Hussam AlRassam, born Hussam Mahmoud Hashem on March 29, 1978, in Hilla, Babil Governorate, is a prominent Iraqi singer and composer. He grew up in an artistic environment, learning the fundamentals of music, Iraqi Maqamat, and Quranic recitation, winning an award for best Quran reciter in Babil on multiple occasions. In 1995, he moved to Baghdad to attend the Institute of Fine Arts, where he specialized in playing the Oud, graduating in 2003. He earned his nickname "AlRassam" (The Painter) from his studies in the art of drawing at the institute. His professional music career began in 2001 with his debut album "Jamalek Sumari." However, his breakthrough and widespread fame occurred after 2003, making him one of the first artists to rise to prominence in that era. Due to the security situation, he left Iraq and lived in Jordan, Syria, and the UAE, where large Iraqi communities helped propel his career. AlRassam is known for blending traditional Iraqi music with modern pop elements. His songs often explore themes of love, patriotism, and nostalgia, establishing him as a voice for Iraqis both at home and abroad. In addition to his singing career, he has also acted in television series such as "Waker Al-Theeb" and "Soor Al-Dabab."

In 2007, Hussam AlRassam co-performed the song "Jeeb El Kass" (Bring the Cup), which became the official anthem for the Iraqi national football team during their historic AFC Asian Cup victory. The song, a collaboration with three other artists, became a massive national success and solidified his status as an influential patriotic voice. [3] AlRassam achieved early success at Arab festivals, winning first prize at the Al-Chabiba Festival in Algeria in 2001. He also received an award at the Fuheis Festival in Jordan the same year, in addition to being granted the Old Medal by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate in recognition of his talent and artistic contributions. [2] Beyond his singing career, Hussam AlRassam has also ventured into acting, participating in several television dramas and stage productions. His notable acting credits include the series "Waker Al-Theeb," which aired on Al-Baghdadia TV, the series "Soor Al-Dabab," and the play "Yemma Baghdad," directed by Mohsen Al-Ali. [6, 8]

He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, where he specialized in the music department, focusing on the Oud instrument, and graduated in 2003. He also briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts before leaving Iraq. [1, 2, 17]