Issam Alnajjar (Arabic: عصام النجار; born 12 May 2003) is a Jordanian musician. He is most notable for his debut single "Hadal Ahbek", which went viral on TikTok.
He was the first artist to sign with Universal Arabic Music. His debut studio album, Baree?, released in 2021. His debut extended play, Waray, released in 2023.
Early life
Issam Alnajjar was born on 12 May 2003 in Amman, Jordan to Arab parents. His family has been living in Jordan for more than eighteen years. His father grew up in Kuwait and his mother grew up in Lebanon.[1]
Career
2020–2021: TikTok breakthrough, Universal Arabic Music and Baree?
Issam Alnajjar first begin his musical career by posting videos on his Instagram page and YouTube channel of him singing cover songs of popular music. On 29 June 2020, Alnajjar released a single on Spotify titled "On of a Kind".[2]
On 23 September 2020, a
najjar released "Hadal Ahbek". Popular influencers David Dobrik, Addison Rae, and Caroline Carr all used Alnajjar's audio which further boost popularity to the original song. The hashtag #hadal_ahbek came up with more than 300 million results.[2]
On 6 April 2021, Alnajjar became the first artist to be signed to Universal Arabic Music, a division of Universal Music Group.[3] With the signing of the label, Alnajjar was chosen by The Weekend's manager Wassim Slaiby. On 9 April, Alnajjar teamed up with Spotify to release the first Arabic song in the "RADAR" series with the release of "Turning Me Up." This single was an English remix and was produced by Loud Luxury and featured vocals from Ali Gatie.[4] As part of promotion for the single, Alnajjar was featured on the Times Square billboard in New York City.[5]
On 9 July, Alnajjarr released "Mn Gheirik Enti."[6] On 17 September, Alnajjar released "Hada Ghareeb" featuring Elyanna.[7] On 27 September, Alnajjar released a Spanish remix of "Hadal Ahbek" titled "Si Tú Vuelas," which featured Spanish vocals from Danna Paola and was produced by Alok.[8]
On 19 April 2022, Alnajjar announced the Hadal Ahbek world tour. Alnajjar was set to perform in Amman, London, Washington, D.C., Paris, Toronto, and more.[10] On 3 May, Alnajjar appeared as the opening act at the Maroon 5 tour in Dubai.[11]
On 6 October, Alnajjar featured on the Arabic remix of Alok and Alan Walker's "Headlights" which also featured KIDDO.[12] On 2 December, Alnajjar released "Ansaki".[13] On 28 April 2023, Alnajjar released "TMO", which featured Mohamed Ramadan and featured French vocals from Gims.[14] On 14 July, Alnajjar released his first extended play, Waray.[15]
