Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Her Passing, The Ministry of Culture Designates 2025 as the Year of Umm Kulthum
The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as the Year of Umm Kulthum, launching a year-long tribute to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic singer's passing.
The initiative will feature concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events celebrating her lasting influence.
The Cairo Opera House will host several performances, including a major concert at the Philharmonie de Paris, where the Arab Music Orchestra, led by Maestro Alaa Abdel Salam, will accompany singers Rehab Omar and Eman Abdel Ghany.
In Egypt, the opera house will organize two special concerts at the Arab Music Institute and introduce a nationwide talent competition, Discovering Umm Kulthum 2025, to find young vocalists who capture her unique style.
The General Authority for Cultural Palaces will launch the Umm Kulthum Festival for Music and Singing in February, beginning in her hometown, Tamay El Zahayra.
The festival will feature a documentary screening, a storytelling workshop, an art exhibition, and performances by the Mansoura Arab Music Ensemble and folk troupes.
At the Cairo International Book Fair, a special section will be dedicated to Umm Kulthum, showcasing musical performances and an exhibition of rare documents and photographs at the National Library and Archives.
Additionally, the Umm Kulthum Museum in Cairo will offer free entry throughout February, displaying her items, photographs, and rare audio recordings.
The Cultural Development Fund will organize further events in Cairo and Alexandria, including a documentary screening and discussion at the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, two concerts at the Umm Kulthum Museum, and a seminar in Alexandria.
Children's workshops at the Beit Al-Aini Children's Creativity Centre will introduce younger generations to her remarkable legacy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
12 hours ago
- CairoScene
A Shrine for Sayyed Darwish is Rising From the Ashes in Kom El Dikka
A Shrine for Sayyed Darwish is Rising From the Ashes in Kom El Dikka In Alexandria's Kom al-Dikka neighbourhood, a plot of land once reduced to a garbage dump and overrun by livestock is now being cleared to make way for something altogether different: a museum honouring Sayyed Darwish, the composer whose music helped shape modern Egyptian identity. The transformation is being spearheaded by Sīrat al-Eskandareyya, a grassroots cultural initiative with an eye for overlooked urban narratives—and a penchant for turning chance encounters into long-term projects. The idea was born not out of a state mandate or a sweeping national campaign, but from a conversation on the street. In 2020, Mina Zaki, the founder of Sīrat al-Eskandareyya, happened to be visiting Kom al-Dikka when he was approached by an elderly man, Ali Shetiwi. Shetiwi introduced himself as the son of the original landowner of the site where Sayyed Darwish—often called the father of Egyptian popular music—was born and raised. That was all it took. 'Why not turn this place into a heritage site? A museum?' Zaki recalled. The house itself had long been demolished. In its place stood a vacant lot filled with 12 tonnes of waste and makeshift pens for goats and sheep. But the history beneath the surface remained. It would take five years of effort to turn that question into a plan. The team had to navigate a complex legal landscape, including the daunting task of locating and convincing 17 different heirs of the property to sign off on the project. That milestone was only reached two weeks ago, clearing the way for construction to begin. The museum is being designed by architect Karim El Shabouri, whose previous work includes the Umm Kulthum Museum, the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, and the Museum of the Revolutionary Command Council in Cairo. This time, he's opting for a simple, two-story wooden structure—not a reconstruction of Darwish's original home, but a space designed to hold something more dynamic. 'The museum won't look like the house,' Zaki explained. 'It's not about preservation for its own sake. It's about creating an experience.' Inside, visitors will find a curated journey through Sayyed Darwish's life and work: rare photographs, personal possessions, and most notably, a restored gramophone with original records that will play his compositions. The museum will focus on delivering an immersive, audio-visual experience inspired by places like the Beethoven House in Bonn, rather than the more archival, document-heavy approach seen in museums like the Cavafy House nearby. There's a quiet pragmatism to Zaki's approach. When asked why Sayyed Darwish was chosen, his answer is refreshingly honest. 'It just so happened that he was born on land we could access,' he said. 