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| Legendary Mohamed Abdel Wahab , king of Egyptian music and giant of Arabic Music 1901-1991 |
| Excerpts from what is written about his great life |
Date of birth 13 March 1901
Cairo, Egypt
Date of death 3 May 1991
Cairo, Egypt
Date of death 3 May 1991
Mohammed Abdel Wahab
Mohammed Abdel Wahab was the most prolific Arabic
composer of his time, responsible for more than a
thousand songs. He personally sang hundreds. For his
orchestration of the Egyptian national anthem, Anwar
Sadat awarded him the rank of general.
Abdel Wahab was born in 1907 in Cairo. He made his
first recording at the age of 13. In 1924 he was taken
under the wing of Ahmed Shawky, then known as the
Prince of Poets. Shawky saw to the furthering of Abdel
Wahab's musical and literary education, so that in time
if Shawky was the Prince of Poets, Abdel Wahab was
known as the Singer to Princes and Kings.
In the late 1920s Abdel Wahab wrote traditional
melodies, well suited to Shawky's texts. But as
European rule replaced Ottoman rule, Western influences
affected local music.
In particular, stage musicals in Arabic incorporated
Western elements. In 1926, it fell to Abdel Wahab to
complete a musical left unfinished by the late Said
Darwish, a great composer of the previous generation.
The musical centered on Antony and Cleopatra, and Abdel
Wahab himself played Antony to great acclaim.
After visiting Paris and familiarizing himself with
French musical presentations, Abdel Wahab invented the
Arabic film musical. To a popular culture in which
romantic love was commonly associated with suffering,
Abdel Wahab introduced a romantic hero of light-hearted
wit and urbane sophistication. His films portrayed a
Westernized social elite and featured music that broke
from tradition. Fellow composers noted that the music
was simplistic compared with Abdel Wahab's previous
work, and Abdel Wahab used lip-synching rather than the
improvisation on which Arabic music had traditionally
relied; but audiences loved it. The film "The White
Flower" was a phenomenon, breaking attendance records.
Abdel Wahab enjoyed introducing new female singers to
the public through his movies; many became stars,
including the great Leila Mourad, who would go on to
produce her own films. Musically, his films continued
controversial, as he began to feature large orchestras
with admixtures of Western instruments. Into his art,
he hybridized Western song forms such as the tango,
samba, and rhumba.
In the 1950s Abdel Wahab left film and concentrated on
his last recordings as a singer, assuming a new and
more serious musical style. In the 1960s he stopped
singing, but he continued composing for other singers.
It was in 1964 that after years of rivalry at the top
of their profession Om Kalthoum released a record of
his "Ente Omry" written for her to a text by the poet
Ahmad Ramy. Perhaps partly because of its timing--
coinciding with the flowering of Nasserism-- the
recording became Egypt's all-time best-seller. It was
the song the young generation thought of when they
thought of Om Kalthoum, though it was certainly Abdel
Wahab, not Om Kalthoum, who spiced up the orchestration
with an electric guitar.
For many years Abdel Wahab appeared very little in
public, but his popularity never faded. In 1988, at
the age of 81, he made a surprise return to the studio,
singing a new composition, and despite lyrics that
seemed unacceptably iconoclastic to some radicals, the
disk sold two million copies.
---------------------------------------------------------
Some biographical information about @abdel Wahab
from a TV program by Simone Bitton for Arcadia
Films, written up and contributed by Mark Levinson.
composer of his time, responsible for more than a
thousand songs. He personally sang hundreds. For his
orchestration of the Egyptian national anthem, Anwar
Sadat awarded him the rank of general.
Abdel Wahab was born in 1907 in Cairo. He made his
first recording at the age of 13. In 1924 he was taken
under the wing of Ahmed Shawky, then known as the
Prince of Poets. Shawky saw to the furthering of Abdel
Wahab's musical and literary education, so that in time
if Shawky was the Prince of Poets, Abdel Wahab was
known as the Singer to Princes and Kings.
In the late 1920s Abdel Wahab wrote traditional
melodies, well suited to Shawky's texts. But as
European rule replaced Ottoman rule, Western influences
affected local music.
