Sabah: A woman of many talents... and nationalities?

Published December 7th, 2014 - 08:08 GMT
A woman of many nationalities: Sabah had the Jordanian, Egyptian and American nationalities. (Image: Albawaba edit)
A woman of many nationalities: Sabah had the Jordanian, Egyptian and American nationalities. (Image: Albawaba edit)

It was only 11 days ago (Nov 26) that the Arab world lost one of its biggest musical icons.

Lebanese singer and actress Sabah died at the age of 87 in Beirut in the early hours of that sad Wednesday morning.

The Middle East mourned then celebrated the life of this legend, who left behind a long and successful line-up of classical songs and films.

But just when you thought you knew everything there is to know about the famous "Sabbooha," this came to life...

Several news outlets have reported that not only did Sabah have the Lebanese nationality, but she also held the Jordanian, Egyptian and American citizenships. She's said to have been granted the Jordanian nationality by the late King Hussein of Jordan.

This may not come as a surprise to many, as Sabah was closely tied to many Arab royalty and leaders. The singer was especially close to the Jordanian royals when King Hussein was in power, having had a special friendship with his family.

Sabah was born on November 10, 1927Known locally as “Sabbouha" and "Shahroura," the renowned singer was born in Bdadoun, a town in Aley.

She began her career in Lebanon, only to shortly become a legend with over 50 albums, 83 Lebanese and Egyptian movies as well as over 27 stage plays.

Sabah, born Jeanette Feghali, was the first Arab singer to perform at Olympia in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, Piccadilly Theatre in London and the Sydney Opera House in Australia, according to Lebanon's Daily Star.

She was truly one of the most influential artists in the Middle East, ranking in the same calibre as the likes of Fairuz and Um Kulthum.

Despite her old age, Sabah's young spirit and love for life kept her looking young and happy. She was an inspiration to both youngsters and the elderly, as she never failed to keep her glam on and stay active in the recording studio and on stage.

Will any more buried secrets soon surface about our Shahroora? 

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