‘I started my career backwards’: Singer Issam Alnajjar on new album and life after viral hit Hadal Ahbek
In 2021, Issam Alnajjar wrote a simple love song in his bedroom in Amman. Hadal Ahbek , meaning “I will always love you,” was as direct and potent as its message. With its conversational lyrics, warm acoustic guitar and wordless “ra-pa-pa” refrain, the almost lullaby-like song stood apart from the often overwrought Arabic balladry of the region. It became a genuine crossover track, topping…
Issam Alnajjar, a 17-year-old Palestinian-Jordanian singer, wrote the heartfelt love song Hadal Ahbek in his bedroom in Amman in 2021. The song's simple lyrics and soothing acoustic guitar resonated with audiences globally, propelling Alnajjar to international fame. His debut album and a well-received performance with Maroon 5 followed, culminating in the prestigious GQ Middle East Breakthrough Musician of the Year award.
Despite the accolades, Alnajjar struggled with the sudden shift in his career, feeling exhausted and questioning his happiness. Returning to his childhood bedroom in Amman, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and identity, having discovered his passion for music at a young age. His latest album, Night in Cairo, combines influences from Egyptian popular music with his own songwriting, reflecting his journey through the music industry and his appreciation for his roots.
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