Karam during a performance at the Karmsaddeh Festival, September 3, 2017
Born
June 25, 1973
Occupation
Singer
Years active
1997–present
Height
185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Fares Karam (Arabic: فارس كرم; born June 25, 1973) is a Lebanese singer who specializes in the Dabke style and Lebanese music in general. He is known for the songs "Ritanee" (I wish), "El-Tannoura" (The Skirt), "Shefta" (I Saw Her) and "Neswanji" (womanizer). Throughout his career, he has participated in a large number of concerts, public celebrations and festivals all over Lebanon. Karam has also toured the Arab World, UK, South America, United States, Europe, Australia and Canada.[1][2]
Biography
Karam was born in Jezzine, in Southern Lebanon to a Maronite family. His father was a farmer and his mother worked as a teacher in the local school for their village. He has one sister, Madonna, with whom he maintains a very close relationship. Karam grew up in the mountainous areas of Lebanon, and later attributed his song "Jabali" to this experience.[3][4]
Fares Karam rose to the limelight in the 1990s when he participated in the 1996 series of the Lebanese talent show Studio El Fan and received the gold medal.[5] He signed with Rotana Records. His musical style is linked more closely to Dabke. His live band plays many of his songs with a large tabl (drum).