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Kadim Al Sahir

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Kadim Al Sahir
كاظم الساهر
Born
Kadim Jabbar Al Samarai
كاظم جبار إبراهيم السامرائي

(1957-09-12)12 September 1957(age 67)
Mosul,Kingdom of Iraq
(present-dayIraq)
Occupation(s)Singer, composer, songwriter
Years active1980present
Musical career
GenresClassical crossover,Arab pop,operatic pop,folk pop,world
LabelsAl Nazaer Media Group, Stallions Records, Relax-In,Rotana Music Group,Platinum Records

Kadim Jabbar Al Samarai(born 12 September 1957),[1]better known by his stage nameKadim Al Sahir(Arabic:كاظم الساهر), is anIraqisinger and composer. DubbedThe Caesar,he has earned numerous local, regional, and international awards.[2]One of the most famous singers in theArab world,Al-Sahir has sold more than 100 million albums and written more than 40 hit songs, including "Ana Wa Layla" (Me and Layla), "Salamtak Men Al Ah" (Get Well Soon) and "La Titnahad" (Don’t Sigh).[3]

In 1980, Al-Sahir started teaching music. Two years later, he pursued studies at theInstitute of Music of Baghdad.[4]By 1988, he gained popularity in many Arab countries with compositions such as "Ladghat El-Hayya" and "Abart El-Shat". His musical career was hindered by the outbreak of theGulf Warin 1990. After leaving Iraq, his songs and titles championed the Iraqi people while they lived underSaddam Hussein's rule and Western sanctions.[5]In 2011, he was named a goodwill ambassador by theUNICEF.[6]

Al-Sahir has performed a wide range ofArabic musicfrom pop to classical and singing in most Arabic dialects.[7]His music is known for fusing traditional Arabic melodies with diverse international music forms. He has collaborated with international stars such asQuincy Jones,Sarah Brightman,Lenny Kravitz,and had frequent partnerships with the revered Syrian poetNizar Qabbani.His romantic poetry in music has established him as acultural icon.[8]

He appeared as a judge in the television showThe Voice: Ahla Sawtfrom 2012 to 2015, alongsideAssi El Hallani,Sherine,andSaber Rebai.[9]In 2020, he appeared on the frontpage ofVogue Man Arabia.[10]

Biography

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Al Sahir was born inMosul,Iraqon September 12, 1957, to a Sunni father and a Shia mother from Najaf. His father lived inBaghdadbut was aSamarranative from the tribe ofDarraj.[citation needed]Kadhem Al Sahir grew up and spent a large part of his life in Al-Hurrya neighborhood in Baghdad.

Apart from his mother, Al Sahir's family were never supportive of his direction in becoming a musician. They had no faith in him that he would become successful, and instead wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer. Al Sahir's brother once took him to different places where people usually sang, and told him it was his choice to sing in a respectful way, or he could choose to do it the bad way. He said that the only way to achieve success is for one to respect his music and respect himself.[11]

Al Sahir left Iraq in the early 1990s after theGulf War.He did not have a permanent residence and frequently moved, mainly betweenCairo,Dubai,Beirut,andParis,though as of 2022 he settled with his family inRabat,Morocco.He has two sons, Wisam and Omar Al Sahir, both of them married.[12]Kadim is also a grandfather to Wisam's daughter Sana.[13]

In February 2019, Kadim officially asked to change his last name from Al Samarai to Al Sahir.[14]

Professional career

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1995–2000

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He later moved toLebanon,where he met and formed a songwriting partnership with Syrian poetNizar Qabbaniin 1996;[15]Qabbani wrote lyrics to his music before settling permanently inCairo.Qabbani, who previously wrote lyrics for superstars of the 1960s and 1970s likeAbdel Halim HafezandNajat Al Saghira,[16]wrote the lyrics to more than 30 of Al Sahir's songs. In addition to Qabbani's poems, Al Sahir sang both political and romantic songs for Iraq and Baghdad, highlighting the feelings of the citizens of Iraq as well as their tragedies.

Al Sahir continued to release albums and tour, having become a big name in Middle Eastern music. Hisballadsgrew bigger and more romantic, but he would also write classically influenced works, even when they might hurt his popularity.

By 1998, he had ten albums under his belt and was lauded as an artist, not just a pop star. That prestige brought him wider fame and a growing international reputation that won him aUNICEFaward for his song "Tathakkar",which he performed in the U.S. forCongressand the United Nations–one of the first real post-Gulf War cultural exchanges. The following year, he recorded a tribute to the Pope with the Italian Symphony Orchestra.

Releasing numerous albums and touring extensively, Al Sahir has become both a high-grossing superstar and a respected musical artist. His reputation has continued to grow through collaborations with European and North American artists, includingSarah BrightmanandLenny Kravitz.He continues to live abroad, residing alternately inCairo,Dubai,Paris,andToronto.

