Umm Kulthum… A Voice That Embodies Egypt

Umm Kulthum… A Voice That Embodies Egypt

In the realm of Arab music, no star has shone as brightly as the Star of the East, Madam Umm Kulthum. Her exceptional voice united the Arab world in a shared passion, stirring emotions from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. Her voice was not merely a tool for singing—it was a mirror reflecting the soul of an entire nation. It echoed the collective consciousness of its people, pulsating with their dreams and sorrows. Umm Kulthum transcended the role of a singer to become a cultural and national icon, the voice of the Arab world in its most defining moments.

Fatima Ibrahim El-Sayed El-Beltagi, famously known as Umm Kulthum, was born on May 4, 1898, in the village of Tamay al-Zahayra in the Senbellawein district of Dakahlia Governorate. She grew up in a humble household; her father was a muezzin and a religious chanter. Raised in a spiritual environment, her early experiences deeply influenced her artistic formation. From a young age, her sweet voice drew attention, and she began repeating the religious chants of her father and her brother Khaled. Her father soon began taking her with him to his performances, marking the start of her artistic journey across Egypt’s towns and villages.

In 1922, Umm Kulthum arrived in Cairo, encouraged by Sheikh Abu Al-Ila Muhammad, a leading musical figure at the time. In 1924, the renowned poet Ahmed Rami heard her sing one of his poems. Thus began a long and fruitful artistic and personal collaboration that left an indelible mark on the history of Arabic music.

With the launch of Egyptian Radio in 1934, Umm Kulthum's fame skyrocketed. Her voice became a daily presence in Egyptian and Arab homes. Over her career, she performed more than 700 songs and collaborated with a constellation of legendary composers such as Zakaria Ahmed, Riad Al Sunbati, Mohamed El Qasabgi, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mohamed El Mougy, Baligh Hamdi, Kamal El Tawil, and others.

Umm Kulthum was more than a performer; she was a voice for the nation and the Arab world. With her voice, she shared in both the joy and grief of her people. She sang for Egypt, declaring:

“Egypt, that lives in my heart and on my lips... I love her with all my soul and blood.”

And from the poetry of Hafez Ibrahim:

“All creation stood in awe… as I built the foundations of glory alone.”

Her contributions went beyond national borders. She dedicated her art to national causes, touring Arab and European capitals and donating concert proceeds to support Egypt, especially after the 1967 defeat. Thus, she earned the title “Ambassador of Arab Art” in every sense of the word.

Umm Kulthum also ventured into cinema, starring in six successful films: Wedad (1936), Song of Hope (1937), Dananeer (1939), Aida (1942), Salama (1944), and finally Fatma (1946), which achieved great success. These films were not just showcases for her voice, but integral to her artistic legacy.

In recognition of her artistic and national stature, Umm Kulthum was granted a diplomatic passport and honored by numerous Arab and international countries. Yet, her greatest decoration was the boundless love of the masses—an affection that lives on long after her passing.

On February 4, 1975, Umm Kulthum departed this life. Her funeral was an unparalleled national and popular event, attended by over four million mourners. Crowds of Egyptians walked in sorrow, bidding farewell to the voice that shaped their collective memory for decades. Tears still flow whenever her voice returns to the airwaves or screens.

In conclusion, Umm Kulthum remains a unique artistic and human phenomenon. She carried Egypt’s voice to the heart of the Arab world, transforming singing into a language of resistance, a message of unity, and a tool for enlightenment. She will forever be remembered as an unforgettable voice and an enduring symbol of Egypt.

Source: 

Egyptian State Information Service