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Dubai: Late Syrian-Egyptian composer and singer Farid Al-Atrash’s fingers over the 11 strings of agarwood healed broken hearts and inspired beautiful love stories .
Al-Atrash, known as the “King of Agarwood”, is one of the most important cultural figures in the Arab world. A composer, singer, instrumentalist, actor and filmmaker, he has released more than 220 original songs and appeared in 31 musical films.
He earned his nickname for his extraordinary prowess on Middle Eastern stringed instruments. His compositions include many classics of Arabic music, including “Nora Ya Nora”, “Awel Hamsa” and “Alby w Mofatho”.
Photo by Farid Al-Atrash in the 1970s. (AFP)
Al-Atrash was born on 19 October 1910 in Suwayda, Syria, to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He emigrated to Egypt to escape the French occupation with his mother and siblings – legendary singer Amal Al-Atrash and filmmaker Fouad Al-Atrash, Because their families have played an important role in the Syrian resistance. They later obtained Egyptian citizenship.
Al-Atrash was inspired by his mother, Aliya Bent Al-Monthir, a singer and musician whose talents helped her support her family in Egypt. She pushed him to go to the Egyptian Academy of Music for a musical education. Al-Atrash always said that his mentor, Riad El-Sunbati, was his true musical mentor. While studying at the conservatory, Al-Atrash sold textiles to help his family.
His career took off when he met composer Farid Ghosn and Egyptian singer and actor Ibrahim Hamouda. He joined Hamuda’s band as a guitarist. By the time Al-Atrash was in his early 30s, he was already performing regularly on Egyptian radio.
“There is no doubt that Farid Al-Atrash is one of the greatest musicians,” award-winning Iraqi agarwood player Naseer Shamma told Arab News. “He is considered a member of the Oriental school (of oud playing). He is a real icon – one of the three best musicians after Riad Al-Sunbati and Mohamed El-Qasabgi.”
According to Shamma, Al-Atrash has helped raise the public profile of agarwood and its players.
“He gives his musical compositions the endings that people long for and applaud,” he said.
Al-Atrash’s big break as an actor came in 1941 when he starred in the film “Intisar Al-Shabab” (Victory of Youth) alongside his sister Asmahan. He wrote all the songs for this movie. He went on to star in some of the most popular Arabic films of all time, including “Habib El-Omr”, “Lahn El-Kholoud”, “Afreeta Hanem”, “Bolbol Afandy”, “Resala Men Emraa’ Maghoola” and “Hekayet El -Omr Kolo.”
Al-Atrash’s romance with Egyptian actress and belly dancer Samia Gamal is one of the most famous love stories in Arab popular culture. The couple never married because, according to Al-Atrash, marriage was like a death certificate for his emotions, which are the main inspiration for the music he enjoys.
In an interview with a Syrian television station, Al-Atrash said: “I tried to get married many times in my life, but it was the will of God not to have a family. But, believe me, I tried to find a wife, and I did.
“Artists live (not) ordinary lives,” he explained to the host. “My life is full of adventures. I’m unstable. I’m here today, tomorrow I’ll be in London. (I’m busy) travelling, concerts, interviews, TV, radio… Well, what woman can stand her husband all night Not at home, coming home early in the morning, sleeping all morning, then going to interviews and work?? Our lives are unstable and unorganized.”
Farid al-Atrash with his lover, Egyptian belly dancer Samia Gamal, in Cairo, mid-1940s. (AFP)
As Al-Atrash’s career continued, the music industry became increasingly competitive, with established musicians emerging including Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Mohammed Al-Mougui, Kamal Al-Taweel and Baligh Hamdi. However, Al-Atrash’s star has not waned.
“During that time, Al-Atrash put out great songs like ‘La Wa Ainaiki’, which (confirmed) the rise of a great musician and first-rate composer. Before his career was over, he To be able to keep up the success,” Sharma said.
“If he wasn’t a songwriter and singer, he’d probably be an oud player on a whole different level,” he continued. “However, he spent (only) part of his time on the oud – a time that is crucial to Eastern music. Even today, he remains an inspiration to many students and agarwood lovers. He inspired Many European musicians entered the music world.”
Shamma says he often advises aspiring agarwood players to practice on several of Al-Atrash’s songs, including “Adhnaytani Bel Hajr,” “Banady Alaik,” “Ana Wenta Wel Hob,” and “Habeeb El-Omr.”
“I hope these songs are re-interpreted today by the beautiful voices of young people,” he said. “I don’t know why singers are afraid of Farid Al-Atrash’s work. Fareed’s work can give them a lot of exposure because he has a lot of fans in the Arab world.
“Farid Al-Atrash is an icon that can never be replaced. Not as an artist, creator, musician, composer, or as a person,” Sharma continued. “As a person, he was great. He was very kind, decent and generous.”
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