Seven artists performed modern renditions of Umm Kulthum's songs, in a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of her death.

Avignon

The Avignon Festival in France hosted a special concert to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Umm Kulthum, a legendary figure in Egyptian music. The event, titled 'The Voice of Women,' featured seven artists, including Camelia Jordana and Souad Massi, who performed contemporary interpretations of Umm Kulthum's songs at the historic Palais des Papes.

The concert, produced by Zid Hamdan, was designed to honor Umm Kulthum's influence and to showcase the grandeur of Arab culture beyond common stereotypes. Artists emphasized the importance of celebrating their heritage and individuality, while the event itself was highlighted as a major moment of the festival, bridging cultural and generational divides.

Avignon Festival celebrates Egyptian diva Umm Kulthum

In France, the Avignon Festival on Monday celebrated the Arabic language and paid tribute to singer Umm Kulthum, an iconic figure in Egyptian music. A show called The Voice of Women celebrated the 50th anniversary of her passing. The concert in the emblematic Palais des Papes featured seven artists, including Camelia Jordana and Souad Massi. They performed modern renditions of the Egyptian diva's songs. Tourists should not be offended. This is not about replicating Umm Kulthum, but paying homage to her, expressing how we love and sing her. That's basically what I've done with the music. I wanted to savor what I admired in her and in the composers and arrangers who worked with her. I believe it's crucial to honor our peoples, our culture, to showcase something valuable, something grand and noble, and to say we are here, we exist, our art is strong, we deserve protection, love and respect. We are equals among all people. The show, created by Lebanese producer Zid Hamdan, sought to highlight the grandeur and nobility of Arab culture, too often reduced to stereotypes. In this concert, each performer already has their own identity, and that was what made it interesting from the start. We were all curious to see how each of us would reinterpret Umm Kulthum in our own way and what that would produce. Umm Kulthum is considered a national treasure in her native Egypt. Throughout her five-decade career, she became known as the star of the East and as the fourth pyramid. She represents the Arab woman, elegant, musical, and also a feminist. Umm Kulthum died in 1975. Her funeral procession was followed by 4 million people who gathered in the streets of Cairo. In Avignon, her spirit was reignited for one night. The concert was a highlight of the festival. It transcended cultural and generational differences and captivated audiences.

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