002 the court rejected her case and she lost. The ruling stated that "the statement made by Haddad is not classified as defamation of the claimant, because it does not have any impact on her basic artistic position but is rather linked with her performance. The claim that the plaintiff is a singer or performer is a flexible classification that conforms to personal standards".
Amazingly in 2004, the two singers overcame their differences, when Diana took the initiative and made a personal phone call to Nawal after hearing that Nawal was experiencing a downfall in her health. Diana revealed that once she heard Nawal was not feeling well, she felt it her duty to call and wish her a fast recovery. Nawal on her part was grateful towards Diana for calling her putting aside all disputes that had previously occurred. Soon after that, they began to form a mutual respect for one each other. Diana Haddad on an interview with television show host Nishan, she expressed her respect for the singer even singing a song dedicated to Nawal live. She also recorded a live version of Nawal Al Zoghbi's Mandam Aleik on her phone and put on her website in tribute to Nawal. Nawal Al Zoghbi also made a tribute to Diana on a Lebanese television show by singing Diana's debut song from 1996 Saken live. The two have now become good friends have participated in several photoshoots together and concerts. The recent one being 2008 “Eid Al Fiter” concert that took place in the UAE.
contest, in the same season 1992–1993. However, Diana came in defence of Elissa work that she and her album Ayami Beek
deserved to win the World Music Award in 2008 more than the current winner Nancy Ajram
who won for her album Betfakkar fi eih?!
. Diana Stated that it was clear which album was of a better quality (Ayami Beek).
In 2010 when asked in interview on her opinion about Elissa, she stated
she thinks Elissa has a "beautiful voice" that is unique and that she clearly deserved the WMA
award. Haddad also went on to praise the quality of songs
Elissa chooses.
for her duet with Cheb Khaled Mass wa Louli video. Which became one of the biggest Arab hits in 2006. Everytime Matar visits Dubai
, the singer is welcomed openly to Diana's home and the two are always seen shopping and sightseeing together.
style nor is she a fan of. She also stated in a magazine interview that Nancy's voice itself "doesn't make her gleeful". However, Diana also stated in another interview that despite not being a fan of Nancy Ajram's music, she does respect and admire the singer's accomplishment of rising to fame in such a short amount of time.
Diana criticism of Nancy Ajram's music came into the spotlight once again when Haddad responded into news of the Lebanese singer winning the 2008 World Music Award. Diana stated that there were other artists who deserved it more with better albums than Nancy's like Elissa and Majid Al Muhandis.
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
| Year ||Title ||Album||Video Clip Director||Language/Dialect
|-
| 1992 ||Tayr Al Yammameh|| Saken
||Unfilmed|| Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 || Saken (Single) (Living In...)||Saken
||Suhail Al-abdool || Levant Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 1996 || Al-Sahra
(The Magic)||Saken
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 ||Lagetek (When I met you...)||Saken
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Jabali Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 ||Anida||Anida
||( unfilmed )||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1997 || Ahl Al Esheg (Song)
(People of Passion)||Ahl Al Esheg
||Suhail Al-abdool
||Levantine Bedawi Arabic
|-
| 1997 || Bizaal Minak
(I get upset with you)|| Ahl Al Esheg
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1997 ||Ammanih (Song)
(Wishes)||Ammanih
||Suhail Al-abdool || Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Ya Benti (Oh My Daughter)||Yammaia
||Suhail Al-abdool||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Yammaia (Song)
(Oh My Mother)||Yammaia
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Saeedi Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Emshi Wara kidbohom||Yammaia
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Shater (Clever)||Shater
||Suhail Al-abdool|| Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Wainhom||Shater
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Aqwad Al Shamaa||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||AL fosol al arba'a (Four Seasons)||Shater
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 1999 || Mish B'edi (Not In My Country)|| Single
|| (unfilmed)|| Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Mani Mani (Its Mine, Its Mine)||Jarh AL Habib
||Suhail al-abdool||Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Al Haq Yaktubo Min Dami (The Right Is Written With My Blood) ||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Mnawer Bladik (You Lighten Your Country)||single'||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Adlla Aliek||Jarh AL Habib
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Elly fe bally||Akhbar Helwa
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2002 ||Law Yesaloni (If They Told Me About You...)||Law Yesaloni
||Suhail Al-abdool||Emirati (Khaleeji) Arabic
|-
| 2003 ||Beedak El Qarar||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Waily (Oh My)||Awel Marrah
||Suhail Al-abdool|| Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Saheby (My Friend)|| Awel Marrah
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Awel Marrah (First Time)||Awel Marrah
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2005 ||Law ma dakhalt ebrasi||Awel Marrah
||Sophie Boutros ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2005 ||Hassafah||Diana 2006
||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Mas w Louli (Diamonds and Pearls)||Diana 2006
||Leila Kanaan||Algerian and Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Badr Al Bdour||single||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Ana Al Ensan (I am Human)||Yammaia
||Nahla Al Fahad||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Maghdouche
||Jarh AL Habib
||Nahla Al Fahad||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Zay El Sokar (Just Like Sugar)||Diana 2006
||Yaser Sami||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2007 || Aadi (Normal)||Diana 2006
||Leila Kanaan||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2007 ||Ma Nysetak||single||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Azab El Hawa (The Torture Of Love)||Diana 2006
||Nahla Al Fahad||Syrian Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Hobi Emirate (My Love, The Emirates)||single||||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Sheft Itessalek (I Saw Your Phonecall)||Men Diana Illa
||Nahla Al Fahad|| KhaleejiArabic
|-
| 2009 ||Ya Aybo (Oh, Shame on Him!)|| Upcoming Album 2011||Nahla Al Fahad||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2009 ||Ya Zalan (Oh You, The One Who is Mad)|| Men Diana Illa
||Nahla Al Fahad|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Ya Hadieh Min Rabna || TBA ||Mohammad Jum’ah|| Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Magnona || TBA ||Walid Nassif|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
|-
| 2011 ||Gaalat Diana || TBA ||Fadi Haddad|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
| Year ||Collaborated With||Title ||Album||Video Clip Director||Language/Dialect
|-
| 1997 || Various Artists|| Helm Al Arabi||N/A||||Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Wael Kfoury
||Waseyet Hob|| N/A||Special concert performance only||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Mohammed El-Azabi||Jarh Al Habib|| Jarh Al Habib
||Unfilmed||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Rashid Al-Majed|| Ard Al Emirates/Emirates Land of Peace||N/A|| Televised Concert|| Khaliji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Jad Nakhle|| Wily Mennak||N/A|| Televised Studio Live performance|| Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Rashid Al-Majed|| Asma Bilad||N/A||unreleased || Khaliji Arabic
|-
| 2002 ||Aitha Al Menhali||Law Yesaloni||Law Yesaloni
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Khaliji Arabic]
|-
| 2006 ||Cheb Khaled||Mas w Louli||Diana 2006
||Leila Kanaan
||Lebanese & Algerian Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Karl Wolf||Enta Maai Kol Hayati||TBA||Fadi Haddad ||English & Lebanese Arabic
|}
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
on 1 October 1976) is a Lebanese
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
singer
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
and television personality with Emirati
Emirati people
Emirati people or people of the United Arab Emirates are citizens and an ethnic group who share their culture, descent and the Arabic variety of the United Arab Emirates...
citizenship
Citizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
. Mainly known as Diana Haddad, she is one of the most popular and successful singers in the Arab World
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
and has been so since the late 1990s. She was a record-breaker since her first song Saken in 1996, and she is still considered one of the most successful Arab female singers and one of the best selling singers in the Arab World. Haddad does not limit herself to one music style, she knows how to present a very wide range, moving from the most rhythmic songs to the slow romantic ones. Haddad first came to fame in 1993 when she just 16. While she was recording her first album she appeared on the Arabic
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
talent show Studio El Fan
Studio el fan
Studio El Fan was a Lebanese talent show broadcast on Télé Liban during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Like the Olympics, the show ran every four years for an entire calendar year. Contestants from all over Lebanon competed. The best contestants in the...
in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
performing the traditional Lebanese folk song
Music of Lebanon
The Music of Lebanon has a long history. Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, has long been known, especially in a period immediately following World War II, for its art and intellectualism...
written by Elias Abou Azala Tayr El Yammameh which would be included on her first album Saken
Saken
Saken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
.
Three years later, the release of her debut album Saken, which featured her single Saken, Lagaitek, a cover of Issam Rajji
Issam Rajji
Issam Rajji was a Lebanese singer and song writer most prominent from 1970s and 80s period....
's old hit, and Al-Sahra. Soon, after she became a mother to her first child, a daughter Sophie. In 1997 she released one of the most successful albums in her discography, Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg is the second studio album by Lebanese pop singer-songwriter Diana Haddad, released by Stallions Records on February 10, 1997, continued along the lines established by her debut album Saken. The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song...
