Mohammed Abdel Wahab

Mohammed Abd el-Wahaab 1907 – May 3, 1991 was a prominent 20th century Arab Egyptian singer and composer. He composed 10 songs for Umm Kulthum including Enta omri. He was the first Egyptian singer to move from silent-era acting to singing. He died in 1991, and he is considered one of the best composers of all times. He composed the “Ya Beladi”, the National anthem of the Kingdom of Libya (1951–1969). Adel Wahab’s contribution as composer goes beyond that of a mere singer. Abdel Wahab, the composer, stands alone as a pivotal genius .

Contribution to Arab music

Despite the fact that Abdel Wahab composed many songs and musical pieces in classic Arab music, he was always criticized for his orientation to Western music. In fact, his introduced the Western rhythms to Arab songs in a way appropriate to the known forms of Arab songs. For example, he introduced in 1941 in his song Al Gondol the Waltz rhythm, and in 1957, he introduced the rock and roll rhythm in Abdel Halim Hafez’s song Ya Albi Ya Khali.

Abdel Wahab played oud before the Prince of Poets, Ahmed Shawqi. Abdel Wahab acted in several movies. He composed 10 songs for Umm Kulthum (?? ?????). He was the first Egyptian singer to move from silent-era acting to singing. He died in the year of 1991 and was born in the year of 1907. He died of heart failure.

Legacy

His personal belongings were put in his museum in the Music institute in Cairo.

A statue was erected in Bab El-Sheriya square (where he grew up) to keep his memory.

As a memorial and honor for him, Omar Khayrat, Egyptian composer, had rearranged some of Abdel Wahab’s music and released them in an Album called Wahabiat.