One of Lebanon’s most prominent cultural icons, El Safi became known as the “Voice of Lebanon” after winning a national radio competition at the age of seventeen. He was a singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, well known for his mawawil (improvised singing) of ‘ataba, mijana, and Abu el Zuluf. He went on to have a 75 year career in music, releasing more than 5,000 songs.

Today’s Doodle celebrates his rich legacy, which helped etch an authentic Lebanese musical identity, drawn from the folklore and heritage of his country and region.