Abdul Halim Hafez, one of Egypt’s most beloved crooners, will take centre stage at the Sharjah World Music Festival on January 14, 40 years after his death.
Hafez’s legacy will be honoured by three Egyptian artists, Ahmad Effat, Mai Hassan and Mohammad Metwalli, to commemorate the 40th anniversary his death at The Flag Island Theatre in Sharjah.
They will perform a collection of his most popular songs with the help of the Cairo Opera House Orchestra, conducted by Mohammad Esmail Al Mouji.
Hafez, an actor, singer and producer, died in 1977 at the age of 47, and left behind him a large legacy. He was nicknamed the Dark-Skinned Nightingale, and became known for his warm warble and handsome looks. Hafez was also considered one of the Great Four of Arabic music, alongside Umm Kulthum, Mohammad Abdul Wahab and Farid Al Attrach.
“Abdul Halim Hafez enriched Arabic music with romantic and patriotic melodies that are etched in the memories of Arab people,” said Furat Qaddouri, manager of SWMF, in a statement. “Although he departed our world four decades ago, Hafez continues to live on in Arabic music ... It is no wonder that his voice still echoes across Arab capitals and streets.”
Tickets to attend For the Memory of Abdul Halim Hafez are available online, ranging from Dh60 to Dh250. The Sharjah Music Festival takes place from January 12 to 19.