, which included the hit single Ahl Al Esheg. She released the most popular pop album of the 1990s Ammanih
Ammanih
Ammanih was Diana Haddad's third solo album. Ammanih was released in 1998. Ammanih album was spectacular in every sense of the word, featuring different colors and different music genres Diana never did before. The album sold millions of copies, not only in the Middle East, but also in Europe, the...
. In 2000s she released the more critically acclaimed and successful albums Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
and Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
. In 2007 Haddad gave birth to her second daughter Mira in Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
. On 30 October 2008, Haddad released her second long waited Khaliji
Gulf Arabic
Gulf Arabic is a variety of the Arabic language spoken around the shore of the Persian Gulf such as in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman...
(Gulf Arabic) album Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa... is the 11th studio album by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, released by in November 2008, continued along the lines established by her 2002 album Law Yesaloni....
.
In April 2009, Haddad was dubbed by the Arab press as being one of the year's most the influential Middle East artists.
Early years
Haddad was born to a Maronite ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
father Joseph Haddad and a Shiite Muslim mother Mouna Haddad in a small village called Bsalim in Lebanon on 1 October 1976. Her talent was discovered at an early age when she won the televised talent show, Studio el Fan. Haddad is the third born, with two older brothers and one younger brother and sister. Diana was raised in Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
and educated at the Al Feheheel National School. Haddad was only 16 when she started working on her debut album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
. The album took three years to prepare since Haddad was also working on her high school degree followed by her associate degree
Academic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
in Computer Science. During this time Haddad met the Emirati
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
TV director Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail al-Abdool is an Emirati TV and music video director. He owned a record label called al-Abdool and 4 TV channels called Nojoom TV. He is the ex-husband of Diana Haddad. They got married in 1995 when Haddad was still in her late teens. They have 2 children; Sophie and Mira...
. They got married in 1995. They worked together exclusively, which drew some criticism from media and led to them deciding to artistically separate in 2003 to end false rumours of divorce and Diana's career being centred around her husband. Haddad and Al-abdool have one daughter, Sofy, born in July 1997. Haddad has produced several albums and established a very solid fan base – she is known for maintaining the same level of success, popularity and great performances, like a few other female Arabic singers like from the 1980s and 1990s, such as Majida El Roumi
Majida El Roumi
Magida El-Roumi was born in Kfarshima, Lebanon, on December 13, 1956. She is a Lebanese singer and a soprano, who started her musical career in the early 1970s when she participated in the talent show, Studio El Fan on Télé Liban and won the gold medal for best female singer...
, Latifa
Latifa
Latifa Bint Alayah Al Arfaoui , better known as Latifa , is an Arab pop music singer, Latifa standing for gentle in Arabic.-Early life:...
, Samira Said
Samira Said
Samira Said is an Egyptian-Moroccan singer.-Early career:Samira Said was born and raised in Rabat. She began singing at the age of 9 and she was discovered on a music program on Royal Moroccan TV, "Mawaheb," alongside another popular singer, Aziza Jalal, when she was 17. She was quickly...
, Asalah Nasri
Asalah Nasri
Assala Mostafa Hatem Nasri is a Syrian musical artist.- Early life and career :Asalah was born in Damascus, Syria to a middle class couple. Mostafa Nasri, Asalah's father, was a revered Syrian composer and singer. Asalah began her musical career by performing patriotic, religious, and children's...
, Angham, Elissa
Elissa (singer)
Elissar Zakaria Khoury simply known as Elissa is a Lebanese singer. She is known for her collaborations with well-known Arab and international artists, notably Ragheb Alama, Cheb Mami, Fadl Shaker, Chris DeBurgh and Gerard Ferrer.Born to a Lebanese father and a Syrian mother , her debut was in...
, Najwa Karam
Najwa Karam
Najwa Karam is a Multi-Platinum, Best-Selling Lebanese Arab recording artist and Philanthropist. Najwa, widely known for her Mawwal and other musical talents, has surpassed musical and political limits in building her Empire, as she has effectively helped change the Arabic music industry in its...
, Nawal Al Zoghbi and the late Thekra
Thekra
Thekra Mohammed Abdullah Al Dali , better known as Thekra was a Tunisian singer. The word "Thekra" is Arabic for a memory or memorial.- Early life :...
. Haddad is well known as being an elegant singer but still keeping the conservative Arabic traditions that actually attracted more fans and is critically acclaimed by the reviews of being "a great talent, a respectful diva".
Haddad was granted an honorary citizenship from the UAE, many officials stated that "Diana is like a daughter for us, married to a UAE citizen and always being very active in the national and traditional events make her nothing less than one of us".
1996–1998: Early success
In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Haddad released her debut album, Saken. The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs Lagetik, El-Sahra, and the title track Saken were released almost simultaneously and all became major hits, with the album winning a Platinum Award for its sales for selling over a 800,000 copies in one year (rare thing to accomplish for a debut album). Her second album Ahl Al Esheg, which was released February 1997, continued along the lines established by her debut album.The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song. By that time, Haddad had truly established herself as a top selling Lebanese singer. In that year Haddad participated in Carthage Festival (one of the best festivals in the Arab world till now) more the 20,000 people attended her concert and considered as one of the best one in the festival of that year, but even greater things lay ahead. Haddad's third album Ammanih was released late in 1997. The album was a hit and was the most successful album in that Year and still holds the record for being one of the best-selling albums in the Arab Music History and Haddad's best-selling album till now, featuring different styles and different music genres that she had never done before. The album sold millions of copies, not only in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
but also in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and internationally. The title track became her signature song, to date her most popular work ever. Ammaneh, at 1998 Haddad was chosen along with Julia Boutros
Julia Boutros
Julia Boutros is a Lebanese singer that rose to stardom in the 1980s with a series of nationalistic songs like "Ghabet Shams El Haq" and "Wen el malaieen". She is also the sister of Lebanese songwriter Ziad Boutros.-Biography:...
, Mohammed Fouad to represent The Middle East at the HollyWood Planet Ceremony which was held at UAE. Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
, her fourth album, was released in late 1998. What is unique about Yammaia is that each song on the album was sung in a different Arabic dialect
Varieties of Arabic
The Arabic language is a Semitic language characterized by a wide number of linguistic varieties within its five regional forms. The largest divisions occur between the spoken languages of different regions. The Arabic of North Africa, for example, is often incomprehensible to an Arabic speaker...
: Classical Arabic
Classical Arabic
Classical Arabic , also known as Qur'anic or Koranic Arabic, is the form of the Arabic language used in literary texts from Umayyad and Abbasid times . It is based on the Medieval dialects of Arab tribes...
, Egyptian
Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian Arabic is the language spoken by contemporary Egyptians.It is more commonly known locally as the Egyptian colloquial language or Egyptian dialect ....
, Lebanese
Lebanese Arabic
Lebanese or Lebanese Arabic is a variety of Levantine Arabic, indigenous to and spoken primarily in Lebanon, with significant linguistic influences borrowed from other Middle Eastern and European languages, and is in some ways unique from other varieties of Arabic...
, and Khaliji. In Yammaia, Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue.
1999: Shater (Clever) and Conversion to Shia Islam
In the summer of 1999, Haddad released her fifth album, Shater which means Clever in Arabic. Shater's music was modern pop with a mixture of varied Arabic folk lore and even an Arabized Adaptation of a popular AssyrianAssyrian people
The Assyrian people are a distinct ethnic group whose origins lie in ancient Mesopotamia...
song "Bagiye" she sung in the Syrian dialect.
It showed an upbeat side to Haddad's music and the Arabic genre in general, enjoying the most simple things in life such as nature and the sun. Shater continued along the lines of Ammanih; several collaborations and joyful music. The single Shater also achieved Huge success Topping more than 17 radio, TV Charts for more than 4 Months according To MBC. The video was shot in Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
by her husband. It would also be an important year since, in October that same year Diana Haddad officially converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and became a Shiite Muslim in honour of deceased Muslim mother Mouna who died in 1998. However, her decision met with strong opposition from her Maronite Christian father Joseph Haddad and some of her other relatives for awhile. She went on to do Umrah
Umrah
The Umrah or is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. In Arabic, Umrah means "to visit a populated place"...
that same year in Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...
. Diana Haddad rarely speaks openly about her religious beliefs stating its personal and only between her and God.
Prior to her official conversion Haddad did thorough research into Shia Islam and she once stated in an interview in Al-Jareema magazine, that attending the lectures of Islamic scholars Sheikh Al-Shrawi and Tarek Swaed is also what motivated her to convert.
