The Egyptian Ministry of Culture announced a program of cultural events throughout 2025 to honor the legacy of Umm Kulthum, marking the 50th anniversary of the singer's passing. "Umm Kulthum is an Egyptian and Arab symbol we are proud of, and the best voice that expresses Egypt with its history and civilization," said the Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Henu, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.
As part of the year-long celebrations, the ministry will host local, regional, and international musical concerts featuring prominent Arab voices to revive Umm Kulthum's songs in contemporary styles while preserving their authenticity and aesthetics, reported Alwasat News.
In Egypt, the Umm Kulthum Music and Singing Festival was inaugurated in her birthplace, Tamai al-Zahiriya, and will continue throughout February with musical performances in various governorates, as reported by Al-Quds Al-Arabi.
The Cairo International Book Fair 2025 will dedicate its artistic program to celebrating Umm Kulthum, featuring musical performances of her songs and several publications that re-explore her career from different angles, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported. Additionally, the National Library and Archives will organize a special exhibition showcasing rare documents and historical photos of Umm Kulthum's artistic journey, according to Youm7.
The Umm Kulthum Museum, affiliated with the Cultural Development Fund, will open its doors free of charge to the public throughout February 2025 from 9 AM to 4 PM, except on Tuesdays. The museum houses a collection of personal belongings of the late artist, including her famous black glasses, dresses she wore during performances, personal letters, and rare photos documenting important moments of her artistic and personal life, as noted by Al-Masry Al-Youm.
The Arab Music Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Dr. Alaa Abdel Salam, performed a concert at the Grand Hall of the Philharmonie de Paris to commemorate the 50th anniversary, featuring singers Rehab Omar and Iman Abdel Ghani presenting a selection of her most famous songs.
"This celebration is not just a tribute to Umm Kulthum's memory but a cultural message reflecting the impact of Egyptian art in the world," said Dr. Lamia Zayed, the head of the Egyptian Opera House.
International musical groups participated in re-presenting Umm Kulthum's works with contemporary musical visions, as reported by Al-Arab.
Musical performances will be held in various Egyptian governorates to reach all parts of the republic during February, reported Youm7. In Upper Egypt, theaters in Assiut, Minya, New Valley, and Sohag will host performances from February 8 to 11.
The Egyptian Opera House is organizing a competition titled "Discover Umm Kulthum 2025" to find young voices with creative traits similar to Umm Kulthum, reported Al-Quds Al-Arabi. This initiative aims to discover and nurture new talents across Egypt, ensuring that her musical legacy continues to inspire future generations.
"Her influence extended to all aspects of Egyptian culture, as she was an ambassador of Egyptian art, carrying messages of love and peace to the world through her voice," said Henu, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq