He began his artistic career at the National Conservatory, where he composed for many poets, but he wanted to experience writing for himself, and he succeeded! He has become one of Lebanon's most important composers and poets today. What do you know about the creative singer, poet, and composer Salim?
Salim Assaf was born on December 22, 1979, in Al-Warhaniyeh – Shouf. He holds a degree from the Lebanese University – Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management (2003), and a diploma in Oud performance from the Higher National Conservatory in the same year. He drew attention to his talent after collaborating early on with the Lebanese star Carole Samaha, who sang his lyrics for “Ghali Alay” in 2004 and his composition “Keef Baddi Eish”. He also wrote and composed “Adwaa Al-Shohra” for her (Carole Samaha's 2006 album), in addition to “Ismaani” and “Wahayatak”.
Artists who have sung his work
Salim Assaf recorded a collaboration with Majida El Roumi in 2007, composing the song “Bi-Youm Arsak” for her. In the same year, the “Sun of Song” Najwa Karam sang his song “Nawwar Ayyami”, and Ramy Ayach sang “Dummeeni”. As for the star “Iwan”, he sang his lyrics for “Baqi”. In 2008, he collaborated with artist Nicolas Al Osta, composing the song “Kull Al-Haq Alayk”, and in 2009 he repeated his collaboration with star Carole Samaha, participating in writing the song “Ali”. The star Yara sang his lyrics for “Ma Yhemmak” in 2009. The album of artist Sarah Al Hani included “Hayk Yit'amal” and “Qal Shou” for which he wrote the lyrics, and “Fadayt Rouhak” and “Ma Hada Beyeb'edni”, which he both wrote and composed. Artist Rouwaida Attieh sang “Shou Sahl Al-Haki”, “Tunis”, and “Kawn Jdid”, all written and composed by him.
Star Carole Samaha also performed his lyrics and composition “Ma Bkhaf” and his lyrics for “Ala Sawtak” in 2010. He won the Murex D'or award for Integrated Work for the years 2010 and 2012. He wrote and composed “Kermalak” and “Hallayla” for artist Ayman Zbib, and “Eshtaqtello” for Anwar Al Amir. He also composed the song “Bil Rouh Bil Dam” for Najwa Karam. Dozens of songs bearing his signature have been released, most notably “Nemshi w Nemshi” for Saber Rebaï, the duet “Sawa” for Ramy Ayach and Maya Diab, “Ya Bayy” and “Law Bas Ta'ref” for Najwa Karam, “Bawwaset Tyabak” for Nader Al Atat, “Shou Hayda” for Marwan El Shamy, “Majnoun” for Ramy Ayach, and “Karjet Mayy” for Zein El Omr. In 2012, he wrote and composed the song for the Lebanese national football team, “Allah Hamikon”, for Tony Baroud, in addition to a collection of works that gained great popularity with the audience and listeners, such as “W Ta'awwadet” for Carole Samaha and “Ya Asal” for Saber Rebaï.
“Ya Tale' Sawb Al-Jabal”
Assaf did not settle for composing and writing; he entered the world of art through singing as well, and succeeded. He released several songs, most notably “Al-Wad' Al-Hali”, “Keefo Qalbak”, “Zawjati Ana”, “Mish Khayef”, “Lawwali Qalbi”, “Sorti Eli”, “Iza Feek”, “Malleit”, “Metl Al-Hal”, and most recently “Qalbi Hadid”.
He also distinguished himself and excelled in the song “Al-Jabal”, in which he listed many villages of the Mount Lebanon region to which he belongs. He conveyed, with all sincerity and great love, the beautiful image of the region and its people. For, “He who goes toward the mountain, kiss its soil for me”, the mountain that raised a creator who grew up and imbibed art in its authenticity.
