Najwa Karam is a Lebanese singer, often referred to as Shams el-Ghinnieh el-Arabiyeh (The Sun of Arabic song). 　　Her singing career began in the late 1980s, with moderate success, but her major successes began in the mid-90s. Karam is known for her instantly recognizable voice and distinct Lebanese singing accent. Her critics believe that her "loyalty" to the Lebanese song is one of her major flaws. 　　Najwa Karam is one of the most active Lebanese singers - participating in numerous festivals and concerts around the globe, and has received a number of awards from various distinguished bodies. 　　Najwa Nicola Karam was born on February 26, 1966, in Zahle, Lebanon, to parents Mr. Karam Karam and Mrs. Barbara Shaheen Karam. She is the youngest of five children, having an older sister, Salwa, and three older brothers, Tony, Jean and Niqoula. She spent her childhood in Zahle, in the care of her parents and older brothers. From an early age, Najwa was known among her friends and relatives for her powerful singing voice, but her parents emphasized the need for an education and a stable career over entertaining.