2000–2003: Musical maturity
Expanding the horizons of her singing career, Haddad released her sixth album, Jarh Al HabibJarh AL Habib
Diana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
, in the summer of 2000. Jarh Al Habib featured pop and classic cuts, ranging from slow-themed love song Ba´ali Zaman to the fast paced anthem Mani Mani, to the Wade´e El-Safi tribute "Noor Enayeh" to the title track, which was a collaboration with, and a tribute to, the musician Mohammed El-Ezabi. Jarh Al Habib established an image of an older, more artistically mature and diverse Haddad. Diana Haddad was scheduled to tour the USA in 2000 in 15 cities but later canceled the concerts, in solidarity with the Palestinian people during the 2000 second Intifada
Intifada
Intifada is an Arabic word which literally means "shaking off", though it is usually translated into English as "uprising" or "resistance" or "rebellion". , not to be confused with the Arabic plural ...
. Haddad went on to record and shoot a video of a song in dedication to this Al Haq Yaktubo Min Dami (The Right is Written in My Blood).
Akhbar Helwa
Akhbar Helwa
Summer of 2001 witnessed the release of Akhbar Helwa , Diana's seventh album. The music on this album reached an edgier end, having distinct, rich music made it stand out and outperform then-new one hit wonders...
, Haddad's seventh album showed a marked transition of her style. It was released in July 2001 and contains nine hits such as, Elli Fi Balli, Akhbar Helwa, Ela Habibi and El Huwara. Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni, Diana's 2002 album is the first themed All-songs Diana's Khaliji album; Diana has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, it was a first a Lebanese artist releases a Khaliji album...
was the eighth album and included songs such as Ashwaq, Baad Eyonak, Hasabtah, Kma Kum, Laitny Ma Arftek and Law Yesaloni. Haddad has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, she was the first Lebanese artist to release a full Khaliji album.
2004–2007: Diverse and international success
Haddad's next album, initially titled "Diana 2003", was supposed to be released in the summer of 2003. However, Diana was not satisfied with the overall product so she decided to record more songs and remove others, the thing which caused delays. The album was released in spring 2004, and named "Awel Mara". The album contains several types of music such as R&BRhythm and blues
Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B, is a genre of popular African American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a...
and pop, again with several varieties of Arabic: Egyptian, Khaliji, Lebanese, and for first time singing in Moroccan Arabic
Moroccan Arabic
Moroccan Arabic is the variety of Arabic spoken in the Arabic-speaking areas of Morocco. For official communications, the government and other public bodies use Modern Standard Arabic, as is the case in most Arabic-speaking countries. A mixture of French and Moroccan Arabic is used in business...
. The album debuted at #1 at Virgin Mega Stores in Kuwait, UAE, Egypt. Haddad returned to prominence with the release of this album and its hit singles Waily, Saheby, Awel Marrah and Law Ma Dakhalt Be Rassi. Waily was the debut of the album at the hit show Star Academy Arab World and went on to be a success all over the Arabic countries, topping the charts. Soon after Haddad released the song Awel Marrah, another number one single and topped the three main Arabic music charts on Middle East Broadcasting Center
Middle East Broadcasting Center
The Middle East Broadcasting Center Group is the first private free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World which was launched in London in 1991 and later moved to its headquarters in Dubai in 2002. MBC Group provides multiple channels of information, interaction and entertainment...
(MBC), Arab Radio and Television Network
Arab Radio and Television Network
Arab Radio and Television Network is an Arabic-language television network characterized by its multitude of channels. It is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company was founded in October 1993 by Saleh Abdullah Kamel, a Saudi businessman...
(ART), Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation
Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation
The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation , widely known as LBC, is the first private television station in Lebanon. It went global in 1996 when it launched its satellite channel LBC Al-Fadha'iya Al-Lubnaniya covering the Arab World. It now has several channels covering Europe, America, Australia, and...
and Dubai TV
Dubai TV
Dubai TV is a channel offered by the Dubai Media Incorporated . It replaced Emirates Dubai Television in June 2004. Dubai TV broadcasts programmes predominantly in Arabic. The programming caters to family Arab audience specifically in the Persian Gulf region and is available in Australia, Europe,...
for nine weeks. In 2005, Haddad sang in a concert in Islamabad
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the tenth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory , the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.7 million in 2011...
, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
making her the first Arab and Lebanese singer to participate in any such event there.
Haddad's tenth album was released in March 2006. She called it Diana 2006. Six lead singles were released in different regions of the Arab World: the Raï
Raï
Raï is a form of folk music that originated in Oran, Algeria from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French, African and Arabic musical forms, which dates back to the 1930s....
single Mas and Louly which featured the Algeria
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
n Raï singer, Cheb Khaled
Khaled (musician)
Khaled Hadj Ibrahim , better known as Khaled, is a raï singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Sidi El Houari in Oran Province of Algeria...
, and was the biggest hit in that year debuting at #1 on more than 5 Arab radio stations and peaking at #1 on more than 20 other Arab radio stations, making it the best duet of 2006 & best video clip of 2006, the two Egyptian singles Zay Al Sokar and Aadi which featured Haddad in a new romantic look. The Khaliji song Hasafah was a hit on the Arab Gulf charts, and the Lebanese song Awayed Adeemeh was the best folk song in Lebanon song for 2006, along with the folk song Athab El hawa, a song from Syrian folklore.
The album was successful and given good reviews in Lebanon, Egypt, the Maghreb
Maghreb
The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa, west of Egypt. It includes five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara...
and Khaleej areas. In February, Haddad won awards for "Best Female Solo Artist" and "Best Video Clip" for Mas And Louly in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. According to Stars Cafe Mage ( Now Hits Marker ) the Album Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
was one of the best-selling albums of the year and stayed at #1 for 10 weeks and styed on the charts for the whole year.
According to Hitmarker & Virgin Mega Stores the album Diana 2006 was the third best-selling album of the year between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2006 behind Amr diab & Sherin.
Haddad gave birth to a baby girl in Dubai, 26 November 2007, named Mira. The music video of the lead single Mas and Louly was directed by a Lebanese director, Laila Kanaan, who directed the music video of the fourth Egyptian single Aadi. In March 2008 Haddad released the fourth single Athab El Hawa from her album Diana 2006, directed by her friend Nahla Al Fahad, which premiered on Melody TV. Channels and received positive reviews
2008–present: Second Khaliji album
In May 2008 Haddad performed in The International Mawazin Festival in Morocco; the concert attracted more than 80,000 people, making it one of the most popular concerts of the Festival to date. Only beaten behind Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
(whose concert attracted 85,000) whereas, the younger yet popular fellow Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
attracted 20,000 and Syrian singer Asala Nasri attracted 10,000. In July 2008, Haddad took part in Kalmeem Festival in Morocco. Her concert attracted again more people with 90,000 people attending, making it one of the most popular concert of the festival history to date.
On 30 October 2008, Haddad released the long awaited album and it was called Men Diana Illa which means From Diana to (a letter written in a booklet in the original copy of the album explaining to whom). The album is Haddad's second 100% Khaliji album, containing 10 songs in the Khaleeji, Saudi and Iraqi dialects and in different music styles from pop and ballads to traditional. Some songs use typical Arabic beats (be it from the Gulf or Iraq), while others use styles that border on Latin
Latin American music
Latin American music, found within Central and South America, is a series of musical styles and genres that mixes influences from Spanish, African and indigenous sources, that has recently become very famous in the US.-Argentina:...
, African
Music of Africa
Africa is a vast continent and its regions and nations have distinct musical traditions. The music of North Africa for the most part has a different history from sub-Saharan African music traditions....
, and Indian music
Music of India
The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras. It remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as...
. Haddad worked with a number of composers, never depending on one lyricist or musician.
Despite poor promotion and distribution from the producing company, Platinum Records and Nojoom Music, the album topped the charts in Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
, UAE, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
and Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
. Most of the songs, like "Rooh ya Seghayer", "Shlon Ahofah", Sheft Itesalak, topped the radio and TV charts. Currently, Haddad has released one single from the album Sheft Itesalak which was directed by Nahla Al Fahad, and the shooting took place in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon.
In late 2008, Haddad announced news that she is working on a duet with Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys
Alicia Augello Cook , better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress. She was raised by a single mother in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York City. At age seven, Keys began playing the piano...
, but Keys asked for a half million dollars for the duet which was too much for a song according to Haddad. Instead Diana finished another duet with Lebanese Canadian singer with Karl Wolf
Karl Wolf
Carl Abou Samah is a Lebanese-born Canadian musician based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is better known by his stage name Karl Wolf. He has been a singer, songwriter and producer since 2001, releasing his first solo album Face Behind the Face on MapleNationwide/Universal in January 2006,...
.
In February 2009 she released the long-awaited Lebanese single "Ya Aybo" written by Pierre Hayek, composed By Yasser Jalal, arranged by Rojeah Khoury and directed by Nahla Al Fahad (third video clip with Nahla Al Fahad). The shooting took place in Lebanon. The single was an instant hit in the Arab World, debuting #1 in most charts in the Middle East. In April 2009 Haddad was chosen as the most influential artist in the Middle East (as per polls done by "Shaba 20" Mag). She got the highest votes beating many well known stars like Assala, Najwa Karam, Elissa, Nancy Ajram and others. She also won the title "The Arabia Star" for the fourth time. The ceremony took place in UAE where she was given the two awards.
