Melhem Barakat, born on August 15, 1945 in Kfarshima, Lebanon, was a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and melodist. Influenced by Mohammad Abdel Wahab from an early age, Barakat began performing in school events and local talent shows. He later joined the Rahbani Brothers’ musical theater troupe associated with Fairuz, initially as a chorus member before becoming one of the lead singers in Ar-rabih Assabeh (1984). Barakat built his career on his own compositions, blending traditional Lebanese music with expressive personal improvisation. Notable songs include “Ala babi wa’ef amareen” and “Habibi enta”. He composed for prominent Arab artists such as Sabah Fighali, Wadih Al Safi, and Majida El Roumi. Barakat’s work was widely celebrated across the Arab world, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Melhem Barakat passed away on October 28, 2016, at the age of 71.
