As we are right in the middle of the year’s festive season, we want to congratulate Jerusalem-born Palestinian singer, flutist and composer Nai Barghouti for an amazing achievement as she becomes the first Palestinian artist ever to land a Lebanese Number One on OLT20 with her latest release “Li Fairuz” in which she delivers a raw and poignant performance - a tribute to the legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz and her 1984 song “Li Beirut”, dedicated to the city during the civil war. Like Fairuz’s iconic “Zahrat Al Mada’en”, “Li Fairuz” reflects on Beirut, sending love, condolences, and solidarity to the city and its people.
We anticipate the song will stay on Top of the chart for at least another week or more!
Of the four new entries on this week’s OLT20, the highest one comes from Belgian singer and rapper Stromae & French singer-songwriter and musician Pomme (real name is Claire Pommet) with “Ma Meilleure Ennemie,” a song taken from the series Arcane: League of Legends. This song is played on the seventh episode of the second season and is about the compromised and now ambivalent relationship of some of the characters. Being a French song, it’s a big & pleasant surprise to see it played on most of the Lebanese Radio Stations!
This week we also want to congratulate a Lebanese singer from the “Next Generation” of Lebanese Acts, namely London Based Vincent J who was recently able to score his first Top 3 Hit with “Hating On Fayrouz,” blending Middle Eastern and Western influences to explore his evolving connection to Lebanon through Fayrouz’s music, shifting from youthful resentment to deep appreciation. Vincent J is currently working on a multitude of songs that reflect his authentic self, but also showcase his cultural identity!
Finally, note that the biggest jump of the week comes from American country music singer Morgan Wallen with “Love Somebody," which bullets up to Number 5 from Number 13 last week.
This week’s OLT20 features 12 local or regional artists and 8 Western ones.
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