Nancy Ajram On Stardom, Struggles, And Her Special Connection With Saudi Arabia

In an exclusive interview, Harper’s Bazaar Saudi delves behind the glitz and glamour to learn more about the star who is synonymous with Arabic pop culture

“You will witness an extraordinary experience that is beyond imagination. It will exceed your expectations by miles.”

That’s what Nancy Ajram enthuses when asked what she’d say to someone who has never visited Saudi Arabia before, but it strikes me that this is an equally apt description for a first timer at one of her performances. For no matter what you might have read about arguably the biggest singing sensation in the Middle East, nothing quite prepares you for her sheer charisma and star power.

The classically trained ‘Queen of Arab Pop’, who has been in the spotlight – mic in hand – since she was a child, is a dichotomy. Instantly recognisable, you instinctively feel like you know everything about her, yet while delving a little deeper you realise it’s mostly an illusion. She has masterfully maintained her personal anonymity at the same time as growing up and evolving alongside us. The most followed Arab celebrity of all time, with over 33.8 million fans staying in step with her life on Instagram, has paradoxically protected her privacy too.

Private Lives

Was this a concerted effort? “I tried to keep my family and kids, when they were still young, away from any possible negative aspects of my work as an artist. I preferred them to lead a normal life away from my situation,” she tells us. The mother-of-three insisted on keeping a semblance of normality despite her high profile. Rather surprisingly, she reminisces, “I took them to school ever since they were young and made sure to be there for them throughout their lives and support them in their problems.”

Even when the pressures of work keep them apart, the Lebanese native follows the mantra of family first. “I preferred to always be by their side and in contact with them all the time, even when I am travelling.” Surely, it must have been odd for her daughters – she shares Mila, Ella and three-year-old Lya with her dentist husband Dr. Fadi El Hachem? “When they grew up, they became more aware of my situation, and I started sharing some parts of my life with them.” The birth of each child marked a special milestone, with a song dedicated to each released by the Beirut-born personality.

Their bond is so close that she even trusts their judgement on her musical choices. “Sometimes, I ask them to listen to my songs before I release them to know their opinions and, in return, they share the details of their lives with me without that negatively affecting them or exposing them to hestitance or fear.”

Understanding that not everyone might have signed up to all that fame brings with it, she has honoured her children’s stance on the matter, insisting, “I respect their boundaries; therefore, my older daughters are rarely visible on social media. However, my youngest, Lya, is my daily companion and is seen more on the screen.”

“Success is a blessing, but it also brings endless responsibilities. The best feeling is looking at the past and recognising the obstacles you have overcome and journey you have taken. You say to yourself, ‘I did it despite everything’. This comes as a result of struggle, hard work and determination. The negative aspect in terms of success, especially for an artist, is that their personal life is not personal anymore.”

An independent, Middle Eastern woman, she is aware that she is a role model, not just for her own children, but for the next generation. “One of the key advantages of superstardom for artists is the impact they can have on public opinion, especially if it is positive and appropriate. I always try to reflect the best picture of the successful, determined Arab woman who cannot allow any obstacles to stop her reaching her dreams and ambitions.” 

Career Highs

It feels like the 39-year-old was always going to hit the big time. The fact that her father nurtured her career from such an early stage – she signed with EMI and released her first album Mihtagalak at 15 – seemed to have set her on the path from the outset, but the Arab Idol judge feels it wasn’t inevitable. 

 “I never pictured the possibility of translating my passions and ambitions. However, I was determined to make my dreams and goals come true despite all the odds and difficulties that I had and have yet to confront.”

Nancy’s recent summer release in collaboration with American DJ Marshmello saw upbeat dance hit Sah Sah [Wake Up] make history, becoming the first Arab-language song to make it to the Top 10 iTunes Chart. It encapsulates what Nancy does best; mix a catchy chorus with an upbeat tune, capturing the contemporary zeitgeist of the regional music scene.

But although now she is collaborating on a global scale, she is still aware of obstacles along the route.

“In my opinion, challenges are persistent and increase the more successful and popular one becomes,” the performer who has sung in Lebanese, Egyptian and Khaleeji dialects tells us. “It was certainly hard for me at the beginning of my journey to prove myself and move forward since I was relatively young.” She continues, “The closer I am to achieving my goals, the more challenges I confront. But I never allow them to discourage me. On the contrary, they motivate me to get through and I never allow them to stop me from continuing my journey. Despite my progress, I still consider myself at the beginning of the road.”

