Egypt declares 2025 the ‘Year of Umm Kulthum’ to mark 50th anniversary of her passing

Egypt’s Ministry of Culture has declared 2025 the “Year of Umm Kulthum”, marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary singer’s passing with a year-long celebration of her life and music.

Umm Kulthum, widely known as “the Star of the East”, “Egypt’s Fourth Pyramid” and “the Voice of Egypt”, remains an unparalleled figure in Arabic music and culture. “Umm Kulthum is an Egyptian and Arab icon we are proud of, the best voice that expresses Egypt with its history and civilisation,” said Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno. “We want to revive her spirit as an artistic and cultural phenomenon, confirming that Egypt will always remain a beacon of fine arts and musical creativity.”

Ministry of Culture has declared 2025 the “Year of Umm Kulthum,” launching a year-long celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Egyptian singer’s death. For more details https://t.co/mwm70QzvoV pic.twitter.com/Es9E6tbNDj

— State Info. Service (@SISEGY) February 2, 2025

According to the State Information Service (SIS), the ministry has planned an extensive programme, including concerts, exhibitions and competitions. A major concert at the Philharmonie de Paris will feature the Arab Music Orchestra, while Cairo Opera House will host special performances and a nationwide talent competition, “Discovering Umm Kulthum 2025.” The Umm Kulthum Festival for Music and Singing will tour Egypt, beginning in her birthplace, Tamay El Zahayra.

The Cairo International Book Fair will dedicate a segment to her, featuring rare documents and recordings. The Umm Kulthum Museum will offer free admission throughout this month, and the Cultural Development Fund will host discussions, screenings and concerts in Cairo and Alexandria.

Her influence extended beyond the Arab world, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. Even in death, she unites audiences, as noted in the New Arab: “It has been said that Arabs from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean listened together on only two occasions: when Nasser delivered a speech and when Umm Kulthum performed on the first Thursday of every month.”

Umm Kulthum: ‘Star of the East’