This Omar Sharif (Egyptian American actor of Classic Hollywood fame) narrated film tells the story of a how a little Egyptian girl “with a powerful voice” grew up to become one of the most iconic and influential figures in the Arab World.
As one of the interview subjects in the film said, “Umm Kulthum is like the pyramids,” her legacy transcending generations. Born into a poor family, Kulthum learned how to sing by reciting the Quran. Like Sharif said in the documentary, “no training could have been more useful” for a singer.
As a traditional singer, Kulthum sang poetry in classical Arabic, her extensive knowledge of the Quran enabling her to pronounce some of the most difficult words. In fact, she was renowned for her rich vocabulary, intonation, and elocution.
Kulthum began singing not out of passion, but need, as it helped support her family. However, her father was uncomfortable with the idea of his daughter singing in front of men he considered strangers, so he dressed her up in boys’ clothes. Kulthum reported that she believed her father did so not only to convince the other men that she was a boy, but also himself. …show more content…
She performed openly on stage, and was beloved by male and female audiences alike. Although she was initially ridiculed for her village style of dress, she had “a strong, resounding” Egyptian voice, singing for everyone—not just the rich. The fact that she was so well-versed in the language of the Quran and articulate in her expression resonated with the public, especially since Egypt was still occupied by the British. Her powerful hold over the public gave her credibility, and it was as if she was the unifying force that aided in keeping the Arab nationalist engine running. It is important to note that she performed during very vital years in the Arab World—years that included the 1952 revolution in Egypt, the Arab Cold War, and the Arab-Israeli
As one of the interview subjects in the film said, “Umm Kulthum is like the pyramids,” her legacy transcending generations. Born into a poor family, Kulthum learned how to sing by reciting the Quran. Like Sharif said in the documentary, “no training could have been more useful” for a singer.
As a traditional singer, Kulthum sang poetry in classical Arabic, her extensive knowledge of the Quran enabling her to pronounce some of the most difficult words. In fact, she was renowned for her rich vocabulary, intonation, and elocution.
Kulthum began singing not out of passion, but need, as it helped support her family. However, her father was uncomfortable with the idea of his daughter singing in front of men he considered strangers, so he dressed her up in boys’ clothes. Kulthum reported that she believed her father did so not only to convince the other men that she was a boy, but also himself. …show more content…
She performed openly on stage, and was beloved by male and female audiences alike. Although she was initially ridiculed for her village style of dress, she had “a strong, resounding” Egyptian voice, singing for everyone—not just the rich. The fact that she was so well-versed in the language of the Quran and articulate in her expression resonated with the public, especially since Egypt was still occupied by the British. Her powerful hold over the public gave her credibility, and it was as if she was the unifying force that aided in keeping the Arab nationalist engine running. It is important to note that she performed during very vital years in the Arab World—years that included the 1952 revolution in Egypt, the Arab Cold War, and the Arab-Israeli