ENTERTAINMENT · PEOPLE · LEBANON
Saad Ramadan
Lebanese singer, born in 1986. Son of singer Suzan Ghattas. A graduate of Star Academy 5, where he placed third. Now, more than a decade into his career, Saad reflects on the long work of building a music life, the price of fame, and what happens when the early years are slow.
ON STARTING OUT
Music since ten. Career since Star Academy.
How did you start your career?
My passion for music started at a very young age. I joined the music conservatory at ten. Star Academy is where my passion turned professional.
How long did it take you to get here?
Fourteen years. I started in 2008. Only four years ago could I say I finally felt I could sit back and relax. The first nine to ten years were very difficult. But I am a believer that things that grow slowly are much better than quick fame.
ON THE WORK
Travel, love, and a lack of privacy.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
That I get to travel the world. And the love and admiration I get from my fans is overwhelming.
What do you enjoy least?
Fame comes at a cost. Lack of privacy is not something I enjoy.
ON DOUBT
At times it has crossed my mind to quit.
Your biggest complaint?
At times it has crossed my mind to quit music, especially when I see how the industry is doing. But I remind myself that in the end, what is right will prevail.
Your biggest fear?
Personally, my health. Professionally, like many in this industry, the fall of fame. It is in our nature to fear it, even though I know nothing lasts forever.
ON CHARACTER
Strong-willed, ambitious, and humble.
What motivates you to work hard?
Success. Nothing comes at a low cost, and I always thrive to be successful, in music and in business.
How would others describe you?
They all agree I have strong will, I am very ambitious and hard-working. Humble and decent.
ON SUCCESS
Successful. Grateful. Still hungry.
Would you consider yourself successful?
Definitely. I am successful.
Are you satisfied with your accomplishments?
We are humans, we always want more. But I am so thankful for my accomplishments. I might think I could have done more, but God has compensated me in other things.
Proudest accomplishment?
That I started from nothing and I am here. Looking back makes me feel proud, and I motivate those around me that the impossible is not impossible.
DAILY LIFE
Working out, and a mobile phone.
What can you not go a day without?
Working out, and my mobile phone.
Tidy or messy?
Very tidy. I think it is important to be tidy and neat to be successful.
Favourite family tradition?
Family gatherings in Ramadan.
Languages?
Three.
Do you collect anything?
Watches.
FAVOURITES
Abou Mohammed.
A nickname?
Abou Mohammed. I love this nickname. My father is Mohammed, and one day, if I am blessed with a son, I would name him after my father.
Favourite movie?
Maboudat Al Jamahir. I relate to the story.
Best gift you have received?
A watch. I love watches.
LOVE & LIFE
Nothing is impossible.
Glass half full or half empty?
Half full. No one has a full cup. There is always a part empty. But I focus on the full half.
Craziest thing done in the name of love?
A six-year long-distance relationship. We were on video calls every night until we both woke up to wish each other a good morning.
Define love.
To wish them better than what you wish for yourself.
Motto in life?
Nothing is impossible.
Warning label?
Be good, but do not trust easily.
What song best sums you up?
Did Al Nisyan.
Horoscope sign?
Capricorn.
FOR BOUJEEZ
Fourteen years in, and the patient version of the Arab pop story.
What makes Saad Ramadan interesting to Boujeez is the discipline. He came up through Star Academy, the format that made and broke a generation of Arab artists, and then he stayed. He worked through ten difficult years before the four good ones. He talks about his health, his country, his industry, and his future son with the same evenness. In a region where the music conversation often celebrates the loudest moment, Saad is a reminder that some careers are built quietly, on time.