Lebanese Icon Ragheb Alama and Son Louai Come Together for the Cover of Vogue Man Arabia Fall/Winter 2024

Lebanese icon Ragheb Alama poses alongside his son, Louai, as the 23-year-old’s own star is on the rise. The pair sit down to talk nepo babies, the unbreakable bond of family, and their message of hope for Lebanese people at home and abroad

With a career spanning four decades, Ragheb Alama’s name is now synonymous with musical excellence in the Arab world. The Lebanese legend has left an indelible mark on the region’s entertainment scene thanks to his powerful vocals, mesmerizing performances, and chart-topping hits, which have earned him a devoted fan base and numerous accolades in the Middle East and beyond. Aside from his achievements in this regard, Ragheb has also made waves as a charismatic judge on the immensely popular television shows Arab Idol and The Voice.

With traffic-stopping good looks and entrepreneurial drive, his son, Louai, is a rising star in his own right, making significant strides in the realms of fashion and social media. As a model, the 23-year-old has graced the runways for big-name designers such as Armani, and collaborated with Valentino, Dior Beauty, and Ralph Lauren. In the process, Louai has amassed nearly a million followers on TikTok alone, sharing a glimpse into his lifestyle. With his gaze set firmly on the horizon, Louai’s business-oriented spirit has led him to explore new territories in the form of a venture capital firm, Plus Two Ventures, and a forthcoming jewelry brand he’s working on with his mother, Jihan.

Here, the father-son duo come together in conversation exclusively for Vogue Man Arabia, delving into their respective journeys, the trials and triumphs they’ve faced along the way, and what Lebanon means to them.

Louai Alama: So it looks like we’re interviewing each other for this one. This should be fun.

Ragheb Alama *smiling*: This is a first for me, so let me start. How do you feel about being called a nepo baby?

LA: So we’re diving straight into the deep end! Honestly, I embrace it. Undoubtedly having a famous parent or family member can create opportunities but it also comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. I actually feel like it creates a certain added layer of competition because when you grow up in the public eye people are waiting for you to fail rather than cheering you on. So, while I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, I believe that my own perseverance and passion for what I do have allowed me to
earn my place. Since I’ve grown up watching you navigate
fame and success, it also makes me curious about what you’ve found to be the most challenging aspect of balancing your career and family life.

RA: Balancing my family and my art has always been a conscious decision. When you’re the one making that decision, you can carry it out with love and conviction.

LA: That’s a powerful perspective. It’s not about choosing one over the other but finding a way to embrace both fully.

RA: Exactly. My love for my family and my passion for my work know no bounds. They are both integral parts of who I am, and I refuse to compromise on either. It wasn’t always easy, but I was determined to find a way to create harmony between my art and our family life.

LA: And how about some of the hardest decisions you’ve had to make as a father, knowing that your choices not only affected you but also our family?

RA: Despite challenges that came with my work and the frequent travels, I made a conscious effort never to let my family feel distant from me, like you were a part of my artistic journey. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced years of continuous success but that doesn’t mean my life was free of wrong choices or missteps. Instead, I chose to see them as motivation and lessons. They became stepping-stones on my path to growth. Success isn’t built in the comfort zone.

LA: What were your proudest moments as a parent?

RA: My life has been filled with fame, success, titles, and the spotlight, which have all made me very happy and proud. But nothing compares to being a father to you and [your older brother] Khaled. The title of father is the dearest to my heart and one of my greatest achievements. How do you feel this upbringing has shaped your perspective on life?

LA: I can’t even begin to describe how much you and mom have influenced my life. Family has always been the foundation of my upbringing, and you both have been my guiding lights. I remember watching you two as a kid, stunned at how you managed to balance your careers with the love and dedication you showed our family. As a child, it was tricky to wrap my head around the fact that when we went out to dinner, fans would stop and ask you for a picture. I was very protective because I didn’t really understand what was going on. But what stands out the most is how normal everything was at home. Because at the end of the day, you were just “dad.” Like any father, when my homework wasn’t done, you would take time out of your day to help. You never missed playtime in the garden, no matter how busy you were. I remember one family vacation where it was just us, away from the attention. That’s when I really appreciated that no matter how famous you were, your focus was always on us as a family. Those moments taught me that success doesn’t change the core of who you are.

RA: Honestly, your mother and I always tried our best to lead by example. We also wanted to show you that with hard work and perseverance, you could achieve anything you set your mind to.

LA: And that’s exactly what you did! Your strong work ethic has been the bedrock of my own journey. Whenever I face challenges, I think back to the lessons you taught me – that nothing worth having comes easy and that success is the result of consistent effort and staying true to yourself. What else do you hope to have instilled in me?

RA: The most important thing is to live your life with love. Love for people, work, happiness, God, and love for yourself. Give everything its due time, believe in what you offer, make your mistakes a lesson, not a downfall, and always be yourself.

