HAUS DIGITAL

Belime: From Saint to Star

There is a simple formula for Belime. CharBEL + GhanIME = BELIME. But this combination is nothing but a BOMB in the POP zone in Lebanon, where Belime has exploded his first album’s content in the market and directly became an instant hit amongst young fans and devoted audience. But who is the real Belime? What secrets can he tell us about his persona, lifestyle, friends, talent and future plans? What is the truth about the Music scene in Lebanon?

1. Who is Belime? Where does he really come from?

Belime is every person’s alter-ego… the one that makes them do things they do not expect to
do. He is the kid in the back of the class, the cheerleader, the nerd and the bully all at once. As
for me, my name is Charbel and when I’m not Belime, I’m an 18-year old Music Producer and
Musician from Beirut, Lebanon.

2. Where did Belime discover his talent? And who helped him uncover it throughout his childhood and youth?

Well, I remember as a child I would tell my mom that when I grow up I want to be a singer and
a doctor. A singer, because I love to sing, and a doctor so I can save your life. Back then, my
sisters used to get piano lessons at home, and I used to sneak up to the piano after they were
done with their lessons, and I’d play exactly what I heard. One day, their piano instructor saw
me, and was amazed that I could play without ever being taught. My parents never thought too
much of it though, and I received no help by anyone to actually continue forth with my music.
I kinda had to do it on my own, until very recently – when I was discovered by famous music
producer Walid Al Massih.

3. How is Belime related to “New Wave” music company and how does the work go?

I am first and foremost an employee of New Wave Productions, and take the role of an A&R
and Senior Management under the title of “Vice President of Talent Relations” and “Head of
English Division”. Long story short, what I do is scout talent, meet talent, and then follow-up
their work. I also help in the production of a lot of projects, by writing or composing the works.
On the other hand, I am also an artist in the company, and I am blessed to be around people
such as Walid Al Massih, Maya Nehme, and Karim Noujaim, who have provided me with the
best of opportunities for my career.

4. We all know that Lebanon is now witnessing a major change in the music production field, from classic and romantic songs, to more PoP and Rock… We even see many famous DJs in Beirut performing and giving their best… How do you contribute to that change in your personal music, and how do you perceive Art in Lebanon in general?

Unfortunately, the music industry in Lebanon and the Middle East is mostly made of corrupt
record labels and a music mafia that is bringing down the standards of music and the diversity
of genres in an incredibly sad way. The Lebanese people, however, are maybe the most
cultured people in the world. We have people from everywhere, and so it is impossible to
only have one genre of music to satisfy all these different people. What I am contributing to

the beautifully flourishing music scene in Lebanon is the fact that I am creating music on an
international standard, yet that is as homegrown as all the other middle-aged “superstars” with
more botox than flesh. I am also introducing alternative fashion to Lebanese pop culture, as
well as a proper stage performance with my dancers (The Belime Girls).

5. We got informed that Belime performed in many Lebanese concerts, singing and dancing from his first album. Can you tell us what is your best and worse souvenir from those moments?

My best souvenir is during Fete de la Musique in Beirut, where I was singing a ballad called “I
Stand Alone” off my album, I saw 6 girls with tears down their face, feeling my music from right
under the stage. It felt it beautiful that I could connect to people in such a way, that they could
feel my music to the extent that I was able to move some sort of emotion in them. I haven’t had
any horrible souvenirs, except for maybe at the first day of Hamra Streets Festival 2010, where
the sound guy messed up with the presets to my mic and put too much bass on my voice -
resulting in me having to shout my way through the concert, and leaving with a very, very soar
throat.

6. What does Belime have in pockets for the future? Any new CDs?

The near-future will witness a music video in collaboration with international Director-Editor
Nabil Mechi and ofcourse New Wave Productions. Also, I have began work on my next record,
and this time around it is going to be much more eclectic and I am going to involve different
producers and artists into the work. It is going to have a much more sexually and intellectually
mature feel to it, as well as a hint of my old rock & roll days.

7. If you had to adress one statement to the government in your country,what would you say?

“In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?” – Saint Augustine

8. What do you tell English students, who are now reading your interview, about Music and Art in Beirut? What Clubbing experience do you recommand in Beirut?

I can tell all the English students that Beirut gets a hard rep in the media, and that it’s actually
one of the coolest, hippiest, places in the world (and I’ve been around). We have a lot of young
students living in the city, and there is always a party in Beirut. You can go for chic lounges to
party-hardy underground clubs, to comfortable and cozy pubs and bars in a matter of minutes.

I noticed a really Bizarre and Outrageous looks in your performances. Who is your personal designer? How do people cope with what they see, especially that Lebanese people are known for their love of the Classic and Expensive?

I personally design all my outfits, and people love it. Honestly, when I’m on stage, the crazier
my outfits are, the more cell-phones I see in the air trying to take my picture. People here,
like you said, are so used to the classical, that when I come out with make up and LED-Light
jackets, I am going to pump fresh blood into their pop culture.

10. If you were a Manga character, who would you be? What is your favourite Pop Singer in the world?

I love Japanese art and Manga, and watch anything available just to simply admire their style
and perception of the human figure and the supernatural and how all that speaks so much of
their outstanding culture. I do not have a Manga character in mind, though. As for my favourite
Pop Singer in the world, and as cliche as it may sound, it could be no other than the King of
Pop whom I not only admire, but look up to in all sorts of ways. He is my idol, much like I hope
to become an idol for others in the future.