Abdel Halim Hafez PortraitAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
The Nightingale
Abdel Halim Hafez was an iconic Egyptian singer and actor. His immense popularity has inspired a religious-like devotion by many Egyptians who still celebrate him every year.
Cinema Star
He starred in some of the most memorable movies in the 1950s and 60s, the golden age of Egyptian cinema, including Dalila, the first color film in the Middle East.
Abdel Halim Hafez in 1971American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Abdel Halim was not just a singer; he played several instruments, including the piano, oboe, guitar, and oud.
Sampling Scandal
His songs are known worldwide. In fact, you might recognize one of his melodies, “Khosara”, composed by Baligh Hamdy, which was sampled by Jay-Z in 1999 in his song "Big Pimpin," and resulted in a copyright lawsuit.
Young Abdel Halim Hafez (1939)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Early Hardships
Abdel Halim was born in El Sharqia, north of Cairo. Both of his parents died while he was young, leaving him an orphan and impoverished. He also contracted a waterborne parasitic disease in childhood, bilharzia, causing health issues that plagued him his whole life.
Natural Talent
Despite his early difficulties, Abdel Halim's musical abilities became apparent from an early age, and his talents were carefully nurtured by his older brother. At 14, he began formal training at the Arabic Music Institute in Cairo.
Shepherd's Cairo (1942-11) by Bob LandryLIFE Photo Collection
The Beginnings
Abdel Halim continued teaching music and singing in clubs until he was discovered by a radio executive in the early 1950s. Despite his fame, Abdel Halim's humble beginnings made him relatable to many Egyptians; a true man of the people.
Abdel Halim Hafez shaking hands with Gamal Abdel Nasser (1958-02)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Voice of the Revolution
In fact, his rise to fame coincided with Egypt’s 1952 revolution, and he sang many popular patriotic songs. His music inspired nationalistic pride and support for the leader of the revolution and future president, Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Throughout his career, Abdel Halim did not only sing songs for his beloved country, but he also performed uplifting music dedicated to countries like Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, and Palestine, endearing him to the Arab people.
Tahrir Square During the Revolution (2011-07-29)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
His songs were also sung in Tahrir Square during the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
King of Emotions and Feeling
Not only were his songs and films immensely popular, Abdel Halim's musical style greatly influenced Arab music. The lyrics of his songs and performance style focused on emotional impact rather than technical singing ability, preferring live performances over studio recordings.
Gone too Soon
Abdel Halim passed away at only 48 years old, due to complications from his chronic disease. All of the country was grieving and his monumental funeral engulfed the city of Cairo.
However, this wasn’t the end for Abdel Halim. Just as his songs and movies were remembered and continued to be played throughout the country for generations, Abdel Halim’s legacy lived on...and grew.
Tomb of Abdel Halim Hafez (2021) by Andreas KostopoulosAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Living Legacy
Today, Abdel Halim's loyal fans continue to visit his tomb every year on the anniversary of his death.
Dr. Nicholas Mangialardi describes Abdel Halim's lasting legacy.
Abdel Halim is remembered as more than a pop culture figure; he is greatly respected and venerated as one of the greatest Egyptian artists. There are even miracles attributed to him.
Symbol of Egyptian Spirit
This yearly pilgrimage is a testament to Abdel Halim’s powerful legacy, and importance to the people of Egypt and the Arab world as a boy who grew from poverty to become the voice of a newly-established nation.
Story by Tessa Litecky
This story was created in association with a museum exhibition and academic conference titled Exalted Spirits: The Veneration of the Dead in Egypt through the Ages, jointly organized by The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), The American University in Cairo (AUC), and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) in Egypt.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.