In particular, stage musicals in Arabic incorporated
Western elements. In 1926, it fell to Abdel Wahab to
complete a musical left unfinished by the late Said
Darwish, a great composer of the previous generation.
The musical centered on Antony and Cleopatra, and Abdel
Wahab himself played Antony to great acclaim.
After visiting Paris and familiarizing himself with
French musical presentations, Abdel Wahab invented the
Arabic film musical. To a popular culture in which
romantic love was commonly associated with suffering,
Abdel Wahab introduced a romantic hero of light-hearted
wit and urbane sophistication. His films portrayed a
Westernized social elite and featured music that broke
from tradition. Fellow composers noted that the music
was simplistic compared with Abdel Wahab's previous
work, and Abdel Wahab used lip-synching rather than the
improvisation on which Arabic music had traditionally
relied; but audiences loved it. The film "The White
Flower" was a phenomenon, breaking attendance records.
Abdel Wahab enjoyed introducing new female singers to
the public through his movies; many became stars,
including the great Leila Mourad, who would go on to
produce her own films. Musically, his films continued
controversial, as he began to feature large orchestras
with admixtures of Western instruments. Into his art,
he hybridized Western song forms such as the tango,
samba, and rhumba.
In the 1950s Abdel Wahab left film and concentrated on
his last recordings as a singer, assuming a new and
more serious musical style. In the 1960s he stopped
singing, but he continued composing for other singers.
It was in 1964 that after years of rivalry at the top
of their profession Om Kalthoum released a record of
his "Ente Omry" written for her to a text by the poet
Ahmad Ramy. Perhaps partly because of its timing--
coinciding with the flowering of Nasserism-- the
recording became Egypt's all-time best-seller. It was
the song the young generation thought of when they
thought of Om Kalthoum, though it was certainly Abdel
Wahab, not Om Kalthoum, who spiced up the orchestration
with an electric guitar.
For many years Abdel Wahab appeared very little in
public, but his popularity never faded. In 1988, at
the age of 81, he made a surprise return to the studio,
singing a new composition, and despite lyrics that
seemed unacceptably iconoclastic to some radicals, the
disk sold two million copies.
---------------------------------------------------------
Some biographical information about @abdel Wahab
from a TV program by Simone Bitton for Arcadia
Films, written up and contributed by Mark Levinson.
Abdel Wahhab appeared in Vol. 1, No. 2 (December 1995).
ABDUL WAHAB - THE FATHER OF MODERN
EGYPTIAN SONG
by Habeeb Salloum*
From the 1930's to well into the 1970's, Muhammad Abdul Wahab was, to the vast majority of Arabic
speaking peoples, a giant in the world of Middle Eastern entertainment. Every Arab who could afford it
bought his records or tapes and listened for hours to his singing on radio and, later, television. His
captivating voice brought to their mind the glorious days of Arab culture -- the time when Arabic music and
song were the epitome of merriment. His rendering in melody of the classical poetry from the Arab's golden
age and that of their modern struggle against Western colonialism inspired in his listeners a feeling of pride
in their rich heritage.
I remember, in the 1950's, being bewitched with his voice as he sang these words of Ahmad Shawky, an
Egyptian poet who became famous in the early part of this century: "Greetings to the gentle breezes of River
Barada, Never-ending are the tears, 0 glorious Damascus. The blood of our martyrs, France knows well, And
knows that it is truth and Justice."
These words would thrill and imbue me with an appreciation of Arab history and entertainment and, at the
same time, gave me immense enjoyment.
Muhammad Abdul Wahab, modern Egypt's best known singer/composer and actor, died of heart failure on
May 3, 1991 after a musical career spanning 74 years. In those decades he rose from a humble beginning to
become the star of Egyptian song and a legend in the world of modern Arabic music and melody. Dubbed the
'musician of generations,' his music delighted for years people of all ages. During this long period, which
began in his teens, he composed for himself and other leading Arab singers over 1,800 romantic and
patriotic songs. His compositions for the late Umm Kalthoum, the greatest Arab songstress in history, gave
both artists great fame.
