Orient Express

We’ll isten to one of the most successful Egyptian singers and film stars between the 1950s and 1970s: Abd el-Halim Hafez, often shortened to “Halim”.

Halim grew in that period into perhaps the first true pop idol of the Arab world in the 20th century. He collaborated with the most popular composers of his time, such as his close associates Baligh Hamdy, Mohamed El Mougy, and Kamal Ettaweel. The great composer Mohamed Abd el Wahab became a mentor and composed many of Halim’s songs. Together with Abdel Wahab and friend Magdi El-Amrousi, Halim founded the record company Sawt El-Fann in 1961. An extremely successful enterprise that produced top hits for decades.

His songs contain a mix of Western and Eastern elements with a strong focus on production, a greater use of modern instruments, alongside marketing and image building. In this episode, we will listen to some of his early romantic hits from the 1950s. Next Friday, we’ll listen to samples of his later live performances.

Playlist:

All performed by Abd el-Halim Hafez
1. Khosara (a pity) – composed by Baligh Hamdi 3:14
2. Ala Ad El shouq (in return of the longing in my eyes) – by Kamal Al-Taweel 6:25
3. Safini Marrah (part) – composed by Mohamed El-Mougy 3:46
4. Kont feen (where have you been)- by Mohamed Abd el Wahab 5:17
5. Helow we kaddab (beautiful and a lier) – by Mahmoud al-Sharif 4:57
6. Khayef Marra Aheb (Afraid to fall in love) – by Baligh Hamdi 5:33
7. Oqbalak youm Miladak – by Mohamed Abd el Wahab 6:02
8. Shaghalouni – by Mohamed Abd el Wahab 3:35
9. Zalamouh (They wronged the heart) (part) – by Mohamed Abd el Wahab 4:52
10. Asmar Ya Asmarany (You bruin one!)- by Kamal Al-Taweel 5:20
11. Ahwak (I love you) – by Mohamed abd el Wahab 5:06
12. Tokhonouh (You betray (my heart) – by Baligh Hamdi 7:10

“Ashanak Ya qamar “From the 1955 film: Ayam we Layali (Days and Nights, directed by  Henry Barakat). Composition Mohamed Abd el Wahab, arrangement by the Greek Egyptian Andre Ryder.