Umm Kulthum, “Egypt’s fourth pyramid”

Review by Sonia Caballero

The short: 

A voice that became a national symbol and an Arabic movement. That is what Umm Kulthum’s irreplaceable voice represents for the citizens and worldwide lovers of the Middle East.   

The long: 

Umm Kulthum (December 1898 or May 1904 – February 1975) was a masterful Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress who received the honorific title of Kawkab al-Sharq (“Star of the East”) for her unique voice and role in the determination of the Arabic identity during the late colonial time of the MENA region. Umm Kulthum learnt how to sing by listening her father’s recitation of the Qu’ran. She memorized the Holy Book at an early age and participated in public shows dressed like a boy to avoid the criticism of the time. Soon after, she was invited to perform in Cairo’s most renowned theaters, where she astonished her audience with her contralto register, two hour-duration passionate songs, and her ability to improvise (it is said that Um Kulthum never sang a line the same way twice). Her musician companions, usually playing oud, qanun and tabla, confirmed their need to adapt the symphony to the artist’s spontaneity in live performances. Her songs were often composed by remarkable poets and musicians of the time, like Enta Omry and Amal Hatyati, by Mohamad Abdel Wahab. Umm Kulthum’s funeral became a national event, with around 4 million grief-stricken Egyptians who kept her music alive to this day. 

To listen or not to listen:

Known from the West to the East of what today we call the Middle East and North Africa, Umm Kulthum is an Arabic legend. It does not matter if you are in a Tunisian café or enjoying a tasty dinner in Damascus, you will be listening to Egypt’s fourth pyramid.