was a success as the lyrics were easy to relate to, and it teamed two of the region's most prominent artists together. Taking this success, Karam got back to the drawing board for a new album. Months were spent piecing together lyrics and arrangements, and by mid-2003, the album was ready for release. Rotana set up a large launch party in Downtown Beirut, where over fifteen thousand of Karam's fans packed the streets, waiting for her to appear and sing her new material. Saharni (Charmed) was the kind of album that was a rebirth of the "old Najwa Karam", and took the public by surprise, as they had at this point come to expect contemporary pop from the Shams el-Ghinnieh. The music had all the makings of distinctly Lebanese music: trumbakke solos, traditional wind instruments, much bass and a vibrant singing style – all features far removed from the "western" motif that most artists opted for at the time. Not only had Karam's music changed, but she also sported a new look, which further emphasized that the album was a turnaround. Saharni'''s success was instantaneous, even though there was a lack of video clips for the songs, the album came through on top of the charts and produced a number of major hits, including Edhak Lil Dounya (Smile to the world), and the title track Saharni (He charmed me). Karam made a world tour to complement Saharnis success, taking in the Middle East as well as destinations such as France and the US with Wadih el Safi. She also traveled to Australia. Her concert there still holds the record for largest ever recorded concert attendance for an Arabic artist. Karam was presented with a number of awards and achievements in 2003. These include "Highest Selling Album" from Rotana, and award for the "Best singer of Traditional Lebanese Song" from the Lions Club, "Song of the Year": Edhak Lil Donya from Sawt El Ghad Australia, and an honorary award from the Australian Government. As the New Year came and passed, Karam began work on a new single to be included in her upcoming album. This single would be like no other she had released before. Titled Leish Mgharrab? (Why are you living abroad?) it told of the hardships that people face when having to leave their home country for a better life. Coupled with this harrowing topic, was a revolutionary new