In memory of Umm Kulthum.
February 3rd 2025 marks exactly fifty years since the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum (Star of the Orient, the greatest singer of the Arab world) passed away in Cairo.
We remember her with selected early live performances that show her voice, vocal power, musical creativity and improvisations. These live concerts (at least every first Thursday of the month) were broadcast and recorded live by the Egyptian national radio. Few such live recordings predating 1952 actually survived. Her ensemble and the typical Arabic art of accompanying can also be well heard in these recordings.
The concerts were at her “home” avenue till early 1960s: the old Azbakeya Garden Theater
Playlist:
1. Ghannili Shway Shway (Sing me a little) 25:34
Live at Azbakeya Garden Theatre, Cairo, Egypt December 1952
2. Helm (A dream) – (Last part) 16:51
Live at Azbakeya Garden Theatre, Cairo, Egypt (possibly February or December 1947)
3. Shams El- Asil (The sun of early evening) – (The last part)- Live at Azbakeya Garden Theatre, Cairo, Egypt 2nd January 1958
For more of Umm Kulthum (Oum Kolthoum) Check here and more info and music here and here
