Lebanese musician Issam Hajali is known for his work in jazz and folk rock. He was playing guitar with the progressive rock band Rainbow Bridge in Beirut when the Lebanese Civil War began in 1975. After fleeing to Cyprus and then Paris, he recorded his debut album, Mouasalt Ila Jacad El Ard, in 1977 with fellow Lebanese musician Rogér Fakhr and other international musicians. Blending santur with vocals, jazz guitar, synthesizers, and Western musical influences, the album featured lyrics inspired by Palestinian poet Samih al-Qasim. Initially circulated on about 100 tapes, it was later reissued by Habibi Funk in 2019 after gaining recognition in Beirut through Ziad Rahbani. Returning to Beirut, Hajali founded Ferkat Al Ard, which released Oghneya (1979), Tamul'at Alkuz Fi Tamuz (1983), and Hi'ja (1985). He later earned a master's degree in philosophy.
