Voice of the Arabs

Some hundred years after a birth date that remains dubious (1898? 1904?) the Institute du Monde Arabe in Paris is presenting a special exhibition in homage of legendary Egyptian singer Oum Khalsoum - the singer dubbed "the voice of the Arabs." The large show includes photos, films, interviews, music and art inspired by Khalsoum from a range of contemporary artists - it will run from June 17th to November 2nd.



Here in one final picture (below) Oum can be seen meeting the Egyptian president Nasser with whom I share a first name. Hearing her reminds me of my dad listening to her on Egyptian radio which he caught all the way from Sheffield, UK on his trusty walnut like wooden boxed transistor valve radio.