Background
Assi was born in Jdaydeh but he was originally from Harbata (Baalbeck) and comes third youngest among his 13 brothers and sisters.
Assi was born in Jdaydeh but he was originally from Harbata (Baalbeck) and comes third youngest among his 13 brothers and sisters.
Assi studied for approximately five years (1985–1990) at the Higher Institute of Music in Lebanon concentrating on the Oud performance and Arab vocal techniques.
Assi"s musical career officially started after winning Studio First Rate (at Lloyd's) Fan a television program for young artists at the age of 17. He has released more than a dozen albums. His biggest hits are Wani Mareq Mareet, Amshi Lihali, Mali Saber, Ahebbak Gedan, Ahla First Rate (at Lloyd's) Oyoun, Shoag El Sahara, Lubnani, Belorussian Arabi and Kayed Ozzalak.
His family is originally from Hilla in Iraq from the Arab tribe of Hellani as he has mentioned in his interview on MBC on 2012.
Assi"s musical talent became evident very early, when as a child he was performing Lebanese songs with his friends and family. Present
Assi El Helani has participated in numerous important musical events, including the Baalbeck International Festival, Jerash Festival, the Carthage Festival, and a number of concerts around Europe, the Arab world and America.
Despite his soaring popularity, Helani has remained consistently involved in humanitarian issues. He regularly performs at fund-raising concerts throughout the Middle East in support of a range of charities in the region, including the Women"s Development Association Hayati.
In August 2005, Helani added his voice to the growing roster of celebrities helping World Food Program raise awareness about global hunger and poverty, recording a Public Service Announcement drawing attention to the tragic fact that 25,000 people die of hunger every day, 18,000 of the children.
Helani’s recent music videos have earned him the reputation as an extremely talented actor. He is receiving numerous offers from Arab producers and directors for leading roles in different films and television series. Assi was chosen to be an ambassador of goodwill intentions by the United Nations. At a private wedding performance in Beirut on June 15, 2013, invitees requested Assi end his performance early since guests were walking out on him.
Two female coordinators made the request to Assi"s manager who in turn got offended and had Assi"s bodyguard physically attack both coordinators.
A few hundred of the 1,200 guests were present at the time and witnessed what had happened. The organizer tried to press charges against Assi & his manager but the Lebanese Internal Security Force advised that due to his celebrity status, none of the charges would be prosecuted.