THE SINGER WITH BRAWN

Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1977 to a Jordanian Mother and a Lebanese Father, Aziz Abdo lived in Lebanon until he and his family had to leave the country because of the war. Their destination was Sweden. In his early years, Aziz who had grown to have the looks of a star ...

By Rafat Fawzi

Published: Fri 10 Sep 2004, 3:32 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 1:01 AM

was not aware of his physical attraction. He was more into sports and developed a passion for football. As a young man Aziz became a professional football player and won many tournaments with his team but his destiny was yet to reveal itself.

One night, while Aziz and his friends were celebrating the birthday of one of them in a Night club in Sweden, an agent approached him and asked him whether he had ever considered modelling. The 16 year old was surprised and hastily answered "No, I'm a professional football player!" However, during this period, the hazard has it that Aziz injured his knee and had to suspend all his sport activities; which gave him the time to think about the modelling offer.

Aziz Abdo signed with 'Scandinavian Models'. During the following year, advertising offers and fashion shows flew in from everywhere. The young model was just wanted! At the end of the year, he signed a new contract with 'Stockholms Gruppen', the most prestigious modelling agency in Sweden. From then onwards there was no turning back for Aziz's career in the spotlight. He did a lot of fashion shows for a variety of top line fashion designers, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Lagerfeld, enjoying the sweet taste of success and fame.

At 20, Aziz wanted to take some time off and visit Greece. His mother suggested he goes to Lebanon instead to see his family whom he hadn't seen for a long time. Aziz came to a post war Lebanon for what he thought would be a brief vacation. Little did he know that Lebanon will soon charm him into staying there. It was in Lebanon that he met Nathalie Fadlallah, manager of her own modelling agency 'Nathalie's Agency'. A love story began which ended in a marriage between the two lovers. Nathalie was also Aziz's agent at that time and he continued his modelling career inside and outside of the country. Two years later, the couple's heavy schedule and many differences affected their relationship. To avoid further conflicts the couple decided to separate, remaining close friends.

In 2001, Aziz Abdo earned the highly coveted title of 'Mr Lebanon' and was engaged in helping his country. But inside him was also flourishing a project he had secretly dreamt of for years. His love for music and for singing was something Aziz had kept for himself waiting for the right opportunity.

Jiji La Mara was one of the first people to notice Aziz's voice. He encouraged Aziz to sing and promised him his support, a promise he would keep. Aziz got in contact with Tony Saba, and during a listening session in Saba Studio, Aziz came up with an idea for a song which they all agreed on: 'Jaou Jnoun' (Crazy Atmosphere), it was the first song Aziz chose for his future debut album.

Aziz then collaborated with leading names in the music industry such as Tony Abi Karam, Salim Salameh, Tony Saba, Mounir Abou Assaf and Haytham Zinji. Aziz Abdo's debut album was born. His next move was to shoot a music video for the song 'Jaou Jnoun' with director Rindala Kodaih. On its first week of release on TV, the creative music video and Aziz's charismatic performance captured the public. 'Jaou Jnoun' became one of the most requested music videos and viewers in Lebanon and the Middle East were singing the lyrics and dancing on the summer beat of 'Jaou Jnoun'.

On the 6th of August 2004, Aziz Abdo's debut Album was released. Aziz was seeing his dream come true. To assist him in his music career Aziz Abdo signed with 'Music Is My Life!' as his management company.

Aziz Abdo who is overwhelmed by the response of the public and the media, feels the responsibility that now lies on him as an artiste. "It is hard", he says, "but no matter the final outcome, I know I will enjoy every step of this unique journey and I will give nothing less than the best of me..."

"To all the people who supported me in my journey up to this point and to those who will continue to stand by my side always, I will stand by you."