Iraqi singer Kazem Al-Saher (also spelled Al-Sahir) began composing at the age of 12, reaching into classical forms and themes. Programmers at Iraqi television recognized his extraordinary talent, but insisted that he sing material written for him, which he refused to do. After losing many friends during the Iran-Iraq war, Al-Sahir penned a defiant song called “Ladghat El Hayya, (The Snake Bite).” A friend in the media establishment was so moved that he maneuvered to have it broadcast. While adored by the Iraqi people, the Iraqi censors objected to the song’s lyrics about fear and betrayal, and banned it. Later, while studying at the Music Academy, Al-Sahir’s bold efforts to merge classical music and pop ran him afoul of rigid, conservative professors. By then, his reputation had spread throughout the Gulf region. After his first public concert in 1989, Al-Sahir was on his way to becoming the top-selling Arabic singer in the world.
The Gulf War halted Al-Sahir’s career for two years. He left Iraq and lived in Dubai, Egypt, Paris, and most recently in Canada. He has been both prolific and engaged, singing many benefit concerts, especially on behalf of children who become victims of war and oppression. Today he is universally acclaimed as among the greatest Middle Eastern composers, vocalists, and performers, as well as a fearless and compassionate innovator. Now he dares to respond to the prospect of war with the language of love. “I have memories of politics,” he says, “but almost all of my songs are about love, in the manner of Shakespeare’s `Romeo and Juliet.” Al-Sahir recently completed a duet recording with soprano vocalist Sarah Brightman, entitled “The War is Over”. The song will be released both on Sarah Brightman’s new album, as well as Al-Sahir’s new release slated for the end of 2003.
For his unique American performances in 2003, Al-Sahir was joined by fifteen of the most respected Middle Eastern musicians currently living and working in the United States. The lineup included virtuosos from Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and France, playing an array of traditional string and percussion instruments, in addition to modern pop instrumentation. Just one example, Bassam Saba, is a master of the ney flute and has performed and recorded with Simon Shaheen’s ensemble Qantara, and also with Yo-Yo Ma.
Of special interest to fans of Arabic classical music were the representatives of the esteemed Merhej family of Lebanon. Michel Merhej, a virtuoso of the rik (a traditional Middle Eastern percussion instrument), participated with his talented daughters, Christina and Claudette as the back-up chorus. Some of the other instrumentation included mazhar (frame drums) by Saad Fahmi, Butrus Hanna on tabla, Ramy Antoun on drums, Carlo Fakhoury on guitar, Elias Lamam on traditional accordion, Jamal Sinno on qanun (zither), Roberto Riggio and Hanna Khuri on violins, and Khaled Khalifa on cello to name a few.
Partial discography:
The Impossible Love (Mondo Melodia/Ark 21, 2000)
Qusat Habebain (2002)
El Rasem Belkalimat
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
