Elissa

Born in Deir Al-Ahmar, Lebanon, Elissa—whose real name is Elissar Zakaria Khoury—has established herself since the 1990s as a leading figure in romantic Arabic pop. Her repertoire centers on ballads and oriental pop, with songs that blend sentimental songwriting, melodic choruses and contemporary pop arrangements. Elissa first came to attention in 1992 on the Lebanese show Studio El Fan, before beginning her recording career with Baddy Doub in 1998 and W’akherta Maak in 2000. The turning point came with Ayshalak in 2002, which firmly placed her on the music scene of the Middle East. After signing with Rotana she released a series of notable albums, including Ahla Dounya (2004), Bastanak (2006), Ayami Bik (2007), Tesada’a Bemeen (2009), Asaad Wahda (2012), Halet Hob (2014), Saharna Ya Leil (2016), Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni (2018) and Sahbit Raey (2020). Elissa also developed a television presence as a judge on The X Factor Arabia and The Voice Ahla Sawt. Over her career she has recorded duets with Ragheb Alama, Chris de Burgh, Cheb Mami, Fadel Chaker, Tamer Hosny and Saad Lamjarred. In 2022 she launched her own label, E‑Records, and in 2024 released Ana Sekketen.