Abdul Wahab fell in love with music and acting as a child, joining a drama troupe at the age of seven. Later,
he began to sing at religious festivals. His family wanted him to study religion at Al-Azhar University, but he
rebelled and continued pursuing his passion for music. He studied traditional Arab melodies at the Arab
Music Club, now the Institute of Arab Music, and followed this by becoming familiar with Western music at the
Bergran School in Cairo.
In the years to come, his remarkable musical memory and fine baritone voice helped him achieve great
popularity and influence among the young in the world of music and song. For decades his improvisation on
the Oud [lute], composing and singing, captivated millions of Arabs and won him great fame.
His early musical career coincided with the revival of Arabic music in the Middle East. Always thinking of new
ways to enrich traditional song, he often combined the oriental quarter tone melodies with Western themes.
Representing a generation in transition, he is responsible for far-reaching changes to Arabic music and is
credited by art critics for giving modern Arabic songs their current musical form. His superimposition of a
mixture of Western musical instruments on a foundation of Arabic melodies captured the hearts of millions
and made him a much loved musical personality.
Besides his compositions and singing, he became a well-known actor. His first movie was produced in 1933.
Until 1946 he starred in six other films which continue to be regularly screened on television throughout the
Arab countries.
In the 1920s, Abdul Wahab became a close friend of the late well-known poet Ahmad Shawky and set that
bard's verses to music. A poet laureate of the Egyptian King Farouk, Shawky helped Abdul Wahab socially
and he became a traditional star at princely parties. In the ensuing years, his association with the opulent
aided in his climb to stardom and earned him the title, `singer of princes.'
A soft-spoken, tall and bespectacled man, Abdul Wahab continued, in his songs, to exalt the wealthy until the
Egyptian monarchy was overthrown in 1952. After the revolution which was led by young nationalist army
officers, his view of life radically changed. His songs became more inspiring and patriotic and he produced
some of his finest works. Among these were "The Eternal Nile," "Damascus," "Palestine," the musical scores
for Egypt's national anthem and the national anthems of Oman and the United Arab Republic. His last song
"Min Gheir Ley" [Without Asking Why], composed a few years before his death, is said to have salvaged the
Egyptian song industry which had been in the doldrums.
Abdul Wahab's singing was extremely popular in the Arab world and, during his lifetime, most Arab countries
acclaimed him and his works with decorations. When he died at the age of 90, after a period of poor health,
he was honored by Egypt with a huge military funeral at the Rabia al-Adawiya Mosque in Cairo. A six-horse
carriage procession, carrying his coffin, was led by the Prime and Foreign Ministers, followed by the Ministers
of Defense, Interior and Culture. The train also included Arab ambassadors and scores of well-known actors,
musicians and singers, many openly weeping as they walked behind the coffin.
Soldiers and police, hooking arms, formed a human shield around the procession which was proceeded by
bearers of flower wreaths and the medals he had been awarded in his lifetime. Many of the people in the
edging crowds had tears in their eyes as they rendered their last tribute to the father of modern Egyptian
song.
The Egyptian -media coverage of the funeral was equal to that afforded a major world figure. After his death,
the newspapers covered, for days, his works and the radio and television stations aired his songs and
movies on a continuing basis. It was a fitting recognition for the father of modern Arabic song.
With the passing away of Abdul Wahab, the Arab world has lost the founder of contemporary Arabic music.
For more than half a century his composing and singing -- he was still writing when he died - appealing to
both young and old, made him a beloved figure. This is best reflected by a banner raised during the funeral
procession which read: "Adieu to Egypt's fourth pyramid."
*Habeeb Salloum, who lives in Canada, writes about Arab culture and arts.
ABDUL WAHAB - THE FATHER OF MODERN
EGYPTIAN SONG
by Habeeb Salloum*
From the 1930's to well into the 1970's, Muhammad Abdul Wahab was, to the vast majority of Arabic
speaking peoples, a giant in the world of Middle Eastern entertainment. Every Arab who could afford it
bought his records or tapes and listened for hours to his singing on radio and, later, television. His
captivating voice brought to their mind the glorious days of Arab culture -- the time when Arabic music and
song were the epitome of merriment. His rendering in melody of the classical poetry from the Arab's golden
age and that of their modern struggle against Western colonialism inspired in his listeners a feeling of pride
in their rich heritage.
