Naji Hilal was born in Lebanon to a musically gifted family. At the early age of 6, Naji’s father made sure that Naji would carry on the family’s musical legacy. Growing up, Hilal was exposed to the fine arts of Lebanese traditional and classical music, mastering the oud while playing with local Lebanese bands. The musically versatile Hilal also plays the viola, nay (a Middle Eastern flute), guitar, accordion, and various percussive instruments. He is also a singer and composer. Hilal produced Intizar, a contemporary Middle Eastern music album, and Taqaseem, an oud improvisation album, and he is currently working on an inspirational meditation music album and an American/Arabic fusion belly dance song.

In 2012, Hilal composed Arabic music that was featured in Arabian Nights, which was performed in Thompson Theater at North Carolina State University. This was Hilal’s first attempt to compose Arabic music to English lyrics, which was a step forward in Arabic/American fusion of music.