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Layal Abboud

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Layal Abboud, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 1 December 20257 sources
Layal Abboud
Born
Layal Mounir Abboud

(1982-05-15) May 15, 1982 (age 44)
Kanisah, Tyre District, Lebanon
Occupation(s)Singer, folk music performer, lyricist, concert dancer, fit model, humanitarian advocate
Years active2001–present
Known forLebanese folk and pop music performances; membership in Syndicate of Professional Artists in Lebanon

Layal Mounir Abboud (, ; born 15 May 1982) is a Lebanese artist known for her work as a pop singer, folk music performer, lyricist, concert dancer, fit model, and humanitarian advocate.

Originating from the southern Lebanese village of Kniseh, Abboud previously served as an officer in the ISF. Her academic background includes studies in English literature at Lebanese University, translation at Beirut Arab University, and musical expression at the American University of Science and Technology. She made her initial public appearance as a contestant representing South Lebanon on the television series Studio El-Fan during 2001–2002. Abboud launched her music career with the release of her debut album Fi Shouq () in late 2007. Renowned for her performances across multiple Arabic dialects, she primarily focuses on Lebanese folk music and is noted for her summer concerts and tours. She holds membership in the Syndicate of Professional Artists in Lebanon.

Early life and education

Layal Abboud was raised in a large Shiite Muslim household located in Kanisah, within the Tyre District of southern Lebanon. Her parents, Mounir and Maryam, had nine children in total. Demonstrating musical aptitude early on, she received encouragement from her father who gifted her a violin at age six. By the time she was 14, she was privately instructing over thirteen students.

Abboud completed a master's degree in English literature at Lebanese University and pursued translation studies at Beirut Arab University. Additionally, she undertook two years of music education at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music.

Prior to embarking on her artistic pursuits, Abboud served for two years as an officer with the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, assigned to airport security duties at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Musical career

Abboud’s first television exposure came as a participant on Studio El-Fan during its 2001–02 season. She gained experience performing in various cafés and restaurants throughout Beirut, collaborating with musicians such as Richard Najm, Tony Abi Karam, and Salim Salameh. Under Najm’s mentorship, by 2006 she had developed proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist, mastering instruments including the oud, organ, and guitar. Her inaugural album Fi Shouq (translated as On Longing) was launched in late 2007. Abboud has declared that "Music is my life!"

Her artistic influences include figures like Ammar El Sherei, Baligh Hamdi, and Sabah, whom she regards as the "ideal of my art career." In 2014, she expressed a particular fondness for French musicians, attributing this preference to her romantic disposition.

In addition to singing and instrumental performance, Abboud is also engaged in poetry and composition. However, following guidance from her manager Dory Shehade, she opts not to publish her literary or musical works publicly to maintain focus on her singing career.

Business and fashion

In 2014, Abboud credited Akel Fakih as "the mastermind" behind both her professional wardrobe and social attire. The following year, Fakih described their partnership as "distinctive and upscale," highlighting the strong rapport and mutual trust that shape her stage appearances. Her fashion team comprises Elie Samaan (hair and makeup), stylist Serene Assaad, and photographer Hussein Salman.
On 12 October 2017, Abboud made her debut as a fit model showcasing Akel Fakih’s designs during the Design & Brands Event held at Beirut’s Four Seasons Hotel.
She is also the founder of Loulou Secret, a wedding planning enterprise based in Amman, and manages Layal Productions to oversee her musical endeavors.

Media controversies

Frequently described by critics like Al Akhbar as a captivating artist and femme fatale, Abboud addressed these characterizations during a 2015 appearance on Al Jadeed's program Bala Teshfir, stating, "Boldness should not be mistaken for seduction." She believes the unfavorable judgments stem from her modern artistic approach, which often aligns with contemporary fashion trends.[1][2]

In 2016, Abboud took legal measures against the distribution of forged images on social media platforms, enlisting lawyer Haitham Tarshishi to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible. The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation confirmed an arrest connected to the image forgery.[3][4]

During April 2017 on LBCI’s satirical program La-hon Wa-bas, Abboud publicly criticized Nadine magazine for sensationalizing her portrayal with a cover headline focusing on her chest. She explained that the phrase was intended metaphorically and condemned the magazine for trivializing her image in a bid to increase sales.[5][6] On June 26, 2017, she openly denounced Lebanese music journalists known for engaging in yellow journalism.[7]

Personal background

Abboud moved to Beirut in 2009. She places great importance on maintaining her physical health and style, publicly acknowledging in June 2017 that she had undergone rhinoplasty, yet credits her physique largely to regular exercise. She supports implementing a public smoking ban in Lebanon, advocating for clear distinctions between smoking and non-smoking zones.

