Arab Billboard Music Awards: Elisa and Latifah Reunite After “Trio Night” Controversy
Arab Billboard Music Awards Debut in Riyadh, Elisa Honored as Icon
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The first-ever Arab Billboard Music Awards took place Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in Riyadh, bringing a night of electrifying performances and prestigious accolades to the King Fahd Cultural Center.The event, broadcast live by MBC, was a highlight of “Riyadh Music Week,” showcasing the vibrant landscape of Arabic music.

lebanese superstar Elisa was the recipient of the coveted Icon Award, recognizing her 25-year career filled with chart-topping hits and global recognition.
“Today I am proud of 25 years of love and success,” Elisa said in her acceptance speech. “This isn’t just for me, but for everyone who contributed to my journey, and for my country, Lebanon. I want to thank all my fans for spreading my voice around the world.”
Elisa dedicated the award to Lebanon, stating, “I learned from the situation to take all my determination from my country.”
Fellow Lebanese stars Sirin Abdel Nour and Maggie Bou Ghosn were seen enthusiastically singing along to Elisa’s performance of “To All Who Love Me,” showcasing the strong support within the Lebanese music community.
Tollett’s Mysterious Appearance and Reunions Backstage
Tollett’s performance added an element of intrigue to the evening, with masked figures accompanying him on stage, leaving the audience guessing about his true identity.
Backstage, ET Arabic cameras captured a heartwarming reunion between Elisa and Latifah, following the recent controversy surrounding “Trio Night” in Riyadh and Elisa’s performance of Latifah’s song “Aktar.” The two artists appeared to have put any disagreements behind them, posing for photos and expressing mutual admiration. Elisa even declared her love for Latifah’s hit song “Inshallah.”
A Night of Triumphs: Other Notable Award Winners
The Arab Billboard Music Awards celebrated a diverse range of talent across various categories. Omaima Talib took home the “Artist of the Year” award in the Gulf Music category, while also winning “Best Artist” in the Arabic Song category, beating out nominees like Asala Nasri, Balkis, Asil Hamim, and Shamma Hamdan.
Muslim was honored with the “Independent Arab Artist of the Year” award, dedicating his win to his late father. The award for “Best Arabic Duet” went to Ahmed Saad and Asala for their collaboration “The Reason for My Joy.”

The inaugural Arab Billboard music Awards marked a significant milestone for Arabic music, providing a platform for recognition and celebration on a global scale.
Billboard Arabia music Awards Celebrate Arab Musical Talent
Dubai, UAE – The inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards, held in Dubai, celebrated the vibrant and diverse world of Arab music, honoring established stars and rising talents alike. The star-studded event, which took place on [Date], showcased the power and influence of Arab music on the global stage.
Tamer Ashur’s soulful ballad “Hejili Mujua” took home the coveted “Song of the Year” award, beating out a competitive field that included Asala’s “Fook” and Saad Lamjared’s “Julie Mata.”
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” Ashur said, accepting the trophy. “This is a testament to the power of music to connect people across cultures and languages.”
The night was filled with emotional moments, including Islam Kabonga’s heartfelt tribute to his late collaborator Kalusha after winning “Best Festival Song” for their duet “Ay, My Love, I Miss You.”
“I want to dedicate this award to Kalusha,” Kabonga said, his voice thick with emotion. “He was more than just a collaborator; he was a brother.”
Emerging artist Too Lit, known for his signature mask, was named “Most Rising Artist,” thanking Billboard Arabia for providing a platform for new voices.
“Thank you Billboard for this honor,” Too Lit said, his masked face beaming.”I dedicate this award to my family,who have always supported my dreams.”
Other notable winners included Ahmad Saad,who took home the “Best Collaboration” award for his song “We Are a Generation of Misguided,” and Abdullah Al Farwan,who won “Best Shayla” for his song “Your Beauty Is Not.”
The Billboard Arabia Music Awards not only celebrated musical achievements but also highlighted the growing influence of Arab music globally.Billboard Arabia, launched in June 2023, has been instrumental in amplifying Arab voices through initiatives like “Billboard Arabia” news, “Women in Music,” and “Voice of the World.”
The awards ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of Arab musical talent and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Arab Music takes Center Stage at Inaugural Billboard Awards in Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Music pulsed through the King Fahd Cultural Center last Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, as the first-ever Arab billboard music Awards took Riyadh by storm. Broadcasting live across the MBC network, the event served as a dazzling highlight of “Riyadh Music Week,” celebrating the rich tapestry of Arabic music on a global scale.
NewsDirectory3.com sat down with music journalist and historian, Dr. maya Ibrahim,to discuss the significance of this groundbreaking event.
NewsDirectory3.com: Dr. Ibrahim, the Arab Billboard Music Awards mark a monumental moment for the region’s music industry. What does this event symbolize?
Dr. Ibrahim: Absolutely! This is a recognition, a validation of the immense talent and cultural influence Arabic music has always possessed. For decades, Arabic musicians have captured hearts worldwide, and now they finally have a platform dedicated to celebrating their achievements on a par with their international counterparts. This signifies a turning point,confirming Arabic music’s rightful place on the global music stage.
NewsDirectory3.com: Elisa’s Icon Award was a fitting tribute to her remarkable career.What makes her such a significant figure in Arabic music?
Dr. Ibrahim: Elisa is a true icon. Her 25-year career is a testament to her unparalleled artistry, powerful vocals, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her music transcends borders and languages, resonating with audiences across the globe. Receiving the Icon Award in Riyadh, after dedicating it to Lebanon, was incredibly powerful and showcased her enduring bond with her homeland.
NewsDirectory3.com: What moments from the awards ceremony stood out to you as particularly impactful?
Dr. Ibrahim: Seeing the outpouring of support from fellow Lebanese artists, like Sirin Abdel Nour and Maggie Bou Ghosn, for Elisa was truly heartwarming. It showcased the unity and strength within the Lebanese music community.
Also, the buzz surrounding Tollett’s mysterious appearance and rumored backstage reunions added an element of intrigue and excitement to the already electric atmosphere.
NewsDirectory3.com: What are your predictions for the future of Arabic music following this watershed moment?
Dr. Ibrahim: I believe this is just the beginning. This awards ceremony serves as a catalyst for greater global recognition and appreciation for Arabic music.
We can expect to see more Arab artists gracing international platforms,collaborations across cultures,and a continued surge of talent emerging on the scene.
This is a time of immense possibility for Arabic music,and the world is finally listening.
(End Interview)
The initial Arab Billboard Music Awards laid the groundwork for what promises to be a long and prosperous future for Arabic music on the global stage. As Dr. Ibrahim asserts, this is only the beginning.
