Each year on March 30, Egypt is swept by a the unmistakable voice of Abdel Halim Hafez, which brings with it a sense of love, patriotism and truth. On the 38th anniversary of Hafez's death this year, Egyptian TV and radio shows paid tribute to the musical genius by playing his songs, as well as programming that focused on his rich life in music and cinema.
Abdel Halim, who was also known as Al-Andaleeb Al-Asmar (The Dark Skinned Nightingale), was famous beyond the Egyptian arts scene. Dubbed the "King of Arabic Music," "The Voice of the People," "The Son of the Revolution," and "King of Emotions and Feelings," his songs were masterpieces of collaborative efforts by some of the Arab world's best poets and composers.
In the interview below, Lebanese TV icon Riyad Sharara discusses the stance development of the Arabic song with Abdel Halim Hafez.
We wonder what he would have said about the modern day songs.