Fifty years have passed since the voice that moved millions fell silent. On February 3, 1975, Egypt and the Arab world lost Umm Kulthum, the legendary singer whose artistic legacy continues to resonate through generations. Today, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of her passing, we reflect on the enduring influence of the woman known as “The Star of the East”.
The Voice That United a Nation
Born in a small village in the Nile Delta, Umm Kulthum’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the most celebrated Arab singer of the 20th century embodies the dreams of millions. Her monthly concerts, broadcast live across the Arab world, would bring life to a standstill as people gathered around radios to listen to her performances that often lasted for hours.
An Unparalleled Musical Legacy
What set Umm Kulthum apart wasn’t just her powerful contralto voice, but her unparalleled ability to connect with audiences through emotional depth and masterful interpretation of Arabic poetry. Her repertoire, spanning classical Arabic poetry and contemporary works, demonstrated her versatility as an artist. Songs like “Enta Omri” (You Are My Life), “Al-Atlal” (The Ruins), and “Hayyart Qalbi” (You Confused My Heart) remain masterpieces of Arabic music.
Explore this playlist that features her greatest songs:
Bringing the Legend to New Generations
In 2025, as we mark this significant anniversary, Umm Kulthum’s legacy finds new life through modern technology. Many of her songs were being remastered using advanced audio techniques, allowing new generations to experience her voice with unprecedented clarity. Social media platforms are filled with tributes from young artists who continue to find inspiration in her work, proving that great art truly is timeless. In 2025, as we mark this significant anniversary, Umm Kulthum’s legacy finds new life through modern technology. Leading this digital renaissance is Anghami, the Middle East’s premier music streaming platform, which has launched an exceptional campaign to celebrate the Star of the East’s enduring influence.
The celebration extends beyond the platform itself, with Anghami producing editorial content that brings Umm Kulthum’s story to social media. These initiatives include:
- Engaging storytelling posts that reveal lesser-known aspects of her life and career
- Interactive social media campaigns inviting fans to share their memories and favorite songs
- Educational content that helps younger listeners understand the historical and cultural context of her music.
Discover with us the stories of the songs that created the legacy of Umm Kulthum:
An Exclusive Digital Tribute to the Modern Era
Anghami has created an immersive digital experience through a dedicated brand page that serves as a comprehensive archive of Umm Kulthum’s artistic journey. This innovative platform offers several unique features:
- A carefully curated discography that spans her entire career from the 1920s to the 1970s, including rare recordings and special edit versions exclusive to Anghami.
- Thoughtfully organized playlists that cater to different moods and occasions, from morning listening sessions to romantic evenings.
- High-quality videos of her most memorable concerts, offering younger generations the chance to experience the magic of her live performances.
- Engaging podcasts that uncover the fascinating stories behind her most beloved songs.
- Comprehensive documentation of her collaborations with renowned composers and poets who helped shape her legendary repertoire.
Listen and unwind to this playlist curated for those late, quiet hours.
Accessibility for modern listeners
Anghami has carefully curated shorter versions of her most popular songs, providing accessibility for modern listeners while preserving the essence of her musical genius. Additionally, the collection features instrumental intros of her timeless classics, allowing fans to appreciate the intricate musical arrangements that made her performances legendary.
Listen and immerse yourself in this Instrumental playlist of Umm Kulthum:
A Living Legacy
Fifty years after her passing, Umm Kulthum’s influence remains undiminished. Her songs continue to play in cafes from Cairo to Casablanca, her style still influences contemporary Arab musicians, and her contribution to Arabic music and culture continues to be studied and celebrated. Modern artists sampling her works or performing covers of her songs demonstrate how her artistic legacy adapts to changing times while maintaining its essential character.
As we commemorate fifty years since the passing of Umm Kulthum, we celebrate not just a magnificent voice, but a cultural icon who helped shape the artistic identity of the Arab world. Her legacy reminds us that true artistry transcends time, speaking to each new generation in its own way while remaining fundamentally timeless.
In the words of the poet Ahmad Rami, who wrote many of her songs: “She was not just a singer, she was the voice of hope, the voice of Egypt, the voice of the Arab world.” Fifty years later, that voice continues to echo, touching hearts and inspiring artists across the globe.
Check out Umm Kulthum’s exclusive discography on Anghami:
