Magida Al Roumi

Lebanese soprano and actress Magida Al Roumi is recognized as one of the icons of Arabic popular music, having released a host of successful albums and performed on stages worldwide.

Her first album Wadaa caught the attention of Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine. She took the star role in his film Awdat Al Ibn Al Dal (The Return of the Prodigal Son) and performed three soundtracks for the movie. She was described by Chahine as “the voice of the 20th Century” and won the Egyptian Critics Award.

Al Roumi was named an FAO Goodwill Ambassador in 2001. Her role has included inaugurating the first Annual Agricultural Week in Lebanon and acting as guest of honour at the Arab Children’s Congress in Jordan.

"Music can speak louder than words,” she said. “I will use my music and my voice to speak out on behalf of the needy and undernourished everywhere."

Al Roumi has been made Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France, in recognition of her contribution to Arab music, her work against famine in poor countries and her message for world peace.