Haddad made a summer mini tour in 2009, beginning with two concerts in Paris. Then she took part in Al Mydiak Festival in Morocco in honor of the King Crowning Day. During this concert Haddad set a record in the festival's history by attracting more than 150,000 people according to the Festival's management and Nahla Fahad. She travelled to Algeria, where she took a part in Al Kazef and Jamela festivals. Haddad was scheduled to do two concerts in Egypt, but it was cancelled due to large fear of swine flu
Swine flu
Swine influenza, also called pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu, is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus or S-OIV is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs...
. Diana Haddad ended the short tour in Lebanon with two concerts; the first one was in Maghdouche
Maghdouché
Maghdouché is a town in the South Governorate in Lebanon. It is located 50 km south of Beirut and 8 km southeast of Sidon...
her hometown (she sung there for the very first time). Her concert in Maghdouche attracted more than 6,000 people from all over Lebanon. Diana Haddad was happy and proud to sing in her hometown for the first time since the beginning of her career. Haddad ended her tour of Lebanon when she made a concert for Eid Al Fitr.
Haddad will be working with a number of well-known poets and composers on her upcoming album like Wisam Al Amir, Hisham Polis, Yaser Jalal, Munir Bo Asad, Ahmad Muhy, Muhammad Yeha, and Wael Tawfiq. Diana will surprise her fans with a duet on her new album with Lebanese-Canadian singer Karl Wolf
Karl Wolf
Carl Abou Samah is a Lebanese-born Canadian musician based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is better known by his stage name Karl Wolf. He has been a singer, songwriter and producer since 2001, releasing his first solo album Face Behind the Face on MapleNationwide/Universal in January 2006,...
.
Now Haddad is traveling between Cairo and Beirut to put the final touches on the songs for her upcoming album. In a recent interview Diana Haddad confirmed that she had not yet moved to Beirut, and she is still living in Dubai at her home with her two Emirati daughters Sophie and Mira. Diana, divorced from her husband in 2009. The news was announced via a joint statement distributed through the office of her ex-husband Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail al-Abdool is an Emirati TV and music video director. He owned a record label called al-Abdool and 4 TV channels called Nojoom TV. He is the ex-husband of Diana Haddad. They got married in 1995 when Haddad was still in her late teens. They have 2 children; Sophie and Mira...
affirmed that the couple will continue their friendship and noted that they still hold the love and respect for each
other.
After divorcing her husband Suhail al-abdool and breaking away from his music label Nojoom in late 2009. Early 2010, Diana Haddad stated her album will be released after the Summer of 2010, however due to the public's preoccupation of the 2010 World Cup she decided to postpone its release until after Ramadan later in the year. It is believed it will consist of 13 songs in total, six Lebanese, three in Egyptian dialect and four in the Gulf dialect.
The album's most anticipated song is her duet with the Lebanese Canadian singer Karl Wolf
Karl Wolf
Carl Abou Samah is a Lebanese-born Canadian musician based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is better known by his stage name Karl Wolf. He has been a singer, songwriter and producer since 2001, releasing his first solo album Face Behind the Face on MapleNationwide/Universal in January 2006,...
. Noting that, Diana is collaborating with prominent composers and lyricists from Lebanon and Egypt on the album. According to Hitmarker, Haddad was the 7th best selling artist during the last decade in the Arab world; her song "Mani Mani" ranked as the 9th most popular song in the last decade.
Personal life (lifestyle, marriage, personality, family, religion)
Diana Haddad comes from the Southern Lebanese town of MaghdoucheMaghdouché
Maghdouché is a town in the South Governorate in Lebanon. It is located 50 km south of Beirut and 8 km southeast of Sidon...
, although born in the Mountain town of Bsalim. She is the third born out of 5 siblings, the others being sister Lolita and brothers Danny, Fadi and Samir. She was raised in Kuwait until 1990 when the Gulf War reached there. She married a much older Emirati TV director Suhail Al Abdoul in the early mid 1990s while still in her teens and gave birth to their first child Sophie on 19 July 1996. Diana Haddad has always stated in the face of critics who called it a marriage of convenience
Marriage of convenience
A marriage of convenience is a marriage contracted for reasons other than the reasons of relationship, family, or love. Instead, such a marriage is orchestrated for personal gain or some other sort of strategic purpose, such as political marriage. The phrase is a calque of - a marriage of...
that it was out of love she married, not search of wealth. However, she recognized that she was far too young to marry, even though in love she had not fully grown up.
The couple's second daughter Mira was born on 26 November 2007. Diana Haddad is also noted to being quite petite in size and height.
Following the death of her Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
mother, Diana Haddad converted to Shia Islam in late 1999 and performed Umrah
Umrah
The Umrah or is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. In Arabic, Umrah means "to visit a populated place"...
soon afterwards. Haddad rarely speaks about her Conversion or religious beliefs in public, but frequently states she is true a believer of God. Although Diana Haddad once told an Arabic Magazine how her Christian relatives (particularly her father) did not support her decision to convert to Islam and were against it, however eventually respected her decision. She is the only one of her siblings who practices Islam. Diana Haddad lives in Dubai with her two daughters Sophie and Mira fathered from her Ex-husband Suhail Al Abdoul.
In February 2010 in an interview with Mazen Diab for "Stars Cafe" Diana Haddad spoke on the topic of her divorce and marriage openly, she went on to state despite not regretting her marriage or her choice. She did however regret being married at such a young age, stating that she would not encourage it and that girls should be at least old enough to be mentally prepared for the path of marriage. When Mazen attempted to ask whether she saw comparisons between her divorce and that of her friend fellow Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoghbi divorce from her husband Elie Deeb Haddad politely declined to be compared to Al-Zoghbi's situation. She explained unlike Al Zoghbi her divorce had not been as publicized and she is on good terms with her ex-husband Suhail Al-Abdoul.
Haddad revealed that she was not against plastic surgery as long as it was not exaggerated and admitted to having Rhinoplasty on her nose. Haddad says in future if she decides to ever under go cosmetic surgery she would not conceal it because she has nothing to hide.
In late 2009 while traveling in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
with her driver in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
.
Diana Haddad and her driver were suddenly attacked by armed militant
Militant
The word militant, which is both an adjective and a noun, usually is used to mean vigorously active, combative and aggressive, especially in support of a cause, as in 'militant reformers'. It comes from the 15th century Latin "militare" meaning "to serve as a soldier"...
bandits
Bandits
Bandits is a 2001 American crime-comedy drama film directed by Barry Levinson. It stars Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cate Blanchett. Filming began in October 2000 and ended in February 2001. It helped Thornton earn a National Board of Review Best Actor Award for 2001...
demanding everyone in the car to get out, it is believed these were robbers with the motive to steal. Amid the dangerous atmosphere Haddad's driver refuse to obey the demands of the criminals and made a daring yet life saving quick exit and escape. The militants attempted to catch up with them but failed. Haddad called the incident traumatic and said she was not able to sleep for days afterwards with fear and anxiety, however she went on to say she is grateful and thankful to be safe and alive, that it shows the true kindness of God.
Haddad frequently visits her native Lebanon when possible and owns real estate there. Since her conversion to Shia Islam nearly a decade ago, Haddad describes herself as a "private yet observant Muslim" who prays, reads from the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
and fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. She takes part in charity activities whenever possible. Rumours had been circulating that Haddad had embraced Sufism
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
(a mystical interpretation of islam) in midst of her divorce, she however denied these claims.
Then rumours began that she had left Islam and returned to Christianity (which she denied) and stated she did not find offensive since she "respects all religions" but continued to state she is a devout Muslim, dedicated to her faith.
She has stated that to her the hardest time of the year is celebrating eid in absence of her dead mother despite celebrating it with other Muslim relatives the death of her mother is still a painful memory. She revealed that a song on her 2010 album would be dedicated to her mother and the relationship between a mother and daughter.
She was a Main Judge on the Khaleeji version of Star Academy
Star Academy
Star Academy is a highly successful television show format based on the Spanish format "Operación Triunfo" produced by Endemol, that has been broadcast in over 50 countries...
Najm Al Khaleej 1st series from 2009–2010.
In March 2010 during an interview with the Arabic Elaph newspaper, Haddad was asked whether
she participated in the recent Lebanese elections of 2009 she stated that she had not voted and explaining;
"I live in the UAE now, however as for Lebanon, my wish is for it to live in peace, because Lebanon is a lover of life and peace. I hope that God loves every official in Lebanon who puts the country's interests over his personal benefit." Haddad is currently expecting to release a religious song called A Gift From God in honor of the holy month of Ramadan.