I remember, in the 1950's, being bewitched with his voice as he sang these words of Ahmad Shawky, an
Egyptian poet who became famous in the early part of this century: "Greetings to the gentle breezes of River
Barada, Never-ending are the tears, 0 glorious Damascus. The blood of our martyrs, France knows well, And
knows that it is truth and Justice."
These words would thrill and imbue me with an appreciation of Arab history and entertainment and, at the
same time, gave me immense enjoyment.
Muhammad Abdul Wahab, modern Egypt's best known singer/composer and actor, died of heart failure on
May 3, 1991 after a musical career spanning 74 years. In those decades he rose from a humble beginning to
become the star of Egyptian song and a legend in the world of modern Arabic music and melody. Dubbed the
'musician of generations,' his music delighted for years people of all ages. During this long period, which
began in his teens, he composed for himself and other leading Arab singers over 1,800 romantic and
patriotic songs. His compositions for the late Umm Kalthoum, the greatest Arab songstress in history, gave
both artists great fame.
Abdul Wahab fell in love with music and acting as a child, joining a drama troupe at the age of seven. Later,
he began to sing at religious festivals. His family wanted him to study religion at Al-Azhar University, but he
rebelled and continued pursuing his passion for music. He studied traditional Arab melodies at the Arab
Music Club, now the Institute of Arab Music, and followed this by becoming familiar with Western music at the
Bergran School in Cairo.
In the years to come, his remarkable musical memory and fine baritone voice helped him achieve great
popularity and influence among the young in the world of music and song. For decades his improvisation on
the Oud [lute], composing and singing, captivated millions of Arabs and won him great fame.
His early musical career coincided with the revival of Arabic music in the Middle East. Always thinking of new
ways to enrich traditional song, he often combined the oriental quarter tone melodies with Western themes.
Representing a generation in transition, he is responsible for far-reaching changes to Arabic music and is
credited by art critics for giving modern Arabic songs their current musical form. His superimposition of a
mixture of Western musical instruments on a foundation of Arabic melodies captured the hearts of millions
and made him a much loved musical personality.
Besides his compositions and singing, he became a well-known actor. His first movie was produced in 1933.
Until 1946 he starred in six other films which continue to be regularly screened on television throughout the
Arab countries.
In the 1920s, Abdul Wahab became a close friend of the late well-known poet Ahmad Shawky and set that
bard's verses to music. A poet laureate of the Egyptian King Farouk, Shawky helped Abdul Wahab socially
and he became a traditional star at princely parties. In the ensuing years, his association with the opulent
aided in his climb to stardom and earned him the title, `singer of princes.'
A soft-spoken, tall and bespectacled man, Abdul Wahab continued, in his songs, to exalt the wealthy until the
Egyptian monarchy was overthrown in 1952. After the revolution which was led by young nationalist army
officers, his view of life radically changed. His songs became more inspiring and patriotic and he produced
some of his finest works. Among these were "The Eternal Nile," "Damascus," "Palestine," the musical scores
for Egypt's national anthem and the national anthems of Oman and the United Arab Republic. His last song
"Min Gheir Ley" [Without Asking Why], composed a few years before his death, is said to have salvaged the
Egyptian song industry which had been in the doldrums.
Abdul Wahab's singing was extremely popular in the Arab world and, during his lifetime, most Arab countries
acclaimed him and his works with decorations. When he died at the age of 90, after a period of poor health,
he was honored by Egypt with a huge military funeral at the Rabia al-Adawiya Mosque in Cairo. A six-horse
carriage procession, carrying his coffin, was led by the Prime and Foreign Ministers, followed by the Ministers
of Defense, Interior and Culture. The train also included Arab ambassadors and scores of well-known actors,
musicians and singers, many openly weeping as they walked behind the coffin.
Soldiers and police, hooking arms, formed a human shield around the procession which was proceeded by
bearers of flower wreaths and the medals he had been awarded in his lifetime. Many of the people in the
edging crowds had tears in their eyes as they rendered their last tribute to the father of modern Egyptian
song.
