Maryse Abi Haidar

ID# 201805087

Music Assignment: Singers’ lives

Due date: April 15th, 2020

 I. Oum Kulthum:

Oum Kalthoum (1904–1975) was an Egyptian singer. At a young age, she showed exceptional

singing talent. Poet Ahmad Rami wrote her 137 songs. In 1932, her fame increased and

embarked upon a large tour of the Middle East, touring such cities as Damascus, Baghdad,

Beirut, and Tripoli. Her songs deal with love, longing and loss. A typical concert consisted of the

performance of two or three songs over of three to six hours. She gave her last concert in 1973.

II. Zaki Nassif:

Zaki Nassif (1918-2004) a Lebanese music composer whom compositions are still performed in

Lebanon today. He was involved in poetry such as zagal, maannaa, 'ataba, mijana, abu el zuluf,

at an early age. He was one of the Big Five who contributed to Radio Liban in the 1950s. He

doesn’t belong to the Rahbani School that married western music with old Lebanese gigs.

Rather, he remained with the old material but with a fresh spirit of the Lebanese countryside.
 III. Farid El Atrach:
Farid al-Atrash (1910 – 1974), was a Syrian-Egyptian composer, singer, virtuoso oud player, and

actor. Al-Atrash embarked on a highly successful career spanning more than four decades—

recording 500 songs and starring in 31 movies. Sometimes referred to as "King of the Oud", he is

one of the most important figures of 20th century Arab music.  Although most of his

compositions were romantic love songs, he also composed several patriotic and religious songs.
 IV. Wadih El Safi:
Wadih El Safi (1921 – 2013) was a Lebanese singer, songwriter and composer. He was a

Lebanese icon and the forefather of the country's musical culture, he was the longest singer in

production, 75 years in the singing profession. Wadih El Safi has sung over 5000 songs. He is

well known for his mawawil of 'Ataba, Mijana, and Abu el Zuluf. He has performed and

recorded with many well-known Lebanese musicians such as Fairouz, and Sabah.