Introduction
A naturally occurring talent can be an invaluable asset through life and posthumously for an individual. One such person is Umm Kulthum; a celebrated Egyptian singer who lived through the 20th century until 3rd of February 1975 to become one of the most famous Arab vocalists in history. This paper aims at discussing the life and times of the star who is still honored today in the Arab world, even more than forty years since her death. Additionally, this paper looks at her contribution to Egypt at her time and at contemporary times.
Early life
Umm was born in the village of Tamay e-Zahayra near the city of al Sinbillawayn in the Nile Delta south of Cairo into a poor family. Her birth date is not clearly known. Umm had two siblings, her elder sister Sayyida and her elder brother Khalid. Her family lived in a small house made of brick. Kulthum’s father, al-Shaykh Ibrahim al-Sayyid al-Daltaji was an Imam at the local mosque in their home area. She went to a Quran school when she was five years old where she was taught to memorize the Quran including proper pronunciation and phrasing of words. In her time, girls did not receive any form of formal education but had to be taught the Quran. Egypt was under British occupancy when Umm was born and raised.
Singing career
Umm began singing at an early age, and would perform at the local leader’s house. She was about 7 years old at that time. Word quickly got around the village of the young girl’s unique voice. Soon enough, she began expanding past her village to around the Nile Delta and also into Cairo, enthralling many with her powerful voice awakening a huge following. She began performing in concerts by the 1920s when she had grown very famous. At times during her performances, alcohol was served, making her father; an imam concerned. He responded by ordering Umm to appear as a boy by cross-dressing