In a bold critique of one of the most revered figures in Arabic music, poet Abdul Majeed Al-Zahrani has sparked a heated debate by claiming that the legendary Umm Kulthum’s voice lacked inherent musicality.
Speaking during an appearance on the podcast “The Said,” Al-Zahrani argued that the late singer’s voice does not “enchant” when separated from the compositions. In a striking assessment, he described her vocal legacy as the “biggest artistic prank,” suggesting that the public’s admiration was a result of masterful production rather than vocal talent.
According to Al-Zahrani, the true secret behind the timeless appeal of her songs lay with the “genius composers” who crafted her music, specifically citing Al-Sunbati, Al-Mogi, and Baligh Hamdi. He asserted that the melodies were the driving force behind the emotional impact of the music.
To illustrate his point, the poet pointed to other artists who have performed Umm Kulthum’s repertoire, such as Amal Maher, stating that their voices are genuinely enchanting. He concluded that Umm Kulthum’s voice simply blended into these brilliant compositions, leading listeners to “fall for the prank.”
The comments, made on April 30, 2026, highlight a provocative take on the intersection of vocal performance and composition in the history of Arabic music.
