Nancy Ajram remains iconic after 20 years | The Express Tribune

For over 20 years, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram has maintained a rare position in the Arab music world: not just enduring, but expanding her relevance.

Whether discovered on early music TV channels, through viral YouTube hits, or today’s algorithm-driven feeds, her voice feels both familiar and fresh, a remarkable feat in a constantly shifting pop landscape.

Long before streaming platforms reshaped the music industry, Nancy was a pioneer of the digital era. Her videos became some of the most replayed on early YouTube in the Middle East, with tracks like ‘Ah W Noss’, ‘Ya Tabtab’ and ‘Shakhbat Shakhabit’ forming the soundtrack of millions of childhoods.

For many, her music moved seamlessly from family living rooms to personal screens, embedding her in the memories of a generation, according to Gulf News.

Nancy’s appeal extends far beyond Arabic-speaking audiences. Her songs have reached Europe, Asia, and South America, and she has performed on major international stages.

Through her music, she became one of the first Arab artists to truly cross borders, long before “global pop” became a fashionable term. Her sound carries the unmistakable flair of Lebanese pop while remaining accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.

Her longevity is rooted in evolution. Nancy has modernised her music while retaining the warmth, playfulness, and emotional depth of her early work. Many of her 2000s hits have gone viral on TikTok, introducing her to younger audiences while still resonating with fans who grew up with her songs.

Across two decades, Nancy Ajram has become more than a singer — she is a cultural touchstone. She bridges generations, platforms, and borders, proving that lasting influence comes not from a single hit but from adaptability, talent, and genuine connection. Today, she remains a defining voice of Arab pop, a timeless figure whose music continues to echo across playlists, screens, and hearts worldwide.