2004–present: Collaborations

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Following theU.S. invasion of Iraqin 2003, Al Sahir's music changed to reflect new regional and global attention to Iraq during wartime. As scholar Christopher Phillips writes inEveryday Arab Identity(2012):

"Although Iraqi singers were not historically that well known due to their isolation from the wider Arab world during Saddam Hussein’s rule, Kathem al-Saher made a name for himself after 2003, singing in classical Arabic, often about the destruction of Iraq under occupation and war. His success might indicate a certain level of Arab solidarity, with viewers opting to show their support for Iraq through the purchase of songs depicting its misfortune."[17]

In 2004, Al Sahir collaborated withLenny Kravitzand released an anti-war song atRock The Vote,titled "We Want Peace", and shortly afterward released a song entitled "The War Is Over" (Entahat al harab) withSarah Brightman,which was released on her albumHaremand his albumHafiat Al-Kadamain.Both of these international duets were executive produced by Dergham Owainati, ofEMI Music Arabia,for Kadim's part.

In 2004, Al Sahir continued to work with various international artists includingGrammy Award-winning producersKC Porter,andQuincy Jones.His collaboration "Love & Compassion" (Hob Wa Haneen) was the title track for theArab American National MuseumCollector's edition honoring the artists that have made the most significant difference with international audiences. The track features Grammy winning singer/songwriterPaula Cole,Def Jamrecording artistKarina Pasian,andLuis Conteand was produced byKC PorterandDawn Elder.[18]

In 2004, he participated in the worldwide broadcast concert special "We are the Future" produced by Quincy Jones and coordinated by Dawn Elder at the Roman Maximos Stadium in Rome for the benefit of the children of the world. In December 2004, he participated in the opening of the Gulf Football Championship (Khaleeji 17) in which he performed the return of Iraq Operette which was broadcast live on 10 satellite channels. Additionally, in 2004, he was the first Arab artist to participate inUnity,the official album of the2004 Summer Olympics.

Releasing his albumIla Tilmithaon November 11, 2004. The album contains collaborations with the MoroccanAsma Lamnawarwhom Kadim Al Sahir discovered earlier and introduced to the Arab world in her first due song with Kadim "ashko ayaman". The album also included the song "Ahbeni," written by poet Nizar Qabbani, shot as a video clip by Husien Duibes; it became a major hit in the year 2004 alongside the song "Ila Tilmitha."

UNICEFnamed Al Sahir as the newGoodwill Ambassadorfor Iraq for the year 2011. For Al Sahir, this was a compelling reason to visit his country after 14 years[19]

He sang Bokra ( "Tomorrow" ), a charity single that was released on November 11, 2011, at 11:11 pm, along withRim Banna,Akon,Tamer Hosni,Diana Karazon,Marwan Khoury,Latifa,Souad Massi,Hani Mitwassi,Saber El Robai,Wa'ed,Sherine,and other Arab artists. The single distributed the proceeds of its donations to various organisations, especially institutions and charities with arts and culture programs. The eight-minute song was written byMajida Al-Roumiand was produced byQuincy JonesandRedOne.

Kadim Al Sahir performing in Abha, Saudi Arabia in Aug 26, 2019

He debuted as a coach for MBCThe Voice Kids,and his team member Lynn Hayek from Lebanon was the winning contestant in the Season 1 Finale held on March 5, 2016.

In collaboration with an Abu Dhabi cultural foundation, he performed solo in his first virtual hybrid concert in 2020 due to the pandemic.[20]

