Rima Yussef‘s musical journey began at a remarkably young age, when her talents emerged as early as six years old. Growing up in Lebanon, she found herself captivated by melodies from an early age, effortlessly absorbing them into her soul. Her father, a skilled pianist, noticed her natural gift during impromptu singing sessions at home, which led to her enrollment in a music conservatory at just seven years old. As she honed her skills and graced smaller stages with her presence, she harbored a simple yet profound aspiration: to touch people’s hearts with her voice.
Rima‘s career milestones include her rendition of “3am Bet3alla2 Fik,” which garnered significant attention and acclaim in March 2017, and her signing with Universal Music MENA in January 2020. Her success on the Official Lebanese Top 20 charts with singles like “Mghayarni” and “Maaleish” has validated the connection her music has forged with audiences. With each new release, such as her latest singles “Ohebuka Raghman” and “ANTA,” Rima showcases her versatility as an artist, weaving a tapestry of fierceness and vulnerability. She continually pushes artistic boundaries, infusing her Lebanese cultural heritage into her music while connecting deeply with her audience through authenticity and shared experiences. As she embarks on upcoming projects and collaborations, Rima Yussef invites her fans to join her on an exciting musical adventure, offering aspiring artists the advice to stay true to their unique voice and let passion guide their journey in the music world. Check our exclusive interview with her below:
Classic Entourage Magazine: Rima, your journey into music began at a remarkably young age, with your talents emerging as early as six years old. Can you share with us some of your earliest memories of performing on stage and appearing on television shows, and how did these experiences shape your passion for music?
Rima Yusserf: As a young child in Lebanon, I have vivid memories of sitting in front of the television at my family’s house, absorbing songs and effortlessly memorizing them. Recognizing my musical inclination, my father, who is a pianist, noticed my enthusiasm. One memorable day, as he was training choral singers at home, I spontaneously joined in and found myself correcting their singing. My father, taking my potential seriously, suggested enrolling me in a music conservatory for formal training.
Remarkably, despite their usual policy of not accepting students under the age of 10, I was admitted at the age of 7. Over the course of 8 years, I immersed myself in learning various singing techniques and ventured onto small stages. One charming detail from those early performances is that I would stand on a step tool, interacting with the audience as if I were much older than my age. Throughout this journey, my ultimate aspiration has been to have my voice resonate deeply with people’s hearts.
CE Mag: Your rendition of “3am Bet3alla2 Fik” garnered significant attention and acclaim in March 2017. What inspired you to choose this particular song, and how did you approach putting your own unique spin on it?
Rima: The initial cover song I shared on YouTube was “3am bet3alla2 fik.” Egyptian music producer and composer NIS approached me for a collaborative project with singer Mostafa Mezher, coinciding with the release of the original song. Entranced by the uniqueness of the music and harmony, we promptly decided to create the cover. The vocal aspect held a special significance for me as I am drawn to the classic romance style, finding it resonant with my personal musical preferences.
CE Mag: Signing with Universal Music MENA in January 2020 marked a significant milestone in your career. Can you walk us through how this partnership came about and how it has influenced your musical journey so far?
Rima: After a meeting and visit to their Dubai office, I officially signed with Universal Music MENA. As a new artist, I was delighted to experience the immense support and appreciation from the UMM team. What truly drew me to collaborate with them as a label was the familial atmosphere they foster. Recognizing that artists are inherently sensitive individuals, I believe in working with a team that values their efforts with love and transparency, going beyond mere business considerations. Becoming a Universal Music MENA artist has filled me with pride, providing the opportunity to reach a broader audience and share my music globally.
“Throughout this journey, my ultimate aspiration has been to have my voice resonate deeply with people’s hearts.”
Rima Yussef
CE Mag: Both “Mghayarni” and “Maaleish” have achieved success on the Official Lebanese Top 20 charts. What do these achievements mean to you personally, and how do you feel they have impacted your trajectory as an artist?
Rima: The success of both “Mghayarni” and “Maaleish” on the Official Lebanese Top 20 charts holds immense personal significance for me. These achievements validate the connection my music has forged with the audience, and they serve as milestones in my artistic journey. Personally, they fuel my passion and drive to continue creating music that resonates. In terms of my trajectory as an artist, these successes have opened doors to broader recognition and opportunities, allowing me to reach new heights and share my art on a larger scale.
CE Mag: Your latest singles, “Ohebuka Raghman” and “ANTA,” showcase a blend of fierceness and vulnerability, highlighting your versatility as an artist. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind these songs and how they reflect your artistic evolution?
Rima: “Ohebuka Raghman” and “ANTA” are a reflection of my artistic evolution, weaving a tapestry of fierceness and vulnerability. These singles delve into the complexities of emotions, embracing the duality of strength and sensitivity. “Ohebuka Raghman” draws from passionate love, while “ANTA” explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Both songs represent my journey toward embracing diverse facets of my artistry, showcasing a versatility that mirrors the multifaceted nature of human emotions and experiences.
CE Mag: With each new release, you seem to explore different music styles and push artistic boundaries. How do you approach experimentation in your music, and what drives you to continually evolve your sound?
Rima: As a singer, I view experimentation as a journey of self-discovery. Each release allows me to delve into diverse musical styles, pushing boundaries to express my evolving emotions and experiences. The constant drive to evolve stems from a passion to connect with listeners on a deeper level and create a timeless, diverse sonic tapestry.
CE Mag: Your music resonates deeply with your fanbase and listeners across the region. How do you connect with your audience through your songs, and what do you hope they take away from your music?
Rima: Connecting with my audience is at the core of my music. I strive to infuse authenticity into every lyric, melody, and emotion, creating a shared experience. My hope is that listeners find solace, inspiration, or a reflection of their own journey in my songs, forging a meaningful connection that transcends the notes and words.
CE Mag: As a Lebanese artist, how do you infuse elements of your cultural heritage into your music, and what role does your identity play in shaping your artistic expression?
Rima: Being a Lebanese artist is a profound part of my identity, shaping my artistic expression. I weave elements of my cultural heritage into my music through melodies inspired by traditional Middle Eastern sounds, as well as lyrics that reflect the rich tapestry of my experiences. My identity acts as a guiding force, allowing me to share the beauty and complexities of my heritage with a global audience.
CE Mag: Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about, and what can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Rima: I’m thrilled about upcoming projects and collaborations that will bring fresh dimensions to my music. While keeping the details a bit mysterious, fans can expect a fusion of innovative sounds and meaningful narratives that continue to evolve my artistic journey. Stay tuned for an exciting musical adventure in the near future!
CE Mag: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring singers, songwriters, and composers who are looking to make their mark in the music industry?
Rima: To aspiring artists, I’d say authenticity is your greatest asset. Stay true to your unique voice, embrace vulnerability in your lyrics, and relentlessly hone your craft. Consistency and resilience are key; the music industry can be challenging, but persistence pays off. Surround yourself with a supportive community, never stop learning, and most importantly, let your passion guide you on the incredible journey of making your mark in the music world.
To see more of Rima follow her on Instagram and Youtube
You can find her music on Spotify and Apple Music
Make sure to like, share and subscribe to our magazine and check back often to see the latest news in music, culture and art.
Classic Entourage Magazine 
Leave a comment