"This celebration is not just a tribute to Umm Kulthum's memory but a cultural message reflecting the impact of Egyptian art in the world," said Dr. Lamia Zayed, the head of the Egyptian Opera House.

"Umm Kulthum was more than just a singer," said veteran art critic Magda Khairallah. "She was a national figure. That is why people did not just call her Umm Kulthum -- they called her El-Set (The ...

Cairo (AFP) – Half a century after her death, Umm Kulthum's singular voice still echoes through busy streets in Egypt, across time-worn cafes in Iraq, and in millions of homes from Morocco to Oman.

"Umm Kulthum was more than just a singer," said veteran art critic Magda Khairallah. "She was a national figure. That is why people did not just call her Umm Kulthum - they called her El-Set (The ...