For many, Kathem Al Saher is a national symbol of Iraq and of contemporary Arabic music. Also known as Kazem Al Saher, this singer and composer is tremendously popular among all ages for his unique musical style. He performs clean shaven in a suit and tie.
While many popular Arab performers play more modern music, Al Saher has revived an interest in traditional Iraqi music, some of which dates back to the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad. His style bridges the gap between old and new in Arabic music.
While many popular Arab performers play more modern music, Al Saher has revived an interest in traditional Iraqi music, some of which dates back to the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad. His style bridges the gap between old and new in Arabic music.
Al Saher's Blend of Arabic Folk and Western Music
Performing music is what Al Saher does best. At the age of 12, he reportedly sold his bicycle to buy an oud (an Arabic guitar). He was classically trained in the prestigious Baghdad Musical Institute, and started out as a songwriter for other Iraqi artists. Now Al Saher writes most of his own material and successfully blends classical Western music with Arabic folk music.
He refuses to use synthesizers - in fact, Al Saher often brings musicians into the studio to play even the tiniest section on a flute or piccolo. He also reportedly tours with a 35-person orchestra. His perfectionism has certainly been appreciated. He plays sold out concerts around the world, and has sold well over 10 million copies of his albums in the last 12 years.
Al Saher's Lyrical Inspiration
Al Saher’s devoted following is due to more than his music. A number of Al Saher's song lyrics are written for him by the famed romantic poet Nizar Qabbani. Al Saher has also used older poems from Qabbani, such as "Zidini Ushqan" ("Increase My Passion"). The singer brings to us the emotion of ancient classical Arabic tales like Kais and Laila, a Romeo-and-Juliet-like tale of tragic love.
Performing music is what Al Saher does best. At the age of 12, he reportedly sold his bicycle to buy an oud (an Arabic guitar). He was classically trained in the prestigious Baghdad Musical Institute, and started out as a songwriter for other Iraqi artists. Now Al Saher writes most of his own material and successfully blends classical Western music with Arabic folk music.
He refuses to use synthesizers - in fact, Al Saher often brings musicians into the studio to play even the tiniest section on a flute or piccolo. He also reportedly tours with a 35-person orchestra. His perfectionism has certainly been appreciated. He plays sold out concerts around the world, and has sold well over 10 million copies of his albums in the last 12 years.
Al Saher's Lyrical Inspiration
Al Saher’s devoted following is due to more than his music. A number of Al Saher's song lyrics are written for him by the famed romantic poet Nizar Qabbani. Al Saher has also used older poems from Qabbani, such as "Zidini Ushqan" ("Increase My Passion"). The singer brings to us the emotion of ancient classical Arabic tales like Kais and Laila, a Romeo-and-Juliet-like tale of tragic love.
Al Saher has also been dubbed "the voice of conscience" for the Arab people. In addition to his songs of romantic poetry and love, he also touches on humanitarian issues. His song Tathakkar ("Remember") is about children dying on the streets of Baghdad. Avoiding involvement in politics, Al Saher is a singer and exile who does not want to forget the plight of his people.
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