With a lifelong passion for sports and horseback riding, Abboud owns four horses stabled in Tanbourit, located within Lebanon’s Sidon District.

As a practicing Muslim, she observes fasting during Ramadan, sharing meals with family before dawn and after sunset. She participates actively in charitable causes and describes herself as an "unusually generous person."

In January 2018, Abboud's residence was burglarized by her assistant, resulting in the theft of jewelry and cash estimated at around $100,000.

Marriage and family life

Abboud entered into marriage at sixteen in 1998 and gave birth to her only son, Jad, in 2004. She later divorced, characterizing the marriage as "very formal" and attributing her early marriage to youthful romanticism. In June 2017, she highlighted that following the divorce, she chose to focus on her artistic career.

In August 2017, she revealed that a previous relationship with a Lebanese diplomat ended due to incompatible career ambitions. On May 5, 2015, she shared news of a new romantic relationship.

Regarding family connections, Abboud expressed in June 2017 a close relationship with her father, Mounir. After her son acknowledged his mother’s significance, she dedicated a song to her mother Maryam. This act prompted her parents to return from Saudi Arabia to Lebanon to live nearby once again.

Studio Albums

Singles Outside Albums

  • 2007: Winni Ya Winn
  • 2007: Albi Yamma
  • 2007: Tshoobi
  • 2007: Abouya 2alli
  • 2007: Aam Bihlamak
  • 2007: Hawasi Kella
  • 2007: Fi Shoo'
  • 2008: Wad Al Hetta
  • 2009: Shid El Jaroufe
  • 2009: Bjnoun
  • 2010: Lazem Taaraf
  • 2010: BIBI
  • 2010: Ahla Zaffe
  • 2010: Dinyi Wlad
  • 2010: Ma B3eesh
  • 2010: Ya Tayr El Tayer
  • 2012: Ya Ana Ya Ana
  • 2013: Khashkhash hadid El Mohra
  • 2014: Khaliha Bi Albi Tijrah

Filmography

Acting Roles

Awards and Honors

  • February 14, 2010: Received Honorary Award from Lebanese Armed Forces.
  • November 23, 2011: Honored again by Lebanese Armed Forces.
  • March 6, 2012: Acknowledged at Lebanese festival of cinema and television.
  • June 15, 2014: Awarded the Wazzani Folk Award.
  • December 10, 2014: Golden Award for Best Arabic Song of 2014 at Cairo Mondial Festival of Art and Media.
  • November 24, 2015: Another Honorary Award bestowed by Lebanese Armed Forces.
  • April 27, 2016: Received additional Honorary Award from Lebanese Armed Forces.
  • March 19, 2016: Recognition Award granted by Viken Tchaparian.
  • August 13, 2016: Presented with Qousaya Folk Award.
  • August 28, 2016: Honored with Maghdouché Folk Award.
  • September 22, 2016: Tribute paid by Guy Aswad.
  • April 17, 2017: Cultural Award for Artistic Creativity awarded by Al-Aseel Association for Heritage Revival. Some Lebanese music media incorrectly reported this as an official Lebanese Ministry of Culture honor.
  • May 11, 2017: Commemorated by AUL University.
  • July 19, 2017: Recipient of the Bziza Folk Award.

See also

External links

  1. ↑ "بلا تشفير حلقة ليال عبود".
  2. ↑ "ليال عبود لـ "الحسناء": أضع بعض التصريحات تحت أقدامي لكي أرتفع أكثر". Al Hasnaa.
  3. ↑ "ليال عبود توكل محامي للدفاع عن المسيئين لها بسبب صورتها المزيفة". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  4. ↑ "إلقاء القبض على مزوّر صورة". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ↑ "وشوشة ليال عبود تكشف حقيقة ما نشر عن صدرها في مجلة نادين". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. ↑ "لبنان: عنوان بتلميحات جنسية لمجلة حول صورة ليال عبود يثير جدلاً واسعاً.. والفنانة ترد". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named OTV interview, 26 June 2017