Humanitarian Activities
Diana Haddad is well known for her humanitarian work and activism in times of crisis and for social causes. She has done her philanthropy for private and public events. In 1998 she took part in "Helm Al Arabi" (The Arab Dream) along with other famous Arab stars. The event was staged in Beirut. Diana Haddad later went on to release her own humanitarian track for charity in 1999 Aqwad Al Shama'a that focused on the hunger and poverty in Africa and suffering of African children.Then in 2000 upon the uprising of the Palestinian Intifada
Intifada
Intifada is an Arabic word which literally means "shaking off", though it is usually translated into English as "uprising" or "resistance" or "rebellion". , not to be confused with the Arabic plural ...
, Diana released a
track & video dedicated for the Palestinian cause and struggle called Al Haq yaktubo min Dami (The right is written with my blood) She cancelled her scheduled 15 city US tour of that year,in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
When asked why she chose to sing for the intifada Haddad responded;
This song is the least I can do for the Palestinian people in support for their cause,” said Haddad adding “if we believe that these hard times are not the times to contribute anything; then when is the right time?!”
“We cannot watch idly what we see on television and not move,” she explained.
The lyrics of the song was written by Saudi Arabian poet Saoud Al Sharbatli, translates as;
“The right is written with my blood… There is a name that my mouth repeats, Al Quds, here we are, we have come to save you. Young soldiers have beat the old, thrown stones and made the enemy’s murdering army flee.” The music video was shot by Haddad's ex-husband Suhail al-abdool.
Haddad joined a campaign in 2003 against the dangers of the use of drugs and smoking in the UAE by releasing a single called Bi Edak El Qarar (The Decision is in Your Hands) written by poet Karim Al Iraqi and composed by Dr. Fatih Allah Ahmad. She was chosen to be part of the campaign by the organizers of the project out of a large list of candidates because of wide her wide popularity around the Arab world at the time. The video was directed by her husband Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail al-Abdool is an Emirati TV and music video director. He owned a record label called al-Abdool and 4 TV channels called Nojoom TV. He is the ex-husband of Diana Haddad. They got married in 1995 when Haddad was still in her late teens. They have 2 children; Sophie and Mira...
and aired on television channels across the Arab world.
In 2006 she filmed the Ana Al Insan (I am Human) video clip in protest of Israeli air-strikes in Lebanon, a song she dedicated in calling for a ceasefire.
The songs talk about humanity and its nature of selfishness and forgetting where they came from (ashes to ashes). It received positive reviews. It is originally from the album Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
(1998).
She also took a part in Jameela Festival in Algeria with Kadem Al Saher. The revenue from the festival went to the victims of the 2006 Lebanon war. She also made charity concerts in UAE, Dubai, Egypt and Sweden, the last one being with Cheb Khaled. The money raised
from the single (Ana al Insan) and charity concerts went to the damaged families and victims of the 2006 Lebanon war and other causes. In 2008, she did the same for Gazans and took a part in the "Aghethohom" (literally Help Them) campaign in Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
.
Diana Haddad is also known for her sympathy towards children and from time to time she visits custody homes checking on children, seeing what they need, raising money for them, even throwing banquets for them from time to time.
In 2007 she was named as the "Philanthropy star " for her many humanitarian work. In 2007 she took a part in a charity concert held by the American CHF firm in UAE, Jemira along with Assi el Helani, Youri Mrakkadi and Bassem Feghali. The money raised from the concert went to Lebanon's children. She was invited by the Emarati princess Haya Bent Hussain to a charity event and auction for patients in UAE. In 2008 she was honored by Al Rashid Care Center, for her work with handicapped children from the centre. Diana Haddad stated in interview about why she did this for the children, she said: "As a mother I know we must share our lives with these children."
Declining Dameer Al Arabi
Diana Haddad was offered in 2008 to be part an ensemble of artists to sing Dameer Al Arabi (The Arab Conscience) about the dire situation of the middle east and Arab world from Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Iraq War, sectarian tensions & political instability of Lebanon and many other issues. It was basically a sequel to Al Helm Al Arabi project of 1990s. Many of the original participants agreed to take part again like Asala Nasri. However, many new famous artists joined to the ensemble this time from Yara, Nancy AjramNancy Ajram
Nancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
, Amal Hijazi
Amal Hijazi
Amal Hijazi is a Lebanese singer, model and pop icon. She is currently one of the most active Lebanese singers and has given a number of concerts throughout the world and has made countless TV appearances. After her lengthy career as a fashion model, Hijazi released her debut album, Akher Gharam...
, Diana Karazon
Diana Karazon
Diana Karazon is a Jordanian singer is an Arabic pop singer, television host and actress. She rose to fame after winning the Arabic version of Pop Idol called Superstar in 2003...
and even Cheb Khaled. However in an interview with Tarattatta -a music variety show, she said Arab "patriotic songs" proved useless and vain.
Haddad explained that a long tradition of patriotic themes in Arabic songs did not lead to any change in situations and issues involving the Arab World
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
. Speaking about why she declined participation in Al Dameer Al Arabi (The Arab Conscience). Haddad pointed out that such themes are all worn-out, and has no role to play anymore. “We have to find a different way to help our societies,” she concluded.
Style
Diana Haddad is known for her elegant style since the early start of her career, wearing designs and conjuring her own unique style. Many believe she is currently the only Lebanese female artist who consolidates with the conservative Arabic traditions combined with feminine elegance and beauty. In 2003 she was chosen as the "Most Elegant Female Arab Singer" at the Al-Doha Festival in QatarQatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
. She has also attended many fashion shows of Walid Attalah, her stylist at the time. She has also worked with Akl Fakeh the only Lebanese stylist who has won the UAE Golden Key for his designs. When she attended the Fashion show of her stylist and personal designer Akl Fakih in late 2009, she was perhaps the most notable guest there. To quote the Khaleej Times on Haddad's appearance there; " Adding that extra touch of glamour was the presence of Arab singer Diana Haddad in the audience."
In 2007 Haddad was awarded the title The Most Stylish Star of 2007 by "Stars Cafe" Magazine (the official source for World Music Award results in The Middle East). She received the highest votes from experts in fashion as per polls by the said magazine beating well known stars like Nawal Al Zoghbi, Haifa Wehbe, Elissa and Nancy Ajram.
In 2008 Haddad was chosen to represent the Middle East in Calvin Klein's first fashion show in the Middle East held in UAE. She wore a classical black dress from his collection. Now Haddad is working to release a clothing line in her name.
Khaliji vs Lebanese Haddad
Despite firstly establishing herself as a Lebanese artist, whose hits in the 1990s followed more on the lines of the traditional Lebanese beats found similar in the music of Lebanese folk singers Najwa Karam and Majida El Roumi, rather than her Khaliji style of today.In Jarh Al Habib, the Lebanese track Noor Aini, is dedicated to the Lebanese folk singer Wadih el Safi
Wadih El Safi
Wadih El Safi is a Lebanese singer songwriter, and actor of Assyrian/Syriac background. He is a Lebanese cultural icon, and is often called the "Voice of Lebanon"...
. A track she performed live with him on Lebanese television. However, today, Haddad is known to be perhaps the only Lebanese singer who specialises in singing the Khaleeji dialect. A trend she has followed since the late 1990s with hit singles such as Men Ghebet, Wainhom, a tribute to her late mother, and Al Fousoul al Arba'a being the first ones of note.
The 2002 album, Law Yesaloni, where Haddad made history in being the first Lebanese singer to release a 100% Khaliji album. Her success in the Khaliji genre has perhaps what inspired fellow Lebanese singers Yara and friend Nawal Al Zoghbi to record 100% Khaliji albums of their own. She has recorded several songs dedicated the UAE, her naturalized country. Firstly in 2001 she recorded the Khaliji song Mnawer Bladek (You Lighten Your Country) a patriotic song dedicated to the Emirates and Sheikh Zayed the then ruler of the UAE. The video was directed by her ex-husband Suhail Al Abdoul and set in Dubai.
In 2001, in a national concert in the UAE, Haddad teamed up with Arab singer Rashid Al Majed to sing the song live Ard El Emarat, (The :and of the Emirates) even singing the opening verses in English. She collaborated with Al Majed again to sing the duet Asma Bilad another song dedicated to the UAE.
In recent years, her popularity and album sales are still increasing as is her fanbase. Many old fans from her native country of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
feel disappointed with her latest Khaliji style, with some going as far as accusing the singer of "selling out" her Lebanese roots and wishing for her to return to her original "Lebanese" style. However this negative view is mainly held by fans from Lebanon.
However among the Gulf and Saudi community and the Arab World in general, her current adopted Arabian style has seen her gain a wider fan base and respect among Arabs who appreciate her level of modesty and talent. Many consider her strong voice and deep vocals to be one of the current most recognized and distinctive ones out their today along with Sabah
Sabah
Sabah is one of 13 member states of Malaysia. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south...
