# Julia Boutros

Julia Boutros (Arabic: جوليا بطرس, romanized: Jūliyā Buṭrus; born April 1, 1968) is a Lebanese singer, musician, and humanitarian activist.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and singles that blend traditional Middle Eastern melodies and quarter notes with modern pop and pop rock. Known for her patriotic and resistance-themed songs, she is popularly known as "The Lioness of Lebanon" for her vocal support of Lebanese and Palestinian causes through her music.

## Early life

Boutros was born in Beirut on April 1, 1968, into a Maronite Christian family. Her father hails from the coastal city of Tyre in South Lebanon, while her mother is of Palestinian descent with an Armenian background. She attended Rosary Sisters Schools, where she sang in the school choir. Her early exposure to music was heavily influenced by her brother Ziad Boutros and the works of Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani.

## Music career

Boutros began her musical journey at the age of 12 when she recorded her first song, "À Maman," at Elias Rahbani's studio. She followed this with two other French-language songs, "C'est la vie" and "Viens dans ma vie." Her career took off in the 1980s with Arabic-language hits such as "Ghabet Shams El Haq" ("The Sun of Justice Has Gone") and "Wein el Malayeen" ("Where Are the Millions").
In October 2006, she released the single "Ahibaii" ("Dearly Beloved"), inspired by a letter written by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to fighters during the 2006 Lebanon War. The song was composed by her brother Ziad and arranged by Michel Fadel.
In December 2023, during the Gaza war, she released a song titled "Yamma Mwel Lhawa" ("O Mother, What's with the Wind?") in solidarity with Palestinians.

### Musical style and influences

Boutros is known for blending traditional Arabic melodies with modern pop and world music influences. Her work often incorporates themes of resistance, patriotism, and social justice. She cites Ziad Rahbani as a major influence on her artistic vision.

## Personal life

Boutros is married to former Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab, with whom she has two sons.

## Cultural Reception

Boutros' music has been well-received across both the Near and Middle East, with her songs often resonating deeply with audiences in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Her ability to blend traditional Arabic melodies with modern styles has contributed to her widespread appeal.

## Humanitarian activism & philanthropy

Boutros has used her music as a platform to support humanitarian causes. In 2006, she donated $3 million from the sales of "Ahibaii" to help families affected by the 2006 Lebanon War. The funds were distributed to families of Hezbollah fighters, Lebanese soldiers, and civilians who lost their lives during the conflict.
In addition to her support for Lebanon, Boutros has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. She released songs like "Al-Haq Silahi" ("Righteousness Is My Weapon") to express solidarity with Palestinian resistance movements. During the Israel–Hamas war in December 2023, she performed "Yamma Mwel Lhawa" ("O Mother, What's with the Wind?"), a song dedicated to Palestinians enduring hardship.
Boutros' philanthropic efforts extend beyond her music. She has participated in fundraising campaigns and charity events to aid refugees and victims of war across the Middle East.
In July 2007, Lebanese president Émile Lahoud named Boutros an Officer of the National Order of the Cedar for her initiatives and artistic work in support of the national cause.
Boutros' defense of Lebanon led to her being popularly known as "The Lioness of Lebanon".

## Legacy

Julia Boutros is widely regarded as one of Lebanon's most iconic singers. Her patriotic songs have become anthems for resistance movements across the Arab world, particularly in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Songs such as "Ghabet Shams El Haq" and "Ahibaii" are often associated with themes of resilience, unity, and defiance in the face of conflict.
Boutros' ability to combine traditional Arabic melodies with contemporary styles has earned her a loyal fan base spanning multiple generations. Her music is often played at national events, protests, and cultural celebrations throughout the Arab world.
Beyond her music, Boutros is celebrated for her humanitarian efforts and unwavering commitment to social justice. She is often described as a cultural symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Her influence extends beyond Lebanon, making her a prominent figure in Arab cultural history.

