Before Lady Gaga There Was Lady Madonna

It was singer Lady Madonna, born Madonna Antoine Arnita, who redefined music, fashion and stage performance in a post-war Lebanon. Initially working under the Rahbani brothers, a duo infamous for their playwrights and for shaping artists like Fairuz, Madonna leaned heavily into theatrics. Her outfits and songs were camp, maximalist and avant-garde, bringing a Broadway-esque shift to Arab pop culture.

From embroidered bodysuits and feather boas to diamanté Lebanese tantour headdresses and even a full Christmas tree dress, Lady Madonna was the Middle East's 'Lady Gaga,' outdoing Gaga before she was even born. Lady Madonna had many hits, including El Leila Helwa and Habibi Tal Alaye. Her performances were sensational, with one critic even stating that "Lady Madonna sings with her legs."

There is no denying the effect Lady Madonna had, and still has, on pop culture. She became an early showcase for fashion designers such as Elie Saab and Fouad Sarkis, turning stage costume into high fashion. She also popularised self-exaltation in Arabic music with her song Ana Madonna, with many Arab pop princesses, such as Haifa Wehbe, later following suit with their own versions, such as Ana Haifa.

Lady Madonna still continues to be a pop culture icon, still donning her kitschy, theatrical outfits decades later.

Words by @smizzowrites