The Avignon Festival in southern France paid a powerful tribute to the Arabic language and the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, marking 50 years since her death with a spectacular concert titled “The Voice of Women.” Held at the iconic Palais des Papes on Monday night, the performance brought together seven acclaimed female artists from across the Arab world and the diaspora. Among the performers were French-Algerian singer Souad Massi, Franco-Algerian artist Camélia Jordana, and Egyptian singer Maryam Saleh, each offering their own modern reinterpretation of Umm Kulthum’s timeless classics. The show, blending heritage with innovation, was directed by Lebanese musician and producer Zeid Hamdan.
“This isn’t about copying Umm Kulthum—it’s about celebrating her legacy, expressing how deeply we love and connect with her music,” Hamdan told Africanews. He emphasized the concert’s broader mission: to highlight the richness of Arab culture and challenge reductive stereotypes. “We want to say: we are here, we exist. Our art is strong and worthy of global recognition.” Umm Kulthum, often referred to as the “Star of the East” and even “the Fourth Pyramid,” was a cultural force for over five decades in the Arab world. Her powerful voice, poetic lyrics, and dignified presence made her a symbol of Arab identity, pride, and femininity. Her funeral in 1975 drew an estimated 4 million mourners in Cairo—a testament to her immense influence.
“In her, we see elegance, power, and resistance,” said Souad Massi. “She represents the Arab woman: musical, graceful, and feminist.” For Maryam Saleh, the chance to reinterpret such a towering figure was deeply personal. “Every singer brought her own identity into the tribute. It was never about mimicry—it was about reinvention, memory, and connection.” The concert stood out as a highlight of the 2025 Avignon Festival, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds and bridging generations. For one evening in France, Umm Kulthum’s voice echoed once more, carrying the soul of Arab music and the legacy of a cultural giant.
