Carole Samaha (Arabic: كارول سماحة; born July 25, 1972) is an Egyptian[1]-Lebanese singer, actress, and performer. She has released six studio albums. Samaha has a Master's degree in acting and directing, which she earned in 1999[2] from the Saint Joseph University of Beirut.[3]
In 2004 she won the Arab Music Award for best female newcomer.[4] She has also won multiple Murex d'Or awards and was nominated for best Arabia New Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008.[5][6]
Before starting her pop music career, Carole Samaha was a classical actress and worked extensively with Mansour Rahbani and Marwan Rahbani.[7][8]
In 2007 Carole Samaha returned to the theater to play Zenobia in the Rahbani musical with the same name.[9] She appeared in the 2008 movie Bahr al nojoum alongside other Lebanese stars.[10] She established her own production company, Lacarma, in 2009.[11] In 2011 Carole Samaha starred in the TV series Al Shahroura, broadcast during Ramadan, as the singer and actress Sabah.[12] In December 2012, Carole Samaha announced her plans to release a new album. In 2013 she was a judge on The X Factor (Arabic TV series) and she was the mentor for Young Pharoz, Maraya and Les Bledards Ninja. She created the musical show "The Lady" – produced by Rotana, premiering on Eid al-Fitr, August 10, 2013, in Casino du Liban.[13]
Early life
Samaha was born on July 25, 1972, in Beirut to Antoine Samaha from Khenchara, Metn, a direct relative of Lebanese politician Shafik Mebarak Samaha (who left Zahlé, Lebanon for Colombia at the beginning of the 20th century) and Nouhad Hawi from Dhour El Choueir, Metn.[14] She has two brothers.[3] Her parents supported different political factions, and according to Samaha that fact made her become "more open" to the different views of people, learning a great deal from that experience.[15]
Personal life
On November 1,[16] 2013, Samaha married Walid Mustafa, an Egyptian businessman, in a civil ceremony in Limassol, Cyprus, following an 18-month courtship and short engagement.[17][18][19] On August 31, 2015, Carole Samaha gave birth to a baby girl, Tala.[20][21] She is a Maronite Christian.[22] From 2014, Samaha has been residing in Egypt with her husband.[23]
"Revelation of the year" (actress and singer) Murex d'Or in 2000.[28]
"Best female newcomer" Arab Music Award (2003) – This was the first year for which Arab Music Awards were awarded and the ceremony was held in Dubai in May 2004.[4]
"Best Polyvalent talent" (actress and singer) Murex d'Or in 2003.[28]
"Best Female Romantic Song" ("Tala3 Fiyyi") Murex d'Or in 2003.[28]
^Haroun, Haitham (February 27, 2022). "بعد "فوضى".. كارول سماحة تكشف عن موعد طرح جديدها" [After "Fawda", Carole Samaha unveils the date of release of her upcoming album]. Al-Khaleej 365 (in Arabic). Retrieved March 29, 2022.
