Carole Samaha‘s passion for art has been ingrained in her since childhood. When the moment came to launch her career, she fearlessly chose the challenging path of musical theatre, a choice that would eventually serve as an inspiration to many. Carole Samaha understood the challenges that would come with that, but she fully embraced her experience and set out on the next journey equipped with the essential qualities required; A powerful, energetic voice, unique personality and unmistakable stage presence.
As she stands out with a distinct style and unwavering commitment to her artistic vision, Carole Samaha remained authentic and faithful to her art, without compromising with the music scene that often lacks exclusivity. In an interview with Soul Arabia, we delve into Carole’s life and career, as well as explore her attractive, endearing, and inspiring personality in the world of music. Ultimately, she embodies the perfect blend of talent and charisma.
“Ever since I was a child, my love for art and music was burning inside me, and I knew deep down that I would dedicate my life to this creative field. To explore various forms of art and broaden my cultural horizons, I pursued acting and directing studies”. Collaborating with the esteemed musician Mansour Rahbani in musical theater, proved to be a transformative moment in Carole’s life. She says: “Working with Al-Rahbani was a pivotal phase in my career. However, I realized that theater in the Arab world, despite its inherent value, is not as popular as television or singing. This realization prompted me to begin my musical journey, beginning with the release of my single “Ettala Fia” in 2003”.
On stage, Carole actively performed in dramatic plays and also ventured into experimental theatre, which provided an invaluable opportunity for her personal growth. Looking back at her journey, Carole Samaha says, “Theatre instilled in me a deep sense of self-confidence and the ability to connect with an audience. It taught me to overcome any difficulties and to consistently give my best, no matter the circumstances. It made me resilient. Nothing can break my spirit or intimidate me”.
With the work environment varying from place to place, Carole’s transition to Egypt after her accomplishments in Lebanon marked the beginning of a new successful chapter in her career. “We share the same culture, so the differences between the two countries are primarily seen in art criticism”, she says: “In Egypt, the art projects are positively received by critics, despite the mistakes or shortcomings it may have. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but having lived in Egypt for ten years since my marriage, I really feel at home.”
“Being my own best friend has always been important to me. I can happily spend days alone, indulging in movies or music without ever feeling bored. It’s crucial for individuals to constantly explore themselves, understanding their own needs. At the same time, I’m a very sociable person, effortlessly adapting to different societies and people because I have a genuine love for life”. Carole Samaha confirms that nature is her ultimate sanctuary for enjoying solitude. The green forests, the rustling of autumn leaves, and the sunrise on the Lebanese shores bring her great comfort. With deep affection, she expresses, “Nature is my first love, especially the mountains and forests of Lebanon. I spent most of my childhood there, having fun with daily walks or quiet readings. Nature deeply influences my life as a source of inspiration for my music”.
With an unwavering enthusiasm for life, Carole Samaha continues to radiate beauty and charm, just as she has since her screen debut. The singer stresses the importance of committing to certain rituals that nurture her personal growth and talents, saying, “I exercise wholeheartedly, not out of obligation.” Alongside her love for sports, Carole Samaha finds great pleasure in watching movies and writing songs. In fact, she has written many songs, often drawing inspiration from moments of meditation and silence that she treasures so dearly.
When asked about the importance of silence and when to use it, Carole Samaha replied, “Silence can be the best approach in situations that go beyond reason or politeness. In such cases, I prefer silence. However, there are times when silence can be seen as a sign of weakness. As someone who embraces confrontation, I don’t hesitate to face situations that require it. It all depends on assessing the problem and determining the appropriate time to remain silent or stand up for what’s right.”
In her personal life, Carole Samaha always holds onto hope, which contributes to her resilient and determined nature. She shares, “I have had a natural tendency towards optimism. I don’t dwell in sadness and can quickly get over it. I might feel down at night then wake up with a positive mindset in the morning. This sets me apart from those who remain dissatisfied no matter what they receive.” Carole further adds, “As most people would say, I am a reasonable and content person, always striving to achieve the seemingly impossible with the resources available. As for things beyond my control, there is no reason for me to despair as long as I fulfill my responsibilities. Each day brings new hopes, dreams, and goals. Even when I face frustration, I immediately arm myself with energy, positivity, and an unwavering love for life.”
Owing her success to many attributes, Carole Samaha shared a piece of advice for all dream seekers, which is to stick to hope and perseverance. She asserts that, “Success is not an easy ride. We must pursue our dreams with dedication, perseverance and patience. In my opinion, results are not only determined by the amount of effort expended. Sometimes, despite the tireless work, the returns may not be significant. So, one must accept the outcome and gather the courage to try again”.
In Carole’s opinion, Art has evolved beyond relying solely on talent, taking on a commercial form. Any social media influencer can easily become famous, even without having real potential. Conversely, a talented and hardworking individual may struggle to secure even a single opportunity. She explains, “We are living in an era that values superficiality. Success is no longer contingent upon talent. It’s frustrating because the true essence of fame has been diminished with the advent of social media. Whereas in the past, artists would face setbacks, rise again, and tirelessly strive until they achieve success.”
Under the title “Al Album Al Dhahbi” (The Golden Album), Carole gave her fans the gift of authentic pieces of music. Although the project was not commercial, she fearlessly embarked upon this experience, lending her captivating voice to sing 12 poems by the renowned poet Mahmoud Darwish. “Art is meant to entertain, make us happy and allow us to dream. But it should also have a cultural essence. That’s why I consider this album my contribution to the revival of this authentic art, aiming to create a substantial work amid the reluctance of many singers to engage in classical music”.
Throughout her career, Carole Samaha has been guided by principles that steer her towards the right path, reflecting her strong and independent personality. She confirms, “When making decisions, it is important for me to remain uninfluenced by external factors, especially when under pressure. I value the opinions of the people I trust; however, the final decision is always up to me. I trust in my ability to make the right choices”.
When asked if she is stubborn, Carole Samaha responds candidly, saying, “At times, I can be stubborn, and at other times, I am flexible. It all depends on my intuition. If I strongly believe in something, I become determined to achieve it, but if everyone around me opposes my viewpoint, I am open to reconsidering my decision. I strive to maintain a balance and make the right choices”.
One of Carole’s admirable qualities is her unbending honesty, as she willfully does not hide her strengths and weaknesses. She expresses this by saying, “I cherish courage, adventurous spirits, and facing challenges head-on. I also deeply love people, listen to their stories, and help them solve their problems, especially my friends. I have the ability to accommodate others and give sound advice. The thing that I don’t like about myself is lack of patience, as I always crave quick responses and actions”.
Directed by Sultan Abu Tair, Styled by Chiara Denaro, Photographed by Jean Baptiste, Makeup & Hair by Bassem Zarea, Production: Three Sixty Studios.
Special thanks to Visit Jordan, Infiniti Jordan
