Jesuit Book Club: “Umm Kulthum: Fifty Years of Artistic Immortality” with Mr. Abdel Rahim Youssef and Mr. Karim Gamal

To learn about the books and readings to be discussed at this book club meeting and to stay updated on everything related to the Jesuit Book Club, please join the WhatsApp group.

On the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Lady of Arabic Singing, Umm Kulthum, we cannot help but celebrate her artistic legacy, which remains alive in the hearts of her fans. Umm Kulthum left an indelible mark on the history of Arabic music, offering an exceptional voice and refined artistry that made her one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

Over her career spanning more than four decades, Umm Kulthum captivated her audience with songs that blended elevated Arabic poetry with deep emotion. Among her most famous works are “Enta Omri”, “Anta al-Hub”, and “Al-Atlal”, which remain cornerstones of classical Arabic music. Her unique stage presence and profound lyrics made her a symbol of authentic art.

Even fifty years after her passing, her influence remains significant in the world of music, whether through the rediscovery of her works or her impact on new generations of artists. Umm Kulthum was not just a singer; she was a unique artistic phenomenon and an ambassador of Arab culture around the world.

Are you ready to discover more about a legend who has remained unforgettable despite fifty years since her passing?

This month at the book club, we will dive into the life of Umm Kulthum, the voice that captivated millions and became part of the cultural memory of the Arab world. We will discuss her artistic influence, her poets, and how her songs were more than just music—they were messages and expressions of the spirit of the nation during pivotal moments.

This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange opinions and ideas about her impact, and perhaps discover new aspects of the Lady of Arabic Singing that you didn’t know before. Don’t miss this exciting session commemorating an artist whose legacy remains alive in our hearts. We look forward to seeing you on this artistic journey that embodies the story of Umm Kulthum’s life, her music, and her immortal lyrics.

About the Speakers:

• Mr. Abdel Rahim Youssef
  An Egyptian poet and translator born in 1975. He has published eight collections of poetry in Egyptian colloquial Arabic and thirty-four translated books. He has contributed literary translations to several Egyptian and Arab periodicals and served as an assistant editor for the cultural magazine Mina, which published three issues between 2005 and 2009. He has translated reports for Human Rights Watch, the UNESCO office in Germany, the United Nations Population Fund, and the website Mada Masr. He received the State Encouragement Award in Literature for his translation of Three Studies on Ethics and Virtue by Bernard Mandeville, published by Safsafa Publishing House.
• Mr. Karim Gamal
  A writer and music researcher born in Alexandria in 1992. He studied Arabic music academically and holds a postgraduate diploma in political science from Alexandria University (2021). He has written research articles on Arabic literature, musical heritage, and Eastern music for various Arab websites and newspapers. He is the author of Umm Kulthum and the Years of War Effort, which won the State Encouragement Award in Social Sciences for History, Archaeology, and Heritage Preservation in 2023. He co-authored A Homeland Named Fairuz, published by the Arab Thought Foundation in Beirut. His latest book, Salwa: An Endless Biography, was published in 2023.

Admission is free – Register now to attend and join the book club.
Note: You do not need to register if you have already filled out the form before.

To stay updated with everything new at the Jesuit Book Club, you can join the WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CylRoWRtzvTC8EQPUoD3k5

AI generated translation.