## Notable Performances

Julia Boutros has performed at numerous iconic venues and events throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable performances:
| Performance | Year | Notes |
| Live at Casino Du Liban | 2008 | A live concert showcasing patriotic repertoire. |
| Live at Casino Du Liban (+DVD) | 2010 | A live album and DVD capturing an iconic performance at Casino Du Liban. |
| Casino Du Liban Concert | 2013 | A performance featuring stirring renditions of her most popular songs. |
| Live at Platea | 2012 | Performed a mix of classics and contemporary hits. |
| Live at Waterfront City Dbayeh | 2016 | Highlighted emotional connection with fans. |
| Live in Tyre | 2018 | Dedicated to South Lebanon's resilience. |
| Concert in Damascus Citadel | 2008 | Performed in Syria’s historic Damascus Citadel, singing about love and war during a period of improving Lebanese-Syrian relations. |
| Ahibaii Charity Tour | 2008 | A charity tour to raise funds for victims of the 2006 Lebanon War, with performances in Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE, and Syria. |
| Concert at the American University of Dubai | 2006 | A charity concert performed to a full house, showcasing her humanitarian efforts and vocal prowess. |

## Discography

| Album title | Release year | Label | Notes |
| C'est la vie (This Is the Life) | 1982 | EMI Music | Julia's debut album featuring French-language songs. |
| Ghabet Shams El Haq (The Sun of Justice Has Gone) | 1985 | AlJamahiriya Music | Includes patriotic themes that established Julia as a voice of resistance. |
| Wain Msafer (Where Are You Travelling To?) | 1987 | Universal Music MENA | A blend of emotional ballads and traditional Arabic influences. |
| Hikayet Aatab (A Story of Lament) | 1991 | Music Master | A seminal album that solidified Julia's place in Arabic pop. |
| Kosass (Stories) | 1994 | Music Master | Features storytelling through music with deep emotional undertones. |
| Al Karar (The Decision) | 1996 | Music Master | Known for its powerful lyrics and patriotic themes. |
| Shi Gharib (Something Unusual) | 1998 | Music Master | Explores new musical styles while maintaining her signature sound. |
| Bisaraha (Honestly) | 2001 | Rotana Music | A commercially successful album with heartfelt ballads. |
| La B'ahlamak (Never in Your Dreams) | 2004 | Rotana Music | Features themes of love and longing, resonating deeply with fans. |
| Ta'awadna Aaleik (We're Used to You) | 2006 | Rotana Music | Includes the hit single Ta'awadna Aaleik. |
| Yawman Ma (Someday) | 2012 | Independent | Reflects on themes of hope and resilience. |
| Miladak (Your Christmas) | 2012 | Independent | A festive album celebrating the spirit of Christmas. |
| Hkayet Watan (The Story of a Country) | 2014 | Independent | Dedicated to Lebanon, showcasing Julia's patriotic spirit. |
| Ana Meen (Who Am I?) | 2016 | Independent | Explores personal identity and self-reflection. |
| Julia chante Elias Rahbani | 2023 | Universal Music MENA | Pays tribute to the works of Elias Rahbani. |

## Videography

| Video title | Year | Notes |
| Live at Casino Du Liban | 2008 | A live performance showcasing Julia's powerful vocals and patriotic repertoire. Filmed at the iconic Casino Du Liban. |
| Live at Platea 2012 | 2012 | A concert featuring a mix of Julia's classic hits and new releases. Available on DVD. |
| Live at Platea 2014 | 2014 | This live concert includes stirring renditions of patriotic anthems and beloved classics, filmed at Platea, Lebanon. |
| Live at Waterfront City Dbayeh | 2016 | A memorable performance held at Waterfront City Dbayeh, highlighting Julia's emotional connection with her audience. |
| Live in Tyre 2018 | 2019 | Filmed during two sold-out performances in Tyre, Lebanon. Features iconic songs like "Ghabet Shams El Haq" and "Hak Sillahi." |

## Awards and honors

| Award | Year | Notes |
| National Order of the Cedar (Officer Rank) | 2007 | Awarded by Lebanese President Émile Lahoud for her artistic achievements and dedication to national causes. |
| Arab Music Award | 2010 | Recognized for her contributions to Arabic music. |
| Cultural Ambassador Award | 2018 | Honored by the Lebanese diaspora for promoting Lebanese culture internationally. |