So many singers in 2011 Egypt have been placed on the black list due to their support of the ousted dictator Hosny Mubarak. Those entertainers on the list have seen some trouble getting new contracts or recording new material.
But to those on such lists, they may find some comfort in knowing they are not the first to be at odds with new political reality. Om Kolthoum, the number one selling Arab artist and legendary singer has seen what they are now seeing.
Om Kolthoum had many songs phrasing the king of Egypt king Farouk. She performed for him, and she has celebrated his birthday with song, I include one below from 1937. But then the revolution happened and there she was at odds with the new government ruling Egypt. But she came out fine, maybe becasue she was such a talented singer. An icon of sort.
But Om Kalthoum wasn't the only big name to sing for King Farouk, legendary composer/singer Mohammad Abdel Wahab performed a song to the King about how nice he is to the artists. Calling the king the proctor of art and artists. The song was later edited and that part was taking out. I also include the audio clip from that particular song.
However, unlike in the 50s, there crowded entertainment scene, there are too many artists doing the same thing and no one is irreplaceable. So some of those pro regime entertainers might never make a comeback.
ام كلثوم تغني للملك فاروق ( اجمعي يامصر) ١٩٣٧
مقطع حذف من اغنية الفن محمد عبدالوهاب بعد 1952
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