“Music Without Borders” held a special tribute concert honoring the memory of the legendary composer Baligh Hamdi in Ottawa on Sunday evening, in the presence of prominent Arab diplomats. Kailash Mital Theatre was filled with admirers of the great artist who gathered to enjoy an evening reviving some of his most timeless masterpieces.
Baligh Hamdi played a pioneering role in shaping the Arab musical scene, leaving an unforgettable mark on the history of Arabic music. His first collaboration with the legendary Umm Kulthum was the song “Hob Eh,” followed by a series of iconic masterpieces including “Ba’eed Annak,” “El Hob Kolo,” “Siret El Hob,” and “Alf Leila wa Leila.” These works formed a unique musical school that continues to be studied today for its creativity and artistic brilliance.
He also composed unforgettable melodies for Abdel Halim Hafez, including “Sawah,” “Mawood,” “Toba,” and “Zay El Hawa,” among many others that remain deeply rooted in the memory of Arab music lovers.
For the legendary Sabah, he composed remarkable songs such as “Zay El Assal” and “Aashe’a w Ghalbaneh.” He also presented timeless classics to Mayada El Hennawy, including “Ana Baashaqak,” “Kan Ya Ma Kan,” and “Habayna w EtHabayna.” In addition, he left his mark on the music and songs of the famous play “Raya and Sakina,” as well as the renowned spiritual hymn “Mawlay” performed by Sheikh Al-Naqshabandi.
Baligh Hamdi also formed an exceptional artistic and personal partnership with the great Algerian singer Warda. He brilliantly showcased the richness of her voice in immortal songs such as “Wahashtouni,” “El Oyoun El Soud,” “Hikayati Ma’a El Zaman,” and “Bouadak,” a song said to reflect part of their personal love story.
Although he has passed away, Baligh Hamdi left behind an immense artistic legacy of more than two thousand compositions, confirming his place as one of the greatest innovators in the history of Arabic and international music.
The concert was attended by the Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Arab Ambassadors Council, as well as Ambassador Amal Al-Mouallimi of Saudi Arabia, the first woman in the Kingdom’s history to hold the position of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ambassador. Her presence was especially distinguished, accompanied by Senator Mohammad Alzeybek and her office director Lamia Hamdan Al-Muheibi.
Also in attendance were Ambassador Sabah Al-Rafie of Jordan, Ambassador Lassaad Boutara of Tunisia, Mr. Ali Al-Ostad, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Kuwait in Ottawa, Mr. Ali Al-Dirani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa, Mr. Abdullah Al-Hajri, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Qatar in Ottawa, and the Consul General of Pakistan in Montreal, Mr. Faisal Abro.
The evening was also attended by prominent Lebanese-Canadian businessman Charles Al-Boustany, along with journalist Zouheir Al-Ghazali, Editor-in-Chief of “Arab Canada News,” and Téhani Al-Ghazali, President of “Tawassol News.”
Media personality Rita Wakim welcomed the guests and thanked the musicians and singers who contributed to the success of the evening. The musical ensemble featured Nizar Tabsharani on qanun, Ziad Chbat on nay, Abdallah Drouj on darbuka, Joseph Khoury on riq, and Rafi Hawi on bass guitar. The audience also enjoyed the outstanding performances of singers Rania Jamal and Najwa Tannous.
The musical arrangement of the concert was supervised and presented in such an elegant manner by composer and conductor of the Toronto Arabic Orchestra, Maestro Gaby El Botros.
At the conclusion of the evening, “Music Without Borders” promised its audience more concerts and beautiful musical evenings in the near future.
Special thanks were also extended to the Community Supporter of this concert and all “Music Without Borders” concerts in Ottawa: Egyptian Canadian Cultural Association of Ottawa in appreciation of their continuous support and contribution to the success of these.
Rita Wakim – Montreal