Here Are 8 Lebanese Songs You Didn’t Realize Turn 16 This Year!

We’re getting old, but sometimes we don’t feel it until we realize just how old our favorite songs are turning. Some of the most iconic Lebanese songs were released 16 years ago, here are our favorites.

P.S. I was like 8 years old when these songs were released.

1. Mashi Haddy by Nancy Ajram

Apart from being quite problematic now that I’m listening to it well into my twenties, the song was nothing less of iconic to 8-year-old me. The colorful scenes, the storytelling, the comic relief – and the song was very catchy. Besides, the guy they cast as her love interest is the perfect embodiment of your typical Lebanese jagal.

2. Lebnani by Assi El Hallani

This song did NOT age well, but you have to admit, it did get us hyped up at some point. Not that we’re not proud of our Lebanese identity (I mean come on, this is a whole website dedicated to all things Lebanese), it’s just that this particular song was often misused. Still a bop, though.

3. Yabn El Halal by Haifa Wehbe

The Lebanese pop diva never misses, and this was the best song of 2008 (in my humble opinion). It was way ahead of its time, and let’s just say it here: the Y2K trend is NOTHING without Haifa. Just check out all her iconic outfits in this music video.

4. Ya Msahar 3ayni by Rami Ayach

Given that I was only 8 years old at the time, I couldn’t really see Rami Ayach as a Lebanese heartthrob…but now I kinda get it. The eyebrow slit, the buzzcut, and the fitted suits? He walked so Joseph Atieh could run. Anyway, hope this song gets stuck in your head for the rest of the week.

5. Shefto Men B’eid by Yara

Whoever says they don’t like or remember this song is a LIAR. From the lyricism to the dramatic shots to the red dress, Yara served all there was to serve. And let’s not forget that she has one of the most beautiful voices in the Lebanese music industry.

6. Ehsas Gharib by Ragheb Alama

Not one of my favorite Ragheb Alama songs, but it is a very emotionally loaded song that deserves a mention. Can you imagine my 8-year-old self being dramatic on the car rides home while listening to this song? We’ve all done it at some point.

7. Inta El Shams by Najwa Karam

Whoever Najwa Karam is serenading in this song is one lucky MF because imagine having this dedicated to you. The beat was fresh for its time, but Najwa was always one to release unique music. We can’t forget her famous “Mafi Nom” with the derbakke-sounding beats (still not sure how to feel about that one).

8. Mosh Ananiyah by Myriam Fares

We really felt for Myriam’s relationship woes with this one. The music video was kinda inappropriate for my 8-year-old self, but that’s my own fault for surfing through the channels and landing on this one…and keeping it out of curiosity.

Want more of Lebanese music? Check out this section!