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Iconic Egyptian singers and their songs that have been imprinted in the hearts of many around the world are now making artistic impressions on kaftan keepsakes.
Bahraini artists Shaikha Muneera bint Isa Al Khalifa and Sara Al Rumaihi, have created a collection of long loose dresses for Ramadan featuring the faces of Abdel Halim Hafez and Umm Kulthum on one side and lyrics from their popular tunes on the back.
“We wanted to pay homage to the singers that have inspired us all,” said Shaikha Muneera. “They are the greatest singers in Arab history of music that have touched our lives in so many ways.
“They evoked emotions in all of us – after all, Abdel Halim Hafez is known as ‘the king of emotions and feelings’ while Umm Kulthum is ‘the voice of Egypt’ and also known as ‘Egypt’s fourth pyramid’.
“We wanted to turn the artworks we created of them into wearable art. Then again, what is fashion if not wearable art?”
The dynamic duo drew artworks of the legends using charcoal, that can be framed and placed in homes, and then printed the designs on silk.
The songs used on the kaftans are Ahwak (which means I love you in Arabic) for Abdel Halim Hafez and Enta Omri (which means you are my life in Arabic) for Umm Kulthum.
Abdel Halim’s music is still considered among the ‘Great Four of Arab Music’ along with Umm Kulthum, Mohammad Abdul Wahab and Farid Al Atrash.
When he died in 1977, the New York Times referred to him as the Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra of the Arab world. And, he was also called the ‘king of romance’, ‘ambassador of love’ and nicknamed the ‘dark-skinned nightingale’ for his sweet, soft and tender voice.
He received notice in the Western world in 1999 when elements from one of his songs were used in one of rapper Jay-Z’s tracks.
He recorded more than 300 songs and starred in 16 classical and successful films, including Dalilah which was the Middle East’s first colour motion picture. To date, he has sold more than 80 million records.
As for Umm Kulthum, she also sold more than 80 million records worldwide and was known for her vocal ability and unique style.
She recorded around 300 songs over a 60-year career about love, loss and longing. She also had significant influence on a number of musicians, including English bass guitarist Jah Wobble and was praised by Bob Dylan, Maria Callas, Marie Laforêt and Bono.
The designers have created five kaftans of each.
This is their second collection, their first being a tribute to famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
They also drew pictures of the kingdom’s ruling family and presented it to designer Shaikha Marwa bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa to use for her ‘Khalifa Al Khair’ campaign aimed at raising funds for the needy during the pandemic.
Shaikha Marwa had created a series of colourful handwoven bags featuring pictures of His Majesty King Hamad and members of the ruling family in celebration of Bahrain National Day.
It was part of her Bayanah brand that highlights the kingdom’s heritage through handmade accessories. The bags were hand drawn on A4 using charcoal by Shaikha Muneera and Sara and then printed on canvas.
For details, follow @astrokeof.art on Instagram.