'I like his music, sure—I grew up with it, like everyone did. But honestly, the reason we're doing this is because we could.' This spirit of serendipity runs through much of Zaki's work. Sīrat al-Eskandareyya is itself an offshoot of Al-Gawla, a free walking tour initiative he launched in 2017. Over the years, Al-Gawla managed to organize 325 visits for over 40,000 guests across 17 governorates, all without charging a single pound. The new initiative—Sīrat al-Eskandareyya, or The Life of Alexandria—was launched in early 2025, in collaboration with a similar project in Cairo. Its goal: to bring hidden histories to light through storytelling, spatial reclamation, and community engagement. In the case of the Darwish museum, that engagement extends beyond the museum walls. The site is currently bordered by collapsing tenements that pose a threat to public safety—and to the future of the museum itself. 'The surrounding buildings are in terrible condition. The governorate needs to intervene,' Zaki said. 'We've cleared the site, but it's just one part of the larger urban puzzle.' Still, the symbolic weight of what's happening in Kom al-Dikka is hard to ignore. Sayyed Darwish, who died in 1923 at the age of 31, left behind a body of work that resonated across social classes and political movements. His melodies were adopted by labor unions and protestors alike. His influence seeped into Egypt's national anthem. For decades, his story has lived in concert halls and classroom recitals, but not in the place that shaped him. That's about to change. And while Zaki resists grandiose language—insisting that he's not motivated by nostalgia or nationalism—there's a clear sense that something important is being reclaimed. Asked whether he believes the museum could inspire similar projects in other neighborhoods or cities, he replied without hesitation: 'Of course.' If that happens, it may be because of more than just the building itself. It may be because someone paused, listened to an old man tell a story, and decided that even a demolished house full of garbage could be a starting point.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sherine to Conclude 20th Mawazine Festival
Yara Sameh Egyptian superstar, Sherine Abdel-Wahab will conclude this year's Mawazine Festival. Mawazine is a Moroccan international music festival that began in 2001 and is hosting its 20th edition this year. As one of the largest music festivals in the world, Mawazine attracts more than 2.5 million attendees each year. This year's Mawazine festival is scheduled to be held from June 20 to 28 in Rabat, Morocco. Sherine is set to perform at the festival's stage, Nahda, on June 28. She is set to present several of her popular and latest songs. Born on October 8, 1980, Sherine Sayed Mohamed Abdel Wahab, known professionally as simply Sherine, is a singer, actress and music judge. She was first discovered as a child by her school music teacher, who convinced her mother to take her to the Cairo Opera House to meet veteran musician Selim Sahab. Abdel-Wahab served as a choral member at the Cairo Opera House from the age of nine to twelve and was then given a chance to become a solo singer. She kept performing at the Cairo Opera House while searching for a music producer to launch her music career. At the age of 18, Abdel-Wahab was introduced to director and music producer Nasr Mahrous, who liked her voice and decided to collaborate with her via his 'Free Music' production company, where she met with superstar, Tamer Hosny, who was also a new talent-seeking opportunity. Her first recorded song was released in 2002 as a part of an album that included works of other artists. The album was released, under the title 'Free Mix3: Tamer and Sherine' and was a big hit all across the entire Middle East and North Africa. It sold more than 20 Million copies across the whole MENA, particularly because of her single 'Ah ya Leil', which boosted her fame. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Amal Maher to Collab with Mohamed Mohamady for First Time on New Song
Yara Sameh Egyptian superstar, Amal Maher is working on a new song called "Law Lena Omr". It is by the lyrics of Nader Abd Allah and composed by Mohamed Mohamady. "Law Lena Omr" marks the first collaboration between Maher and Mohamady. It also witnesses the superstar's first music in 2025 and comes after a period of absence from the music scene. Born on February 19, 1985, Maher began singing as a child by presenting songs by iconic singer Umm Kulthum. She was discovered at the age of fifteen and enrolled at the Conservatory of Arabic Music to begin her singing career. The acclaimed singer soon met composer Mohamed Diae, whom she eventually married and became the father of her son, Omar. She filed for divorce a year later. She recorded her first song in 2006 and received the support of Egyptian music icon Ammar El Sherei, who she considers to be her spiritual father. In June 2021, Maher quit music following the death of her close-knit aunt and calling off her engagement, but later on, she backtracked from her decision and presented her first concert in Al-Alamein on July 29, 2022. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