The Egyptian -media coverage of the funeral was equal to that afforded a major world figure. After his death,
the newspapers covered, for days, his works and the radio and television stations aired his songs and
movies on a continuing basis. It was a fitting recognition for the father of modern Arabic song.
With the passing away of Abdul Wahab, the Arab world has lost the founder of contemporary Arabic music.
For more than half a century his composing and singing -- he was still writing when he died - appealing to
both young and old, made him a beloved figure. This is best reflected by a banner raised during the funeral
procession which read: "Adieu to Egypt's fourth pyramid."
*Habeeb Salloum, who lives in Canada, writes about Arab culture and arts.
Who’s Who - Mohamed Abdel Wahab
by Jasmin Jahal, December 2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Composer, musician, singer, actor, Mohamed Abdel Wahab was a giant in the world of Middle Eastern
entertainment. This prolific artist composed some of the most classical Egyptian music.
Mohamed Abdel Wahab was born in 1907 in Cairo. As a child, he fell in love with music and acting, joining a
drama troupe at the age of seven. Later, he sang at religious festivals. Although his family wanted him to
study religion, Abdel Wahab pursued his passion for music. He trained formally in both Arabic music and
Western music. He had a beautiful baritone singing voice and played the oud.
In the 1920's, Abdel Wahab became a close friend with a famous poet, Ahmad Shawky. Abdel Wahab set
Shawky's words to music. Shawky helped Abdel Wahab become a star at opulent parties.
Abdel Wahab began to compose for stage musicals that innovatively began to incorporate Western
elements. Always thinking of new ways to enrich traditional song, he often combined the oriental quarter tone
melodies with western rhythms such as the tango, samba and rumba. He also mixed western musical
instruments into large Arabic orchestras. Representing a generation in transition, Abdel Wahab is considered
responsible for far-reaching changes to Arabic music and to giving modern Arabic songs their current
musical form.
Besides composing and singing, Abdel Wahab became a well-known actor. His first movie was produced in
1933. He practically invented the Arabic film musical, introducing a romantic hero who was light-hearted and
sophisticated. His films portrayed westernized elite society and featured non-traditional music. Audiences
loved these films and still do to this day. Abdel Wahab starred in seven films, which continue to be regularly
viewed on television throughout Arab countries.
In the 1950's, Abdel Wahab left film and concentrated on his singing career in a new and serious style. His
songs were patriotic and included composing the musical scores for Egypt's national anthem and the national
anthems of Oman and the United Arab Republic.
In the 1960's, he stopped singing, but continued to compose for other singers. It was during this decade that
Abdel Wahab composed for one of his greatest rivals, Om Koulthom (see Who's Who article on Om
Koulthom). He released "Ente Omri", a recording that became Egypt's all-time bestseller and gave both
artists great fame.
Abdel Wahab worked well into the 1970's. While he appeared less and less in public, the popularity of his
music never faded. Then in 1988, at the age of 81, he surprised everyone when he returned to the studio
with a new composition.
In 1991, Mohamed Abdel Wahab died of heart failure. His career spanned 74 years and created a legend in
the world of modern Arabic music and melody. He composed over 1800 romantic and patriotic songs.
Egypt honored Abdel Wahab with a huge military funeral. The long procession included the Prime and
Foreign Ministers, Ministers of Defense, Interior and Culture, Arab ambassadors and many well know actors,
musicians and singers. The media coverage was equal to that of a major world figure.
Newspapers covered his works for days after his death. Radio and television aired his songs and movies.
With the passing of Abdel Wahab, the Arab world lost the founder of contemporary Arabic music. His work
appealed to both young and old for more than half a century, and continues into the new millennium. A
banner raised during the funeral procession, which read, best reflects this: "Adieu to Egypt's fourth pyramid".