Discography

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Albums

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  • شجرة الزيتون (The Olive Tree) (1984)
  • غزال (Ghazal) (Gazelle) (1989)Music Box International
  • العزيز (Al Aziz) (The Beloved) (1990)Al-Nazaer Media Group
  • هذا اللون (Hatha Alloun) (This Color) (1992)Stallions Records
  • لا يا صديقي (La Ya Sadiki) (No, My Friend) (1993) Music Master
  • (Banat Alaebak) (Your Tricks are Over) (1993)Stallions Records
  • (Salamtak Min El) Ah (Your Safety From Hardships) (1994)Rotana Records
  • بعد الحب (Baad ElHob) (After Love) (1995) [Relax-In Records]
  • اغسلي بالبرد (Eghsely Belbarad) (Wash In The Cold) (1996)Rotana Records
  • في مدرسة الحب (Fi Madrasat Al Hob) (In the School of Love) (November 23, 1996)Rotana Records
  • انا و ليلى (Ana Wa Laila) (Laila and I) (November 28, 1997)Rotana Records
  • حبيبتي والمطر (Habibati Wal Matar) (My Love & The Rain) (January 1, 1999)Rotana Records
  • الحب المستحيل (Al Hob Al Mustaheel) (The Impossible Love) (July 27, 2000)Rotana Records
  • أبحث عنكِ (Abhathu Anki) (Looking For You) (September 28, 2001)Rotana Records
  • قصة حبيبين (Qussat Habebain) (A Story of Two Lovers) (January 1, 2002)Rotana Records
  • حافية القدمين (Hafiat Al Kadamain) (Barefooted) (June 29, 2003)Rotana Records
  • الى تلميذة (Ila Tilmitha) (To a [Female] Student) (November 11, 2004)Rotana Records
  • انتهى المشوار (Entaha Almeshwar) (The Journey Is Over) (November 1, 2005)Rotana Records
  • يوميات رجل مهزوم (Yawmyat Rajoul Mahzoom) (Diary of a Defeated Man) (March 29, 2007)Rotana Records
  • صور (Sowar) (Pictures) (September 29, 2008)Rotana Records
  • الرسم بالكلمات (Al Rassem Bil Kalimat) (Drawing with Words) (October 12, 2009)Rotana Records
  • (Latizidih Lawa'a) (Don't Add Anguish to Him) (January 2, 2011)Rotana Records
  • كتاب الحب (Kitab Al Hob) (The Book of Love) (September 20, 2016)Platinum Records
  • مع الحب (Ma'ah Al Hob) (With Love) (February 14, 2024)Kadim Al Sahir

International concerts

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Kadim Al Sahir tours around the world performing for his mostly Arab fans. He has performed in many countries, including the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and England. Major venues include:

References

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  1. ^"Kadim feels the love: Star celebrates his birthday on-set of the Voice".
  2. ^https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/33/527368/Arts--Culture/Music/Kadim-AlSahir-to-perform-in-Egypt-for-nd-time-in-.aspx
  3. ^https://man.vogue.me/entertainment/kadim-al-sahir-vogue-man-arabia-cover-story/?amp=1
  4. ^https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/profile_kadimalsahir.shtml
  5. ^https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/profile_kadimalsahir.shtml
  6. ^https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/33/527368/Arts--Culture/Music/Kadim-AlSahir-to-perform-in-Egypt-for-nd-time-in-.aspx
  7. ^https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/33/527368/Arts--Culture/Music/Kadim-AlSahir-to-perform-in-Egypt-for-nd-time-in-.aspx
  8. ^https://www.globalheroes.com/kadim-al-sahir-hold-your-fire-un-music/
  9. ^https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/33/527368/Arts--Culture/Music/Kadim-AlSahir-to-perform-in-Egypt-for-nd-time-in-.aspx
  10. ^Christine van Deemter (30 September 2020)."Kadim Al Sahir Stars on the Cover of Vogue Man Arabia Fall/Winter 2020".Vogue Man Arabia.Retrieved3 October2020.
  11. ^Interview: Kazem Al Sahir-2003ArchivedJanuary 25, 2009, at theWayback Machine.Afropop.org. Retrieved on 2011-11-19.
  12. ^"Maroc: Gérard Darmon, Cheb Khaled, Mohamed Ezzat… Ces VIP naturalisés par le roi Mohammed VI"(in French). 18 January 2022.
  13. ^Interview: The Private World of Kadim Al SahirArchivedMay 12, 2014, at theWayback Machine.rollingstoneme.com. Retrieved on October 8, 2010.
  14. ^"كاظم الساهر يغير لقبه رسمياً.. وهذا اسمه الحقيقي!".Al Arabiya(in Arabic). 8 February 2019.Archivedfrom the original on February 9, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 8,2019.
  15. ^“Nizar Qabbani: From Romance to Exile”, Muhamed Al Khalil, 2005, A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Department of Near Eastern Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate College of the University of Arizona, USA.
  16. ^https://najatalsaghira.wordpress.com/2015/06/19/the-magnificent-najat-al-saghira/ArchivedJuly 31, 2017, at theWayback Machine,English Article titled “Who is Najat Al Saghira? “, 2015, Accessed 2015/08/28.
  17. ^Phillips, Christopher (2013).Everyday Arab identity: the daily reproduction of the Arab world.New York: Routledge. p. 114.ISBN978-0-415-68488-0.OCLC712124106.
  18. ^Kadim (Kazem) Al SahirArchivedJanuary 29, 2009, at theWayback Machine.StayTunedTV.com (September 12, 1957). Retrieved on 2011-11-19.
  19. ^Iraqi singer named UN goodwill ambassador – Middle EastArchivedMay 15, 2011, at theWayback Machine.Al Jazeera English. Retrieved on 2011-11-19.
  20. ^"Eid Nights: Kadim Al Sahir".Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation YouTube Channel.Retrieved2021-01-20.
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