I first came to hear about Lebanese singer Essam Rajiعصام رجي when I listened to his classic song "Lagitak" covered by Lebanese then up and coming Singer Diana Haddad. I thought it was an original song until Diana gave credit to the Essam Raji original singer. But sadly there is little published on the internet about this fascinating Arab singer who has enriched the Arabic music scene where he continues to influence many new comers.
Many of his songs are now classics in the Arabic music library. Those want to show off their street cred have to perform his songs as a test. Sadly he passed away in 2002 concluding his journey that stated in the 60s of the last century as he collaborated with the biggest players in Arabic music. To name few Sabah, the Rahbani brothers and Fareed Alatrach
It was a surprise to me to learn that Essam Raji is the man behind the all time favorite belly dance song Hizi Ya Nawa'em (vidoe below).
- هزي يا نواعم.
- لا قيتك والدنية ليل.
- يا سمرة يا تمر هندي.
- حبينا دكتورة.
- يومين شهرين.
Lagitik, perhaps the saddest Arabic song on missed connections and missed love opportunities when you are too late.
It's artists like Essam that make me love Lebanon even more and more. Those are the songs that made my father and his generation look hip back in the 70s, and here am I re-discovering those gems and enjoying them to the core. Let's hope more singers cover this under-rated Lebanese legend.
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