Zaki Nassif

   In 1915, Zaki Nassif was born in Machghara, the biggest village in the western Beqaa valley; however, he did not live long in his home village, as his family moved to Beirut for business purposes. His musical talent showed in his youth and was involved in music and Lebanese Folklore songs (zajal, me'anna, ataba, meejana, abou el zelouf, etc). In the 1940s, he was among the first generation of the Lebanese composers and musicians contributing to the establishment and development of the Lebanese Radio Station (the first in the Middle East).

   In the music he composes, and as well as in the songs he presents, Nassif preserves the essence of the 'traditional' Lebanese music, but in a rather fresh easier style. All his works (like "My Love My Country"- Baladi Habibi, "My Village"- Ya Daye'ti, "Butterfly"- Frashi…) are characterized with simplicity and calmness reflecting the Lebanon's country village and its life and atmosphere (and maybe Nassif's own character).

   However, Nassif's biggest hit is "Lebanon Will be Rebuilt" (Raje' Yit'ammar Libnan), a song with powerful optimistic and challenging meanings, which paralleled the Lebanese National Anthem during the Civil War. At the age of 80, Nassif composed a full album for Fairouz, which was clearly an indication of his professionalism and abilities. Up till now, he is still composing music and songs (he prepared several musical sections for Caracalla's recent works.

   To Majida, Zaki Nassif is another dad; she has a close relationship. He appeared with her on stage in a couple of concerts (like Beiteddine in 1991) as a gesture of honor and Majida has been singing a few of his songs like "Raje' Yit'ammar Libnan", "Our Country" (Ya Bladna Mahma Nesina), "Miss You A Lot" (Ishtaqna Kteer), "Our Night" (Layelitna Min Layali El Omer)... In addition, Majida has two songs that are written and composed by Zaki Nassif: "Flap the Wings and Make us Happy" (Rafrif wo Is'edna) and "O' Moon, Shine" (Dawi Ya Amar) and one composed by him "No, I Can't" (La Ma Fiyeh).

   Zaki Nassif died on March 11, 2004, leaving behind him a long history and a rich archive of music and songs.

   We hope to see Majida singing more by Zaki Nassif, to commemorate Nassif's memory.