, Najwa Karam
Najwa Karam
Najwa Karam is a Multi-Platinum, Best-Selling Lebanese Arab recording artist and Philanthropist. Najwa, widely known for her Mawwal and other musical talents, has surpassed musical and political limits in building her Empire, as she has effectively helped change the Arabic music industry in its...
, Asalah Nasri and Fairuz
Fairuz
Nouhad Wadi Haddad , famously known as Fairuz is a Lebanese singer who is widely considered to be the most famous living singer in the Arab world and one of the best known of all time...
. She was known in the early days of her career as voice of the mountains.
In an Interview with Diana Haddad and her husband Suhail al-abdoul when they were titled as one of the UAE's 2007 Hot Power Couples, they made the same list the previous year in 2006 which was conducted in "Ahlan!" magazine where she stated her love for Khaliji Gulf traditions and saying "I love Dubai,”. “You can find everything here – it’s a cultural city. I even sang for Dubai’s National Day in 2006. That was a big event for me."
Her connection to the Gulf Region
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
and influences can be traced back to her childhood where she spent mostly in Kuwait and her marriage to Emirati video director Suhail Al-abdool playing a major role. The irony is that despite Khaliji music being a specific style of Arabic beats, instruments, and dialect, and while it may be possible for a non-Khaliji to perform, it is almost never accepted as genuine material. However, Haddad has managed to break that barrier and stereotype. She is very popular among people in the Gulf Region and has been somewhat "adopted" into Emirati culture and society. On October 30, she released her 2nd full Khaliji album Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa... is the 11th studio album by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, released by in November 2008, continued along the lines established by her 2002 album Law Yesaloni....
although not living up to phenomenal success of its predecessor Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni, Diana's 2002 album is the first themed All-songs Diana's Khaliji album; Diana has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, it was a first a Lebanese artist releases a Khaliji album...
, the album top charts in the Gulf, Iraq and Jordan and met with moderate success.
Relationship With Others In The Music Industry
Diana Haddad has worked with and met many stars and some of the most powerful people in the Arab Music Industry across the Arab world in her career that spans almost 2 decades since her first days participating in Studio El FanStudio el fan
Studio El Fan was a Lebanese talent show broadcast on Télé Liban during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Like the Olympics, the show ran every four years for an entire calendar year. Contestants from all over Lebanon competed. The best contestants in the...
contest in 1992-3. Nearly always she has received positive feedback from those who worked or met her, respecting her professional attitude and her hard work she puts in making albums. In early years Diana Haddad (before the height of her career) was accused of depending on the influence of her ex-husband Suhail Al-Abdoul, but with the release and success of her first albums mostly positive reviews of her albums declared it was obvious that Diana Haddad had an innate quality that is rare and the rumours stopped, when she retraced from her collaboration with him.
Despite at times making criticism at music styles she does not like, or the videos she feels are obscene, Diana Haddad has never launched personal attacks against other singers even the ones she does not like, except at the Nawal incident being an exception.
The owner of Alam Al Phan record company credited Diana Haddad in the 2004 interview with Khaleej Times, after signing her, stating that unlike many singers who are motivated by greed Diana Haddad is different as she spent 2 years "perfecting" on her Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
album." When asked what made him want to work with her, he answered: "She is a genuine singer" and added that his company will do everything to promote artists like her.
Nawal Al Zoghbi ;
Diana Haddad and Nawal Al Zoghbi were once centre of a famous feud. In 2000 Diana Haddad's husband Suhail Al-Abdoul accused Nawal Al Zoghbi of paying more attention to her fashion style than her voice and songs. Al Zoghbi took the couple to court in LebanonLebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
on grounds of "emotional distress" she suffered as a result of criticisms made by Abdoul in the Arabic press and his wife Diana Haddad's statements that her voice was "out of tune". However in 2002 the court rejected her case and she lost. The ruling stated that "the statement made by Haddad is not classified as defamation of the claimant, because it does not have any impact on her basic artistic position but is rather linked with her performance. The claim that the plaintiff is a singer or performer is a flexible classification that conforms to personal standards".
Amazingly in 2004, the two singers overcame their differences, when Diana took the initiative and made a personal phone call to Nawal after hearing that Nawal was experiencing a downfall in her health. Diana revealed that once she heard Nawal was not feeling well, she felt it her duty to call and wish her a fast recovery. Nawal on her part was grateful towards Diana for calling her putting aside all disputes that had previously occurred. Soon after that, they began to form a mutual respect for one each other. Diana Haddad on an interview with television show host Nishan, she expressed her respect for the singer even singing a song dedicated to Nawal live. She also recorded a live version of Nawal Al Zoghbi's Mandam Aleik on her phone and put on her website in tribute to Nawal. Nawal Al Zoghbi also made a tribute to Diana on a Lebanese television show by singing Diana's debut song from 1996 Saken live. The two have now become good friends have participated in several photoshoots together and concerts. The recent one being 2008 “Eid Al Fiter” concert that took place in the UAE.
Elissa
One of the Arab world's biggest singers yet surprisingly Diana Haddad has rarely ever spoken about or met with Elissa. Despite the fact the two both competed against each other at the Studio El FanStudio el fan
Studio El Fan was a Lebanese talent show broadcast on Télé Liban during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Like the Olympics, the show ran every four years for an entire calendar year. Contestants from all over Lebanon competed. The best contestants in the...
contest, in the same season 1992–1993. However, Diana came in defence of Elissa work that she and her album Ayami Beek
Ayami Beek
Ayami Beek is Elissa's sixth studio album and the follow-up to 2006's Bastanak. The album contains 11 tracks, Elissa collaborated again with the famous songwriter Marwan Khoury after she stated that she would never work with him again...
deserved to win the World Music Award in 2008 more than the current winner Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
who won for her album Betfakkar fi eih?!
Betfakkar fi eih?!
Betfakkar Fi Eih is the sixth full-length studio album by Lebanese recording artist Nancy Ajram, released July 30, 2008 in the Arab World, and August 1 of the same year elsewhere, to reach remarkable career-defining success that none of Nancy's previous records has achieved.The album brought Ajram...
. Diana Stated that it was clear which album was of a better quality (Ayami Beek).
In 2010 when asked in interview on her opinion about Elissa, she stated
she thinks Elissa has a "beautiful voice" that is unique and that she clearly deserved the WMA
WMA
WMA may refer to:- Organizations :*Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, a nonprofit trade association for owners of manufactured home communities in California*Western Marble Arch, a synagogue in central London...
award. Haddad also went on to praise the quality of songs
Elissa chooses.
Madeline Matar
The Lebanese singer is one of Diana's closest friends who she describes as being "like a sister". Diana Haddad personally invited her to the launching of her single "Ya Aybo" in Beirut early 2009. It was Matar who advised Diana to use director Leila KanaanLeila Kanaan
Leila Kanaan is a Lebanese music video director and filmmaker.-Music Videos:*“Sayyad”- Bashar Darwish - 2004*“Mensafer” – Issa Ghandour – 2004*“Waynik” – Joe Ashkar – 2005*“Al Khata” – Rashed Al Fares – 2005*“Bahebbak” – Ayman Al Atar – 2005...
for her duet with Cheb Khaled Mass wa Louli video. Which became one of the biggest Arab hits in 2006. Everytime Matar visits Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
, the singer is welcomed openly to Diana's home and the two are always seen shopping and sightseeing together.
Majid Al Muhandis
Diana Haddad maintains a good friendship with Iraqi singer Majid Al Muhandis and just like Elissa, Diana stated she believed his album deserved to win the 2008 World Music Award more than Nancy Ajram. Since it was clear that he put more effort and the material was of a better quality. In an interview Majid revealed when he was involved in an accident, Diana personally contacted his manager to check on his recovery.Nancy Ajram
Diana Haddad has made it no secret that the type of music Nancy Ajram sings is not herstyle nor is she a fan of. She also stated in a magazine interview that Nancy's voice itself "doesn't make her gleeful". However, Diana also stated in another interview that despite not being a fan of Nancy Ajram's music, she does respect and admire the singer's accomplishment of rising to fame in such a short amount of time.
Diana criticism of Nancy Ajram's music came into the spotlight once again when Haddad responded into news of the Lebanese singer winning the 2008 World Music Award. Diana stated that there were other artists who deserved it more with better albums than Nancy's like Elissa and Majid Al Muhandis.
