The early years and Layali Lubnan: 1966-1988
Najwa Nicola Karam was born in Zahle, Lebanon, to Karam Karam and Barbara Shaheen Karam a family of Lebanese Maronites. She is the youngest of five children, having an older sister, Salwa, and three older brothers, Tony, Jean and Niqoula. She spent her childhood in Zahle, in the care of her parents and older brothers. From an early age, Najwa was known among her friends and relatives for her powerful singing voice, but her parents emphasized the need for an education and a stable career over entertaining.
Karam attended secondary school at Jesus the Angel College, and went on to study at University. Here, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and then worked as a teacher for two years at Eastern College, Zahle.
In 1985, Karam decided to pursue a singing career by participating in the television singing contest, Layali Lubnan ("Lebanese Nights), although against her father's wishes. Interpreting popular varieties of the traditional Lebanese "Mawal" in her powerful voice, Najwa walked away with the Gold Medal, public exposure and her father's approval.
Following this win, Karam studied at the Lebanese Institute of Music for four years to improve her knowledge of music and the music industry in general. Here, she was under the direction of renowned Lebanese composers Zaki Nasif and Fouad Awad. In 1987 Najwa participated in another television contest named Laylat Haz, where she was warmly accepted by the audience. By 1989, Najwa had gained the knowledge and experience she needed to make her first attempt at breaking into the Arabic music industry.