Hanan, One Blast From the 80s

You have to give a lot more credit to Arab singers in the 80s as they played a big role in transforming Arabic music, from long, mellow Tarab oriented into light upbeat pop. They really had to fight for it, and many people took an issue you with this new style of music championed by Hamid Al Sahari. Who had to defend his new style and new artists from voices like Hilmi Baker.

Needless to say pop won and the survived the waves of criticism, it did thrive too. Tarab still important and people appreciate it, but it's no longer the sole style. Young people like different things....just think of the ongoing revolutions sweeping the Arab world.

One of the early stars of Arabic pop is no other than Hana, the Egyptian voice that had half a dozen of albums and met a great success with the young listeners. I know my sisters loved her as did all the boys my older brother used to roll with. She had a sweet voice and was perhaps the lead female voice in light pop songs. She was a pioneer in music videos as well Here is one music video.

Hanan has retired from singing like the majority of pop female voices of her era. She keeps a low profile.

Hanan Rayqah رايقة حنان