Awards and titles
| Year | Awarded by | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Arab World | Platinum Award for the sales Saken |
| 1996 | AL Hilm Al Arabi ceremony | Best Song of the year Saken |
| 1997 | Emirates FM | Best Song of The Year Ahel El Eshig |
| 1997 | Arab World | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 1997 | Emirates FM | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 1997 | Lebanon | Award Of Appreciation from Orbit Festival |
| 1997 | Al Reyada & Alshabab Mag. | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 1998 | Al Readeya Newspaper | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 1998 | Jordan | Appreciation certificate from Jarash Festival |
| 1998 | Arab World | Platinum Award for the sales Ammaneh |
| 1999 | Fans from Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... and United States |
Best Arab Female Singer |
| 1999 | Egypt | The Golden Star |
| 2000 | Al Readeya Newspaper | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 2000 | Egypt | Egypt's Most Popular Arab Female Singer |
| 2000 | The Egyptian association of film writers and critics | The 2000s Star |
| 2000 | Arab World | Best Arabic Female Singer according to polls carried out in US & Canada |
| 2000 | Jordan, Shabeeb Festival | The Festival's Star |
| 2001 | Lebanon | Best Selling Album of the Year Garh Al Habib |
| 2001 | Lebanese Defence Ministry | Trophy of Appreciation |
| 2001 | ART music channel | Star of the Year |
| 2001 | Zahrat Al Khaleej Mag. | Best Arabic Female Singer |
| 2001 | Dubai, UAE | Special Award in Honor for Contributions in Maseret El Hub |
| 2002 | Clip's Oscar Festival | Best Cinema Clip of the Year |
| 2002 | Zahrat Al Khaleej Mag. | Most Popular Arabic Female Singer |
| 2002 | United Arab Emirates | Best Cinema Clip of the Year |
| 2002 | Elaph | Best Duet of the Year ( Law Yesaloni ) |
| 2002 | Hureitay Awards in Egypt | Best Female Artist (more than 4 millions votes) |
| 2003 | Arab World | Platinum Award for the sales Law Yesaloni |
| 2003 | Doha Festival | The Festival's Star |
| 2004 | Al Mashaheer Festival | Best Female Artist |
| 2006 | ART music channel | Star of the Year |
| 2006 | Virgin Megastores | Best Sales for the album Diana 2006 |
| 2006 | Ahlan! Magazine | 2006 Hot 100 Power Couples |
| 2007 | Ajman TV | Star of philanthropy |
| 2007 | Hureitay Awards in Egypt | Best Female Artist, |
| 2007 | Hureitay Awards in Egypt | Best Video Clip Mas And Louly |
| 2007 | CHF firm | Appreciation Award Contributions In Charity Events held by the firm |
| 2007 | Stars Cafe Magazine | The Most Stylish Star |
| 2007 | Stars Cafe Magazine | Album of the Year Diana 2006 |
| 2007 | Stars Cafe Magazine | Best Video Clip Aadi |
| 2007 | Bouthaina Mag. Ceremony | Best Female Artist |
| 2007 | Ahlan! Magazine | 2007 Hot 100 Power Couples |
| 2008 | Lebanon Journal | Best Lebanese Artist |
| 2008 | LebnonEntertaiment | Best Video Clip Azab El Hawa |
| 2008 | LebnonEntertaiment | Best Lebanese Artist |
| 2008 | Rashid's Care | Honor Award |
| 2009 | Dar Al Sada & Shabab 20 Mag. | The Most influential artist in the Arab World |
| 2009 | Dar Al Sada & Shabab 20 Mag. | The Arabia Star |
| 2009 | Al Madina FM ( Syria ) | The Most Requested Song ( Ya Aybo ) |
| 2009 | Clip's Oscar Festival | Best Cinema Clip of the Year " Ya Aybo "( Award went to Nahla Al Fahad the Director of the Clip ) |
| 2009 | ART music channel | Video Clip of the year :Azab al Hawa ( Nominaited ) |
| 2010 | HitMarker. | One Of the Best Selling Artists in The Middle-East ( 7th ) |
| 2010 | ART music channel | Video Clip of the year :Shift Itesalak( Nominaited ) |
| 2010 | ART music channel | Single of the year :Ya Aybo( Nominaited ) |
- She has also won awards as the best selling female and all Arab artist in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006 in Egypt, Lebanon, the Persian Gulf and North AfricaNorth AfricaNorth Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, linked by the Sahara to Sub-Saharan Africa. Geopolitically, the United Nations definition of Northern Africa includes eight countries or territories; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and...
. - She was named as one of the best selling Arabian singers in the last decade Along with Amro Diab, Nancy Ajram, Elissa and others
- To Date she has sold over 26 Million Copies, and she has more than 20 number one singles in the Arab world (almost all of her singels reached #1 in Arab World)
Studio albums
- 1996: SakenSakenSaken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
- 1997: Ahl Al EshegAhl Al EshegAhl Al Esheg is the second studio album by Lebanese pop singer-songwriter Diana Haddad, released by Stallions Records on February 10, 1997, continued along the lines established by her debut album Saken. The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song...
- 1998: AmmanihAmmanihAmmanih was Diana Haddad's third solo album. Ammanih was released in 1998. Ammanih album was spectacular in every sense of the word, featuring different colors and different music genres Diana never did before. The album sold millions of copies, not only in the Middle East, but also in Europe, the...
- 1998: YammaiaYammaiaYammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
- 1999: Shater
- 2000: Jarh Al HabibJarh AL HabibDiana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
- 2001: Akhbar HelwaAkhbar HelwaSummer of 2001 witnessed the release of Akhbar Helwa , Diana's seventh album. The music on this album reached an edgier end, having distinct, rich music made it stand out and outperform then-new one hit wonders...
- 2002: Law YesaloniLaw YesaloniLaw Yesaloni, Diana's 2002 album is the first themed All-songs Diana's Khaliji album; Diana has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, it was a first a Lebanese artist releases a Khaliji album...
- 2004: Awel MarrahAwel MarrahAwel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
- 2006: Diana 2006Diana 2006Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
- 2008: Men Diana IllaMen Diana IllaMen Diana Illa... is the 11th studio album by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, released by in November 2008, continued along the lines established by her 2002 album Law Yesaloni....
Singles
{| border="2" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
| Year ||Title ||Album||Video Clip Director||Language/Dialect
|-
| 1992 ||Tayr Al Yammameh|| Saken
Saken
Saken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
||Unfilmed|| Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 || Saken (Single) (Living In...)||Saken
Saken
Saken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
||Suhail Al-abdool || Levant Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 1996 || Al-Sahra
Al-Sahra
This is the second video clip of Diana Haddad, which was shot in Lebanon in a villa in Mount Lebanon near the famous Cedars trees. The music is sung in the Lebanese dialect and intro of the song is sung by Diana in a tradition Lebanese Mawwal feel....
(The Magic)||Saken
Saken
Saken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 ||Lagetek (When I met you...)||Saken
Saken
Saken 1996 was Diana Haddad's first solo album . In 1996, and after three years of hard work, Diana Haddad released her debut album, "Saken". The album instantly became a major hit all over the Arab World. The songs "Lagetik", "El-Sahra", and the title track "Saken" were released almost...
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Jabali Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1996 ||Anida||Anida
Anida
Anida is Diana Haddad's first live album released in late 1996 by Stallions in the Arab World following her success in the debut album Saken....
||( unfilmed )||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1997 || Ahl Al Esheg (Song)
Ahl Al Esheg (song)
"Ahl Al Esheg"; is the fourth video clip and sixth single by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad it was released in January,1997 when the singer was still only 20 years old.It was also her 2nd released song in the Levantine Bedawi dialect .- Location & nostalgia :The video is set in the ancient Lebanese...
(People of Passion)||Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg is the second studio album by Lebanese pop singer-songwriter Diana Haddad, released by Stallions Records on February 10, 1997, continued along the lines established by her debut album Saken. The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song...
||Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail Al-abdool
Suhail al-Abdool is an Emirati TV and music video director. He owned a record label called al-Abdool and 4 TV channels called Nojoom TV. He is the ex-husband of Diana Haddad. They got married in 1995 when Haddad was still in her late teens. They have 2 children; Sophie and Mira...
||Levantine Bedawi Arabic
|-
| 1997 || Bizaal Minak
Bizaal Minak
Bizaal Minak is the seventh single by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, and was accompanied by her sixth music video.-Song and video:The song is sung in a traditional Lebanese rhythm, in the Lebanese dialect of Arabic....
(I get upset with you)|| Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg
Ahl Al Esheg is the second studio album by Lebanese pop singer-songwriter Diana Haddad, released by Stallions Records on February 10, 1997, continued along the lines established by her debut album Saken. The album was yet another hit for Haddad, especially the title song...
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1997 ||Ammanih (Song)
Ammanih (song)
Ammanih; is the sixth video clip and single by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad it was released in 1997 and the first single extracted from her Platium selling album Ammanih.The song is sung in the Bedawi dialect.-Location:...