“I wish I could discover people’s intentions sooner, to be able to know how to distinguish between supportive and Machiavellian personalities,” she warms to the theme. “At the start, you are usually inexperienced, kind-hearted and unaware of the situations that you might encounter, and you think that the world out there is similar to you and your own, when the opposite is true. Passion and righteousness exist in parallel to wickedness and mischief. Time will let you distinguish who truly is on your side,” she advises.

Knowing who to trust is also key, both in the personal and professional realm. She unfailingly relies on “my family – my father in particular, who was my first supporter. My family and those close to me are the source of my strength and support.”

There have been plenty of highlights along the way, but Nancy can immediately identify her big break or pinch-me moment. “I can split my journey into two phases. Before [hit single] Ya Salam and after Ya Salam.” Her trajectory changed after her 2003 super-successful third album. “The first phase was where the experimentation, uncertainty and discovery of ‘Nancy’s’ true artistic identity took place – there were many ups and downs. The second phase is where the actual launch took place, bringing success, exhaustion and sleepless nights. I am so proud and look forward to more of the same.”

Taking Charge

Hard work, not luck is what she believes success is based on. Her path was not serendipitous. “Nothing comes by coincidence. What comes easily won’t last. I am proud that I have achieved the dream that I have long planned for. I have been exhausted, cried my eyes out, been desperate and weak, but never once have I quit,” she defiantly notes. But she has no regrets as “everything has led me to my current levels of growth, awareness and experience.”

“In life, we cross paths with many people who influence us. I personally admire people who are honest to themselves and those around them. I only have space for honesty. Nowadays, such people are rare. I learn from anyone whom I cross paths with, colleagues or others.”

And now that coveted brands like Bvlgari are proud to have her wear their jewellery while she is dressed in runway looks, surely she must be living the dream? Yet she is in control of her image too. “Despite having a team of experts who I trust, and have confidence in their choices, I like to engage with them. This is where we think and pick my looks together; above all, we make sure that they match my character.”

And though she struts the red carpet like the seasoned pro she is, she laughs that, “The nature of my work forces me to wear jewellery and haute couture for parties and photo shoots. But, as Nancy, my first choice, that I prefer, goes towards casual sportswear and comfortable pieces.”

A Worthy Advocate

One of the things those close to Nancy wax lyrical about is her philanthropy. It’s a subject she is happy to talk about, enthusing: “The most beautiful deed that a person can do is to help another. The feelings I get after helping causes cannot be described. I never think twice when it comes to that.” And although some of her work in the field is done in front of cameras, (“Charities invite us artists to encourage people to participate and provide support,”) she prefers to go incognito,  explaining, “most of the time I prefer to do so without shining a light on it as it brings me true happiness.”

Her regular visits to Saudi Arabia see the singer heralding the country. When asked about her connection to the Kingdom, she says that she feels, “Proud. The Arab world is proud that KSA is being portrayed in the most beautiful image. Saudi Arabia is bringing the world together. The evolution happening is a result of a successful vision that deserves applause. Everyone should visit.”

She tells us about her special connection: “I have always expressed my admiration for the Saudi people. However, following my frequent visits to the Kingdom over the last few years, I can personally see their true feelings towards me. This kindhearted, welcoming nation should be admired, and is worthy of the success it is experiencing.”

Before we take our leave, we have a final question – as fans, we are clamouring to know – what is next in the pipeline? Nancy remains circumspect, smiling, “I prefer not to reveal what is in the future, but I can say this – the best is yet to come!”

Photography: Luis Monteiro. Creative Direction and Senior Fashion Editor: Nour Bou Ezz. Styling: Sarah Keyrouz. Editor in Chief: Olivia Phillips. Art Director: Oscar Yáñez. Producer: Steff Hawker. Hair: Deena El Awadi. Hair Stylist’s Assistant: Lindie Benade. Make-Up: Michel Kiwarkis at MMG Artists. Digitech: Ahmed Bouholaigah. Producer’s Assistant: Mariam Suboh. Stylist’s Assistant: Marguerita Christophoridis  

From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Winter 2022 issue