Some of the songs which dancers have popularly used in performance include "Zeina", "Fyom Weleleh",
"Aziza" and "Min Ghir Leh". Listed below are CDs, which include works by Mohamed Abdel Wahab:
Best of Mohamed Abdel Wahab by Hossam Ramzy
Jalilah's Raks Sharki Volumes 2,3 and 5 by Moktar al Said and Jalilah
Hamada by Sayed Balaha
Wash Ya Wash volume 2 by Raqia Hassan and Yousri Sharif
Souk al Amir by Georges Lamman
Fyom Weleleh by Georges Lamman
Magic of John Bilezikjan by John Bilezikjan
Belly Dance The Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab CXG CD 610
by Jasmin Jahal, December 2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Composer, musician, singer, actor, Mohamed Abdel Wahab was a giant in the world of Middle Eastern
entertainment. This prolific artist composed some of the most classical Egyptian music.
Mohamed Abdel Wahab was born in 1907 in Cairo. As a child, he fell in love with music and acting, joining a
drama troupe at the age of seven. Later, he sang at religious festivals. Although his family wanted him to
study religion, Abdel Wahab pursued his passion for music. He trained formally in both Arabic music and
Western music. He had a beautiful baritone singing voice and played the oud.
In the 1920's, Abdel Wahab became a close friend with a famous poet, Ahmad Shawky. Abdel Wahab set
Shawky's words to music. Shawky helped Abdel Wahab become a star at opulent parties.
Abdel Wahab began to compose for stage musicals that innovatively began to incorporate Western
elements. Always thinking of new ways to enrich traditional song, he often combined the oriental quarter tone
melodies with western rhythms such as the tango, samba and rumba. He also mixed western musical
instruments into large Arabic orchestras. Representing a generation in transition, Abdel Wahab is considered
responsible for far-reaching changes to Arabic music and to giving modern Arabic songs their current
musical form.
Besides composing and singing, Abdel Wahab became a well-known actor. His first movie was produced in
1933. He practically invented the Arabic film musical, introducing a romantic hero who was light-hearted and
sophisticated. His films portrayed westernized elite society and featured non-traditional music. Audiences
loved these films and still do to this day. Abdel Wahab starred in seven films, which continue to be regularly
viewed on television throughout Arab countries.
In the 1950's, Abdel Wahab left film and concentrated on his singing career in a new and serious style. His
songs were patriotic and included composing the musical scores for Egypt's national anthem and the national
anthems of Oman and the United Arab Republic.
In the 1960's, he stopped singing, but continued to compose for other singers. It was during this decade that
Abdel Wahab composed for one of his greatest rivals, Om Koulthom (see Who's Who article on Om
Koulthom). He released "Ente Omri", a recording that became Egypt's all-time bestseller and gave both
artists great fame.
Abdel Wahab worked well into the 1970's. While he appeared less and less in public, the popularity of his
music never faded. Then in 1988, at the age of 81, he surprised everyone when he returned to the studio
with a new composition.
In 1991, Mohamed Abdel Wahab died of heart failure. His career spanned 74 years and created a legend in
the world of modern Arabic music and melody. He composed over 1800 romantic and patriotic songs.
Egypt honored Abdel Wahab with a huge military funeral. The long procession included the Prime and
Foreign Ministers, Ministers of Defense, Interior and Culture, Arab ambassadors and many well know actors,
musicians and singers. The media coverage was equal to that of a major world figure.
Newspapers covered his works for days after his death. Radio and television aired his songs and movies.
With the passing of Abdel Wahab, the Arab world lost the founder of contemporary Arabic music. His work
appealed to both young and old for more than half a century, and continues into the new millennium. A
banner raised during the funeral procession, which read, best reflects this: "Adieu to Egypt's fourth pyramid".
Some of the songs which dancers have popularly used in performance include "Zeina", "Fyom Weleleh",
"Aziza" and "Min Ghir Leh". Listed below are CDs, which include works by Mohamed Abdel Wahab:
Best of Mohamed Abdel Wahab by Hossam Ramzy
Jalilah's Raks Sharki Volumes 2,3 and 5 by Moktar al Said and Jalilah
Hamada by Sayed Balaha
Wash Ya Wash volume 2 by Raqia Hassan and Yousri Sharif
Souk al Amir by Georges Lamman
Fyom Weleleh by Georges Lamman
Magic of John Bilezikjan by John Bilezikjan
Belly Dance The Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab CXG CD 610