(Wishes)||Ammanih
Ammanih
Ammanih was Diana Haddad's third solo album. Ammanih was released in 1998. Ammanih album was spectacular in every sense of the word, featuring different colors and different music genres Diana never did before. The album sold millions of copies, not only in the Middle East, but also in Europe, the...
||Suhail Al-abdool || Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Ya Benti (Oh My Daughter)||Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Yammaia (Song)
Yammaia (song)
Yammaia or Ya maya; is the tenth song and ninth released single and video clip by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. It was also her first time shooting a video in Egypt,the video was directed by her husband Suhail Al Abdoul....
(Oh My Mother)||Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Saeedi Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 1998 ||Emshi Wara kidbohom||Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Shater (Clever)||Shater
Shater
Shater is the fifth album by pop artist Diana Haddad. Shaters music was mostly of modern pop, and showcased a joyful Diana enjoying the most simple things in life such as nature and the sun. Shater continued along the lines of Ammanih; several collaborations and joyful music...
||Suhail Al-abdool|| Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Wainhom||Shater
Shater
Shater is the fifth album by pop artist Diana Haddad. Shaters music was mostly of modern pop, and showcased a joyful Diana enjoying the most simple things in life such as nature and the sun. Shater continued along the lines of Ammanih; several collaborations and joyful music...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||Aqwad Al Shamaa||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 1999 ||AL fosol al arba'a (Four Seasons)||Shater
Shater
Shater is the fifth album by pop artist Diana Haddad. Shaters music was mostly of modern pop, and showcased a joyful Diana enjoying the most simple things in life such as nature and the sun. Shater continued along the lines of Ammanih; several collaborations and joyful music...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 1999 || Mish B'edi (Not In My Country)|| Single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
|| (unfilmed)|| Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Mani Mani (Its Mine, Its Mine)||Jarh AL Habib
Jarh AL Habib
Diana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
||Suhail al-abdool||Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Al Haq Yaktubo Min Dami (The Right Is Written With My Blood) ||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Mnawer Bladik (You Lighten Your Country)||single'||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Adlla Aliek||Jarh AL Habib
Jarh AL Habib
Diana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Elly fe bally||Akhbar Helwa
Akhbar Helwa
Summer of 2001 witnessed the release of Akhbar Helwa , Diana's seventh album. The music on this album reached an edgier end, having distinct, rich music made it stand out and outperform then-new one hit wonders...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2002 ||Law Yesaloni (If They Told Me About You...)||Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni, Diana's 2002 album is the first themed All-songs Diana's Khaliji album; Diana has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, it was a first a Lebanese artist releases a Khaliji album...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Emirati (Khaleeji) Arabic
|-
| 2003 ||Beedak El Qarar||single||Suhail Al-abdool||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Waily (Oh My)||Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
||Suhail Al-abdool|| Lahja Al Beedha Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Saheby (My Friend)|| Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2004 ||Awel Marrah (First Time)||Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
||Suhail Al-abdool||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2005 ||Law ma dakhalt ebrasi||Awel Marrah
Awel Marrah
Awel Mara is an album by Diana Haddad. Initially titled Diana 2003 and meant for a Summer release, Diana mentioned in an interview that she was not happy with the finished product and ended up going back to the studio to record additional songs. The album was released in March 2003...
||Sophie Boutros ||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2005 ||Hassafah||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Mas w Louli (Diamonds and Pearls)||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Leila Kanaan||Algerian and Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Badr Al Bdour||single||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Ana Al Ensan (I am Human)||Yammaia
Yammaia
Yammaia, Haddad's fourth album, was released in late 1998. Haddad recorded each song on the album in a different Arabic dialect: Original Arabic, Egyptian, Lebanese, and Gulfian. In "Yama Ya", Haddad touched on several topics, such as love, life and death, faith, and virtue...
||Nahla Al Fahad||Classic Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Maghdouche
Maghdouché
Maghdouché is a town in the South Governorate in Lebanon. It is located 50 km south of Beirut and 8 km southeast of Sidon...
||Jarh AL Habib
Jarh AL Habib
Diana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
||Nahla Al Fahad||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2006 ||Zay El Sokar (Just Like Sugar)||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Yaser Sami||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2007 || Aadi (Normal)||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Leila Kanaan||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2007 ||Ma Nysetak||single||Saed Mousa ( live Clip )||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Azab El Hawa (The Torture Of Love)||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Nahla Al Fahad||Syrian Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Hobi Emirate (My Love, The Emirates)||single||||Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2008 ||Sheft Itessalek (I Saw Your Phonecall)||Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa... is the 11th studio album by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, released by in November 2008, continued along the lines established by her 2002 album Law Yesaloni....
||Nahla Al Fahad|| KhaleejiArabic
|-
| 2009 ||Ya Aybo (Oh, Shame on Him!)|| Upcoming Album 2011||Nahla Al Fahad||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2009 ||Ya Zalan (Oh You, The One Who is Mad)|| Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa
Men Diana Illa... is the 11th studio album by Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, released by in November 2008, continued along the lines established by her 2002 album Law Yesaloni....
||Nahla Al Fahad|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Ya Hadieh Min Rabna || TBA ||Mohammad Jum’ah|| Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Magnona || TBA ||Walid Nassif|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
|-
| 2011 ||Gaalat Diana || TBA ||Fadi Haddad|| Khaleeji Arabic
|-
Duets
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| Year ||Collaborated With||Title ||Album||Video Clip Director||Language/Dialect
|-
| 1997 || Various Artists|| Helm Al Arabi||N/A||||Arabic
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| 1998 ||Wael Kfoury
Wael Kfoury
Michel Emile Kfoury , known by his stage name Wael Kfoury , is a well-known Lebanese singer, musician and songwriter.-Beginnings:...
||Waseyet Hob|| N/A||Special concert performance only||Lebanese Arabic
|-
| 2000 ||Mohammed El-Azabi||Jarh Al Habib|| Jarh Al Habib
Jarh AL Habib
Diana Haddad released her sixth album Jarh Al-Habib in the summer of 2000. Jarh El-Habeeb featured a slow-themed love song "Ba´ali Zaman" and a fast paced anthem "Mani Mani".-Track listing:# Mani Mani [Bedouin Arabic]...
||Unfilmed||Egyptian Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Rashid Al-Majed|| Ard Al Emirates/Emirates Land of Peace||N/A|| Televised Concert|| Khaliji Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Jad Nakhle|| Wily Mennak||N/A|| Televised Studio Live performance|| Bedouin Arabic
|-
| 2001 ||Rashid Al-Majed|| Asma Bilad||N/A||unreleased || Khaliji Arabic
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| 2002 ||Aitha Al Menhali||Law Yesaloni||Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni
Law Yesaloni, Diana's 2002 album is the first themed All-songs Diana's Khaliji album; Diana has always released one or two Khaliji songs on her albums, but this was the first time for her to release a 100% Khaliji album. Indeed, it was a first a Lebanese artist releases a Khaliji album...
||Suhail Al-abdool ||Khaliji Arabic]
|-
| 2006 ||Cheb Khaled||Mas w Louli||Diana 2006
Diana 2006
Diana 2006 is the 11th album released by the Lebanese singer Diana Haddad. The album came after almost 3 years of Diana not releasing studio album and was well-received by the critics and a commercial hit...
||Leila Kanaan
Leila Kanaan
Leila Kanaan is a Lebanese music video director and filmmaker.-Music Videos:*“Sayyad”- Bashar Darwish - 2004*“Mensafer” – Issa Ghandour – 2004*“Waynik” – Joe Ashkar – 2005*“Al Khata” – Rashed Al Fares – 2005*“Bahebbak” – Ayman Al Atar – 2005...
||Lebanese & Algerian Arabic
|-
| 2010 ||Karl Wolf||Enta Maai Kol Hayati||TBA||Fadi Haddad ||English & Lebanese Arabic
|}
Special Recordings/Live Tracks
- Lematha Al Moshtaka
- Helm Al Arabi
- Ya Rayheen Ommi (1997)
- Jabalak Kanz (live in concert ) (1998)
- Mush Beedi (1999)
- Ya Carthage (2000)
- Naam Zayed (2001)
- Ard El Emarat (2001)
- Wily Mennak (2001)
- Asma Bilad
- Roof Roohi (2002)
- El Lilah Ghair (2002)
- Noor Aini (2002)
- Ela Falastin... (2002) (Live)
- Saat Kheir (2003)
- Ainawi (2003)
- Yal Samra (2003)
- Lgenawi (2003)
- Ya Keef Al Rooh (2003)
- Ya Fakr
- Ya Baad Omri
- Enta Al Shams (2001) (Song most famously by Najwa KaramNajwa KaramNajwa Karam is a Multi-Platinum, Best-Selling Lebanese Arab recording artist and Philanthropist. Najwa, widely known for her Mawwal and other musical talents, has surpassed musical and political limits in building her Empire, as she has effectively helped change the Arabic music industry in its...
) (Unreleased Studio Recording) - Al EIn Molayetin (2005) (Live in concert in Algeria)
- Lanat Emaraa (Theme Song for a Drama in Bahrain) (2008)
- Yal Samra (2003