Lyrics | Artists | Umm Kulthum

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Umm Kulthum

Born Fatima Ibrahim as-Sayyid al-Beltagi, in Senbellawein, El Dakahlia, Egypt on December 31, 1898, singer and actress Uum Kulthum – nicknamed ‘the Eastern Star’ – is now considered the greatest voice of the 20th century in the Arab world. Her musical journey began as a child when she showed a talent for singing. She chanted verses from the Koran and performed in religious festivals, although she had to dress like a boy in order to join theater companies. She was discovered by singer Cheikh Abou al-ila Mohamed and oudist Zakaria Ahmed, which precipitated her move to Cairo in 1923...