Fairuz is more than just a singer; she is a musical icon and a cultural symbol representing Lebanon and the entire Arab world. Her voice reminds us of home, love, and hope. Before we dive into her remarkable artistic journey, you might be wondering: what does Fairuz mean? In this article, we will answer that question and explore the story of the legend who has touched the hearts of millions.
What Does Fairuz Mean?
The name “Fairuz” is an authentic Arabic name that means “turquoise”, a beautiful sky-blue gemstone. This name not only signifies beauty but also symbolizes high value and rarity, just as Fairuz’s voice has been precious and unique since the beginning of her career.
- Her Real Name: Nouhad Wadie Haddad.
- The Meaning of the Name: The blue turquoise gemstone.
- Why She Was Given the Name: Halim El Roumi, a musician and the director of Radio Lebanon, is said to have given her this name because he saw her voice as a rare jewel.
Who Is Fairuz? Her Age and Career
Fairuz, whose real name is Nouhad Haddad, was born in Lebanon. While there is a slight discrepancy in sources regarding her exact birth date, she was born in 1935. This makes Fairuz’s age 89 as of late 2024.
Early Life and Talent:
Nouhad had a simple childhood in the Zqaq al-Blat neighborhood of Beirut. Her family was poor and didn’t own a radio, so she used to listen to music from her neighbors’ windows. She would sing on her way to get water, and it was there that the musician Mohammed Fleifel discovered her talent and invited her to join a choir at Radio Lebanon.
Meeting the Rahbani Brothers:
At the radio station, Nouhad met the brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani. This was the beginning of the most important artistic collaboration in modern Arab musical history. The brothers composed and wrote her songs, and Fairuz married Assi Rahbani in 1955.
Success and Fame:
Her first song, “Etab,” in 1952, marked the beginning of her great fame. Her collaboration with the Rahbani brothers resulted in hundreds of songs and musicals that shaped a major part of modern Arab music history. With them, Fairuz performed in famous musicals at the Baalbek International Festival, such as Jesser al-Qamar and Lulu.
Has Fairuz Stopped Singing?
Many people ask, “when did Fairuz stop singing?” In reality, Fairuz has not completely stopped singing. While she has become less active in recent years, she remains in the hearts of her fans. Her last albums, Eh Fi Amal in 2010 and Bebaly in 2017, proved that she still possesses an enchanting voice.
Reasons for Her Reduced Activity:
- After the death of her husband, Assi Rahbani, she continued to work with her son Ziad Rahbani but did not produce new work at the same pace.
- She preferred to stay away from the public eye and politics.
- She stopped holding regular concerts in Lebanon due to the political and economic situation.
Fairuz: A Symbol of Hope and Homeland
Fairuz is not just an artist; she is a symbol of hope and unity in Lebanon and the Arab world. Her songs have inspired and continue to inspire people, reminding them of love and beauty in a world full of challenges. Her voice is part of every Arab’s memory, and it is proof that true art never dies.
Examples of Her Songs with Deep Meanings:
- “Zahrat Al-Madain”: A famous patriotic song about the city of Jerusalem.
- “Bhebbak Ya Libnan”: A song that expresses her love for her country and sings of its beauty, even during times of war.
- “Wahdoun”: This song tells a true story about three young Palestinian martyrs, and its lyrics are incredibly moving.
Fairuz is the voice that united Arabs, and her story is one that never ends.
Learning Arabic isn’t difficult! To discover more great Arabic songs and legendary artists like Fairuz, and to develop your Arabic language skills, download the Kaleela app now and start your journey.
