CAIRO - I got to know an amazing singer and because of the way he talks about his country, Algeria, he's made me love it. Although he hasn't recorded anything yet, Sofian Benfarhat has what it takes to be a real star. Through him I've got to know more about Algerian singers and singing. Frankly speaking, he also knows more about contemporary Egyptian singers than I do! His words motivated me to attend the concert I will tell you about. But first I have to say that, as an Egyptian, I grew up listening to the songs of the late great Warda, whom I loved very much. She was the perfect example of what an Arab singer should be like – although she was a very proud Algerian, she loved all Arabs and lived in Egypt for decades. My all time favorite Egyptian patriotic song, ‘Al-Rababa', was sung by her and composed by her late husband, the great Egyptian composer Baleegh Hamdi. That track was recorded to commemorate our glorious victory in the October 1973 War. Now let's talk about the concert, which was held to celebrate 50 years of Algerian independence; it was also a tribute to Warda. It was held in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House... yes, for a change, those people did something good. It started about 15 minutes late, opening with a word from Cairo Opera House's Director, Dr Inas Abdel-Daiem, who was joined on stage by Minister of Culture Dr Mohamed Ibrahim and His Excellency Nadir Larbaoui, the Algerian Ambassador. I called the Embassy to check the spelling of his name. The first act to perform was a nine-man Algerian Sufi band – one singer and eight backing vocalists/musicians. They were dressed in traditional folk outfits and sat on cushions while performing their lengthy number. In fact, everything about this concert was lengthy. Anyway, the band is called Ferqet Al-Eesaweya Al-Gaza'ereya and they come from Souq Ahras, the same city Warda came from. Since we are not familiar with that genre, most Egyptians found the band's music peculiar. Then it was time for a nine-minute film, which featured footage and interviews with Warda. After that, media personality Wagdi el-Hakeem appeared on stage and gave a speech, in which he said that Warda and Baleegh Hamdi were the ones who “forced" Egyptian studios to open during the October 1973, so that Arab artists could record songs for Egypt. I didn't know that and it just makes me love Warda more. The curtains were then drawn to reveal the Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Arabic Music and Singing, conducted by Abdel-Hameed Abdel-Ghaffar, with a huge Algerian flag crossing the stage, perpendicularly. There was a gigantic cardboard picture of Warda on each side of the stage. as if to remind everyone what a giant she will always be. The event was directed by Gihan Morsi. Arab stars took turns on stage to sing some of Warda's timeless numbers. I will not review each and every one of the artists. Suffice it to say that they were very good; indeed, some of them were excellent. If Arab music concerts were always like this, I'd attend more of them. The first artist was Reeham Abdel-Hakeem, who sang ‘Al-Rababa'. Just to let you know, the rababa is an Egyptian stringed instrument played with a bow. How can I explain the way this track makes me feel? It takes a wonderful singer like Reeham and this song will remind me that I'm Egyptian to the core. Next was Samar Safwat, who gave a truly fine rendition of the lighthearted ‘Wana Mali' (It's None of My Business). ‘Al-Wada'a' (Goodbye) was sung by Iman Abdel-Ghani, who is not only a pleasant lady but also has a warm, wonderful voice. Bravo. After a sad number, it was time for the cheerful ‘Qalbi Saeed' (My Heart is Happy) by Somaya Wagdi. Was that when I received a phone call from an Egyptian Mail colleague? Maybe that's why I missed the song... No matter what you do, I'll never tell you that it was Ihab Shaarawy! The set's final number was by the first male solo singer that evening -- renowned vocalist Mohamed el-Helw, who performed ‘Batwaness Beek' (You Keep Me Company). Despite his considerable talent, I'm not a fan of that song. The break was very long and people in the wings speculated that everyone was waiting for the Minister return to the hall! The first number after the break was another one I'm not particularly fond of – ‘Akdeb Alake' (Lie to You), sung by Marwa Hamdi. Again, it was another good voice with an average choice of song. Ladies and gentlemen... ‘Hekaiti ma'a el-Zaman' (My Story with Life). Without a doubt, that was one of Warda's best tracks and it was performed by a songstress with an impressive, expressive and explosive voice, Marwa Nagi, who knows how to keep everyone hanging on the edge of their seats. I've known Rehab Metawi for many years and I was very happy to listen to her again after a long time. Even though I've always loved her singing, I somehow felt she sounds more mature now and I really enjoyed her number ‘Esma'ooni' (Listen to Me). Reeham returned with another favourite of mine ‘Lea'bet el-Ayam' (The Toy of Life). It's not ‘The Game', it's ‘The Toy', because the woman accuses her man of being like a toy that goes back to her only to seek comfort and support. That was an amazing song and an excellent performance. The final lady to grace the stage was Suma with ‘Lola el-Malama' (If It weren't for the Blame). Suma is also a pop star and this number suited her singing style. Very nice. Another pop star is Khaled Selim, who was the second male solo singer that evening, ending the concert with ‘Layaleena' (Our Nights). I think the finale should have been performed by el-Helw, because he is a bigger name and is more experienced. I went home happy with the show and shared this joy online with another good Algerian friend – media personality Mohamed Farouq Toualbia. Just a final word. A couple of years ago, I was totally against Algeria because of what its people did to the Egyptians, all because of a soccer tournament. We realised after the revolution that our old regime was behind this and that it wasn't the fault of Algerians. So, as I was furious in public, I would like to apologise to Algeria and its people in print. Send me your flags to: [email protected]
