Umm Kulthum was an iconic Egyptian singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1930s and became one of the most celebrated musicians in the Arab world. Known for her powerful and soulful voice, Kulthum was also renowned for her mastery of classical Arabic music and her ability to infuse her performances with a sense of emotion and passion.
Kulthum’s music was characterized by its rich melodies, intricate rhythms, and poetic lyrics, which often explored themes of love, longing, and spirituality. Her performances were epic in scope, sometimes lasting for several hours, and were often accompanied by a large orchestra and choir.
Throughout her career, Kulthum released dozens of albums and recorded hundreds of songs, many of which have become classics of the Arabic music canon. She was also known for her philanthropy, using her wealth and influence to support various social causes and charitable organizations.
Kulthum’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world, and her music remains a beloved and cherished part of Arab culture. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of Arabic music, and her impact on the music industry is immeasurable.
1) El Awela fel Gharam – 1944 (music: Zakaria Ahmad & poet: Bayram al-Tunisi)
“El Awela fel Gharam” is a classic Arabic love song that was first recorded in 1944 by the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. The music was composed by Zakaria Ahmad, one of the most influential musicians in the Arab world, and the lyrics were written by the Tunisian poet Bayram al-Tunisi. The song is characterized by Umm Kulthum’s powerful vocals and the emotive melody that highlights the depth of the lyrics, which are filled with longing and passion. “El Awela fel Gharam” has since become a cultural icon in the Arab world and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest love songs of all time.
2) Salou Qalbi – 1946 (music: Riad al Sanbati & poet: Ahmad Shawqi)
“Salou Qalbi” is a classic Arabic song, composed by Riad al-Sanbati and featuring the poetry of renowned Egyptian poet Ahmad Shawqi. The song was first released in 1946 and has since become a beloved part of Arabic musical heritage. The song’s title translates to “Ask My Heart”, and its lyrics are a romantic declaration of love and longing. The song is performed in a traditional Arabic style, featuring intricate melodies and rhythms played on instruments such as the oud and qanun. “Salou Qalbi” is a testament to the enduring popularity and beauty of Arabic music and poetry.
3) Al Nil – 1949 (music: Riad al Sanbati & poet: Ahmad Shawqi)
4) Roubaiyyat al Khayyam – 1950 (music: Riad al Sanbati & poet: Omar al Khayyam – translated by Ahmad Rami)
“Roubaiyyat al Khayyam” is a renowned Arabic song that was first recorded in 1950 by the Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez. The music was composed by Riad al-Sanbati, a prominent Egyptian composer, and the lyrics were adapted from the works of the Persian poet Omar al Khayyam and translated into Arabic by the renowned poet Ahmad Rami. The song’s melancholic melody and poetic lyrics express the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of cherishing each moment. “Roubaiyyat al Khayyam” has become a cultural treasure in the Arab world, and its timeless message continues to resonate with listeners today.
5) Arouh Lemin – 1958 (music: Riad al Sanbati & poet: Abdel Menhem Al Sbaey)
“Roubaiyyat al Khayyam” is a renowned Arabic song that was first recorded in 1950 by the Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez. The music was composed by Riad al-Sanbati, a prominent Egyptian composer, and the lyrics were adapted from the works of the Persian poet Omar al Khayyam and translated into Arabic by the renowned poet Ahmad Rami. The song’s melancholic melody and poetic lyrics express the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of cherishing each moment. “Roubaiyyat al Khayyam” has become a cultural treasure in the Arab world, and its timeless message continues to resonate with listeners today.
6) Enta Omri – 1964 (music: Mohamad Abdel Wahab & poet: Ahmad Shafeeq Kamel)
“Enta Omri” is a classic Egyptian song, composed by the renowned musician and composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab and featuring the poetry of Ahmad Shafiq Kamel. The song was first released in 1964 and has since become a beloved part of Arabic musical heritage. The song’s title translates to “You Are My Life” and its lyrics express a deep and abiding love for a romantic partner. The song is performed in a traditional Egyptian style, featuring a blend of Western and Arabic instruments and a haunting melody that has captured the hearts of generations of listeners. “Enta Omri” is a timeless classic and a testament to the power of music to touch the soul.
7) Siret el Hobb – 1964 (music by Baligh Hamdi & poet: Morsi Jamil Aziz)
“Siret el Hobb” is a classic Arabic song, composed by Baligh Hamdi and featuring the poetry of Morsi Jamil Aziz. The song was first released in 1964 and has since become a beloved part of Arabic musical heritage. The song’s title translates to “Love Story” and its lyrics tell the story of a romantic relationship that has encountered challenges and obstacles. The song is performed in a traditional Arabic style, featuring intricate melodies and rhythms played on instruments such as the oud and qanun. “Siret el Hobb” is a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring popularity and beauty of Arabic music and poetry.
8) Amal Hayati – 1965 (music: Mohamad Abdel Wahab & poet: Ahmad Shafiq Kamel
“Amal Hayati – 1965” is a classic Arabic song that was composed by the renowned Egyptian musician Mohamed Abdel Wahab and written by the poet Ahmad Shafiq Kamel. The song’s title translates to “Hope of My Life,” and the lyrics express a deep sense of longing and devotion. The melody is beautiful and soulful, with a haunting quality that captures the intensity of the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. “Amal Hayati – 1965” is considered a masterpiece of Arabic music and is beloved by fans of the genre around the world. It remains an enduring tribute to the power of love and the human spirit.
9) Al Atlal – 1966 (music: Riad al Sanbati & poet: Ibrahim Naji)
“Al Atlal” is a classic Arabic song that was first recorded in 1966 by the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. The music was composed by Riad al-Sanbati, one of the most influential composers in the Arab world, and the lyrics were written by the Egyptian poet Ibrahim Naji. The song’s haunting melody and poetic lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia, longing, and heartache, as it describes the ruins of a lost love. “Al Atlal” has become an iconic song in the Arab world, and Umm Kulthum’s emotional and powerful rendition of it has cemented its place as a cultural treasure.
10) Al Leila w Leila – 1969 (music: Baligh Hamdi & poet: Morsi Jamil Aziz)
“Al Leila w Leila” is a classic Arabic song, composed by Baligh Hamdi and featuring the poetry of Morsi Jamil Aziz. The song was first released in 1969 and has since become an iconic part of Arabic musical heritage. The song’s title translates to “One Thousand and One Nights” and its lyrics evoke the magical and mystical world of the famous Arabian Nights tales. The song is performed in a traditional Arabic style, featuring a blend of Western and Arabic instruments and a sweeping melody that has captivated audiences for decades. “Al Leila w Leila” is a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring popularity of Arabic music and culture.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
