Today marks the 131st birth anniversary of iconic musician Sayed Darwish, who was not just a great singer but also a long-living icon of nationalism.
Born on March 17, 1892, the so-called People Artist is touted as one of the greatest Egyptian vocalists and composers of all time.
The legendary musician contributed to the Arab classical music field for many decades and impacted the realization and formation of Arab modern music, despite his early death.
The late musician, who hailed from Alexandria, is popularly known for his stunning renditions of patriotic songs in the Arabic language.
Moreover, he composed the famous Egyptian national anthem, “Biladi Biladi”, and the revolutionist “Oom Ya Masry” (Get up Egyptian) which played a great role in the revolution of 1919.
Inspired by Salama Higazy, he was drawn to music very early in his life, being a musician in domestic cafes.
In the 1920s and 1930s, he collaborated with renowned actor Ali al-Kassar in many theaters of Cairo where his voice got recognized by thousands of Egyptians as well as Arab people.
Darwish's powerful voice and skillful grasp of technique set him apart from other musicians as he became a legendary figure in the years that came.
He also contributed to Egyptian cinema as he worked with legendary artists such as Naguib al-Rihani.
To honor his legacy, the Alexandria Opera House, inaugurated in 1921 during the reign of King Fuad I, named after him.
He passed away in 1923, leaving behind a great legacy to several generations.
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