Egypt's Ministry of Culture has declared 2025 the "Year of Umm Kulthum," launching a year-long celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Egyptian singer's death. Known variously as "the star of the east", "mother of the Arabs" and "Egypt's fourth pyramid", Umm Kulthum remains a potent symbol of Egyptian and Arab heritage. Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno said Umm Kulthum, who recorded about 300 songs over a 60-year career, continues to represent Egypt's history and civilization through her timeless voice, which still resonates across the Arab world 50 years after her death. "Umm Kulthum is an Egyptian and Arab icon we are proud of, the best voice that expresses Egypt with its history and civilization," Hanno stated. "We want to revive her spirit as an artistic and cultural phenomenon, confirming that Egypt will always remain a beacon of fine arts and musical creativity." Despite performing complex Arabic poetry, Umm Kulthum's influence extended even to some of the West's greatest singers. There is no true Western counterpart to her, no artist who commands the same level of respect and adoration as she does in the Arab world. The ministry has planned a comprehensive programme of events and activities to highlight Umm Kulthum's musical legacy and her profound impact. These include local, regional, and international concerts featuring prominent Arab singers performing her songs in contemporary styles while preserving their authenticity. A competition to discover new talent will also be part of the celebrations. The Cairo Opera House will host several events, including a major concert at the Philharmonie de Paris featuring the Arab Music Orchestra conducted by Maestro Alaa Abdel Salam, along with singers Rehab Omar and Eman Abdel Ghany. Domestically, the opera house will present two special concerts at the Arab Music Institute, and a nationwide talent competition, "Discovering Umm Kulthum 2025," to find young singers reminiscent of the legendary artist. The General Authority for Cultural Palaces will organize the "Umm Kulthum Festival for Music and Singing" throughout February, spanning various governorates. The festival will begin on 3 February in Umm Kulthum's birthplace, Tamay El Zahayra village in Dakahlia Governorate, featuring a documentary film, a storytelling workshop, an art exhibition, and performances by the Mansoura Arab Music Ensemble and folk art troupes. The festival will continue with performances by various Arab music ensembles across the country. The Cairo International Book Fair will dedicate a special segment to Umm Kulthum, including musical performances and an exhibition of rare documents and photographs at the National Library and Archives. The Umm Kulthum Museum in Cairo will offer free admission throughout February, allowing visitors to explore her personal belongings, photographs, and rare audio recordings. The Cultural Development Fund will organize cultural and artistic events in Cairo and Alexandria, including a documentary screening and discussion at the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, two concerts at the Umm Kulthum Museum, and a seminar in Alexandria. Children's workshops are also planned at the Beit Al-Aini Children's Creativity Centre.
