Umm Kulthum

Umm Kulthum, often called the "Star of the East," was an Egyptian singing legend whose voice defined Arabic music for decades. Born around 1904 in a small village in the Nile Delta, she began reciting Quranic verses in her childhood before rising to fame in the 1920s with her emotive, powerful vocals and mastery of classical Arabic poetry. By mid-century, she’d become a cultural icon, blending traditional *tarab* (musical ecstasy) with orchestral grandeur in epic songs like "Enta Omri" and "Al-Atlal." Her live performances were marathon events, with audiences hanging on every note as she stretched lyrics into hypnotic, improvisational journeys.

More than a singer, Umm Kulthum symbolized Arab unity and resilience. She collaborated with literary giants like Ahmed Rami and composed with Mohamed Abdel Wahab, shaping modern Arabic music. Even Egyptian presidents radio-broadcast her monthly concerts to avoid empty streets! Though she passed in 1975, her timeless tracks—like the classics listed above—still stream endlessly, and her influence echoes in everyone from Fairuz to today’s pop stars. A diva who never strayed from her roots? That’s Umm Kulthum.

Genres

Egyptian Pop

Khaleeji

Latest Release

Oum Kalsoum the Legend

Umm Kulthum

Album - 10 Tracks - Released April 16, 2020