LA: Something I’ve also learned from both of you is that no matter how busy life gets, staying true to yourself and your values is non-negotiable. Everything has to come from a place of authenticity and respect.

RA: Do you think having a famous father and growing up in the spotlight influenced your career and life choices?

LA: Well, it’s definitely been an experience! Being exposed to the entertainment world from such a young age was like having a backstage pass to the reality of success. I remember watching you pour your heart and soul into your work, and it was a masterclass in dedication.

RA: Success in this industry doesn’t come without sacrifice.

LA: And that’s a lesson I’ve carried with me. Your journey taught me the importance of determination, but it also showed me the value of staying grounded and humble, no matter what. I definitely think your ability to maintain longevity in your career has been a huge inspiration. It shaped my desire to build something long-lasting.

RA: And what about modeling? Has it led you to view yourself differently?

LA: It’s made me appreciate the power of fashion as a form of self-expression. As a model, you’re a canvas for creativity, and that’s helped me see myself as a bridge between Eastern elegance and Western modernity, blending different cultural influences to create something truly unique.

RA: So where will Djihan Jewelry fit into all this? And be honest: How has it been working with your mother?

LA *laughing*: Honestly working alongside mom has been a dream come true! Together our ideas flow so well. I bring a modern perspective and twist, and she has a more understated, timeless eye. Our shared love for craftsmanship and detail has made this journey even more special, and I can’t wait to relaunch what was originally her brand and see where it takes us. I’ve always been very passionate about gemstones and design, so much so that I took various courses to pursue this passion further. Mom and I have always been fascinated by the emotional connection that jewelry can evoke, and we wanted to build a legacy that’s rooted in creativity, authenticity.

RA: At the same time, you’re expanding into finance with your own venture capital firm. Talk to me about your plans to leverage your platforms and influence to support and grow that business.

LA: Plus Two Ventures combines my expertise in social media, marketing, and finance to create a unique opportunity. We aim to assist influencers and celebrities in developing and scaling authentic brands by facilitating connections with key figures and strategic partnerships. Our approach bridges the gap between influential creators and founders, helping brands grow while maintaining their core mission. We offer a unique way to amplify brand stories and drive sustainable growth.

LA: What message would you share with the Lebanese people at home and abroad?

RA: Lebanon is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We’re known for our resilience, creativity, and success. To my fellow Lebanese, especially the youth, I’d say we have the power to change this reality. We must strive for justice in Lebanon and hold those responsible accountable. The future of our country depends on it, and together, we can rebuild and reclaim the Lebanon we all love. What about you? What does Lebanon mean to you?

LA: Lebanon is beyond words for me; it’s the place that shaped who I am. It’s my home, my roots, the backdrop to my earliest and most cherished memories. I took my first steps there, said my first words, made my first friends – everything that defines the foundation of who I am began in Lebanon. The country itself has been my greatest teacher. It taught me resilience in the face of hardship, patience in times of struggle, and a deep appreciation for beauty, even in chaos. Every moment spent in Lebanon is a reminder of where I come from, and it instilled values that I carry with me every day, no matter where I go in the world.

RA: So, what are your hopes for Lebanon in the future?

LA: I hope for a rebirth of the Lebanese spirit, with peace and stability. I want to see it become a place where its people can once again dream big, and where creativity and innovation flourish. Lebanon has always been a land of incredible talent and untapped promise – I believe that it can once again shine on the world stage and provide the bright future our people deserve. Memories of the good times are what’s keeping me going. Speaking of which, if you had to choose the greatest moment of your career, what would it be? And on the personal side, do you have a favorite family memory?

RA: My most beautiful memories on the family front are the days that you and Khaled were born. Those moments are etched in my heart forever. But you know, the greatest moment in my life was when I made the decision to forge my own path. It was a defining moment because I found myself in a situation where there was no one to help me. I felt like a lone warrior in a forest. I knew I needed to persevere to reach my goal, no matter how difficult it seemed. Reaching for the stars is never an easy journey, but I refused to believe it was impossible. I was just 18 years old and at that time, the only thing I knew for certain was that I had talent. I thank God endlessly for everything I have accomplished and for all the blessings. But most importantly, I am grateful for my family, my health, and the success I’ve been able to achieve.

LA: OK, one last question: You’ve done so much; is there anything you still dream of achieving?

RA: I’ve always believed that when the dream ends, life loses its meaning, and everything else fades away. That’s why I’ll live as a dreamer until my final breath.

Editor-in-chief: Manuel Arnault 
Fashion director: Amine Jreissati 
Style: Natalie Westernoff 
Grooming: Elika Bavar 
Creative producer: Beya Bou-Harb 
Videography: Cris Vidal 
Light tech: Luka Ibanez
Assistant stylist: Lila Soen