On Abdel Wahab's Birth Anniv: Lesser known Facts about Late Singer-Composer

Today marks the birth anniversary of iconic Arab musician Mohamed Abdel Wahab, popularly known as the Musician of Generation.

The late musician and singer would have turned 125 today. His contributions to the music industry have been etched into Arab hearts. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, here are some of the lesser-known facts about the Musician of the Generation.

Born in Bab El-Shreya district, Cairo, he made his artistic career as a young singer in Fawzy Al Gazirly's music band and began composing his own style of Egyptian film musical after visiting Paris and familiarizing himself with French musical film.

Abdel Wahab started to play the Oud and went on to keep learning different instruments like piano and guitar. Ahmed Shawki, Egypt's legendary poet, along with musician Sayed Darwish were a huge part of making music such an indispensable part of his life.

Throughout his long-standing career, the late musician was featured in many films and composed more than 1820 songs.

Abdel Wahab, who is considered the most renowned name in the history of Egyptian Music, joined Egyptian Radio upon its inception in 1934 and was one of the first artists to join the station.

At that time, the talented artist participated in several films, however, he decided to devote herself to singing completely.

The remarkable star was honoured by many political and social leaders including Gamal Abd-El-Naser and Anwar Al-Sadaat.

All Egyptians know about his talent as a singer as well as a composer. At all times, he was highly appreciated by the people. He received numerous awards for his artistic achievements.

He is well-known for his seminal works, such as The White Rose (1933), 'Doumou' El Hub' (Love's Tears) (1936), 'Yahya El Hub' (Long Live Love) (1938), 'Yawm Sa'id' (Happy Day) (1939), 'Mamnou'a El Hub' (Love Is Forbidden) (1942), 'Rossassa Fel Qalb' (A Bullet in the Heart) (1944), 'Lastu Mallakan' (I'm No Angel) (1947) and 'Ghazal Al Banat' (The Flirtation of Girls) (1949).

In 1991, Mohamed Abdel Wahab breathed his last in his hometown Cairo, Egypt due to a stroke.