Zaher Saleh

Zaher Saleh was born in Lebanon to Palestinian refugees and raised in Canfield, Ohio attending high school and college there. Although he rose to fame in the Middle East, Saleh's ascent into pop stardom began in Ohio. While attending Youngstown State University on a whim he sent an audition tape for the Arab language version of hugely popular pop music talent contest "Star Academy", and immediately received a call. He packed his bags and was off to Beirut. He was instantly a fan favorite. Unlike many reality TV contestants, Saleh went on to even greater success releasing both English and Arab language hits in the Middle East and singing to crowds of thousands of adoring fans through the region. Saleh is now poised to bring his talents as a musician and a director to American audiences. His sweet and soulful voice has caught the attention and respect of music industry legends. His new music is already beginning to touch people. He has a growing legion of influential supporters. Mary J. Blige says, "If anyone can unite people with their music it is Zaher. The love and the sweetness you hear is real. It's authentic." As a director, Zaher has been honing his craft working on various directorial projects, and the film War Within which certainly exemplifies his undoubted devotion to creating that crosses boundaries, and unites people. The film tells the story of a gay Muslim man's struggle to reconcile his sexuality with his faith, his longings for acceptance from his family and his journey to love and accept himself.