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In the early Nineties, fate brought together a young beautician, Joseph Gharib, and the Lebanese music legend, Sabah, on a balmy Beirut night. Little did they know that this chance meeting would blossom into one of the most iconic friendships the Arab world of entertainment has ever witnessed. Sabah, a legendary figure known for her magnetic personality and unparalleled beauty, captured Gharib’s heart from a young age, inspiring his love for aesthetics and setting him on a path to become a cosmetic surgeon.Sabah’s influence on Gharib’s life was profound. He admired her to the extent that he adorned his walls with her pictures from magazines, much to his father’s chagrin. After realizing that medicine was not his true passion, Gharib pursued his love for hair and makeup in Paris, returning to Lebanon to open his first salon. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of local media personalities, including Ferial Karim, Salwa Al Katrib, Maguy Farah, and even Sabah’s daughter, Howayda Mansy, who became frequent visitors to his salon.The turning point in Gharib’s career came when he had the opportunity to style Sabah for her appearance on Studio Al Fan, a famed talent show that launched numerous illustrious careers in the Arab entertainment industry. Nervous yet determined, Gharib transformed the iconic singer with a winged smokey eye and metallic bronze lip, creating a look that was met with resounding approval. This marked the beginning of their extraordinary companionship, which spanned over two decades, until Sabah’s passing.Together, Gharib and Sabah traveled the world, leaving an indelible mark wherever they went. The Arabic word “Al Shahroora,” meaning “blackbird,” was affectionately bestowed upon Sabah for the incomparable beauty of her voice and her proximity to Wadi Shahroor in Lebanon. People recognized her as a star, even if they didn’t know her name. Sabah’s bold fashion choices, platinum blonde hair, heavily lined eyes, and bright crimson lips made her an undeniable glamour icon.Amidst the glitz and glamour, Sabah’s life was not without challenges. Born Jeannette Georges Feghali in 1927, she faced early traumas, including an aggressive father who took her earnings and a brother who murdered her mother. Despite the hardships, Sabah’s innate talent and magnetic personality caught the attention of film producer Assia Dagher, leading to a three-film contract in Cairo. Over the years, she would go on to make more than 90 films and record thousands of songs, becoming a cinematic giant, music legend, and fashion icon.Gharib’s friendship with Sabah transcended all boundaries, even leading to rumors of a romantic relationship. However, he always maintained that their bond was more profound than that. Sabah’s personal life often made headlines, but Gharib knew her as a strong and generous woman, whose art was her true love. In her final years, Gharib became her constant companion, caring for her every need.Sabah’s passing in 2014 left Gharib heartbroken, but he remains committed to preserving her legacy. Rejecting media offers to share sensational stories, he plans to write a book about their time together, a loving dedication to the magic and joy Sabah brought to the world. Despite the hardships she faced, Sabah’s advice to Gharib was to enjoy life, have fun, and stay strong, no matter the obstacles.The bond between Joseph Gharib and Sabah is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the profound impact one person can have on another’s life. Through their extraordinary journey, they proved that true greatness lies not only in fame but in the genuine connection and love shared between two souls. Sabah’s legendary greatness continues to shine through in the memories and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
