Yacoub Shaheen (Arabic: يعقوب شاهين; born 27 February 1994) is a Palestinian musician and singer. Born in Bethlehem, Shaheen grew up surrounded by music from an early age, and engaged in musical lessons from his youth. His early experiences in musical education would inspire him to pursue a career as a singer, performing at various festivals and winning competitions.
Shaheen is most well known for participating in the fourth season of Arab Idol, winning the contest in early 2017. His win catapulted him to popularity in his native Palestine, as well as among the Assyrian community in Bethlehem to which he belonged. He has since continued his career as a musician and singer.
Biography
Shaheen was born to an Assyrian Christian family on 27 February, 1994 in the city of Bethlehem; his parents were refugees from Jerusalem, and his father worked as a carpenter. He would spend his childhood in Bethlehem and began to develop a passion for music after discovering Arabic and Assyrian folk-pop music, and at the age of seven, he enrolled in the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. He would learn several musical instruments, including the bozouki and clarinet, while he also developed his skills by participating in school and church choirs.
