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Sabah Fakhri
Sabah Fakhri (Arabic: صباح فخري) (born 1933): is an iconic Arabic traditional singer
from Aleppo, Syria. Over the past
50 years of fame and popularity as a singer, Mr. Sabah Fakhri modified and
popularized the then-fading form of traditional Arabic music, Muwashahat and Koodood
Halabiya. He is well known for his exceptionally strong vocals, impeccable execution
of Maqamat and harmony, as well as charismatic performances. To many music
admirers around the world, he represents the epitome and essence of authentic
Arabic Tarab. Fakhri was
born Sabah Abu Qaws in Aleppo, Syria in 1933, and enrolled in the Academy of
Arabic Music of Aleppo, then later in the Academy of Damascus, from which he
graduated in 1948. He was given the stage name Fakhri by his mentor, Syrian
nationalist leader Fakhri al-Barudi, who encouraged him as a young boy to
stay in Syria and not travel to Italy. One of the earliest performances for
Fakhri was in 1948 at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, before President Shukri
al-Quwatli and Prime Minister Jamil Mardam Bey. Unlike many Arab artists, he
never studied or worked in Cairo, insisting that his fame is linked to his
origins, as a Syrian Arab. He soon
became famous all over the Arab World, performing in many Arab countries and
capitals as well as receiving honors over the years for his work in
maintaining the popularity of traditional Arabic music. Sabah Fakhri is also
one of the very few Arabic singers to receive widespread popularity and
perform concerts worldwide (including Europe, Asia, The Americas, and
Australia). His name is enshrined in the Guinness Book of Records for his
prowess in Caracas, Venezuela where he sang continuously for 10 hours without
pause[1]. He was a
member of the Syrian parliament for a period of time as a representative of
artists. Fakhri was
awarded the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree by the Syrian president
Bashar al-Assad in recognition of his achievements in serving and his role in
reviving the artistic heritage in Syria.[1] Sabah
Fakhri's son Anas Abu Qaws (born in 1976) has recently invaded the art scene,
as a singer trying to create a style that gathers both tradition and
modernity. He started as a rock singer and classical opera singer and is now
preparing to launch his debut CD, "Jamal al-Roh" (Beauty of the
Soul). Fakhri Senior has always stood up for his youngest son, saying,
"When Anas decides to sing traditional Arabic music, nobody around can
challenge him. I know how I raised him, on a solid musical base!" |
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