"Dean’’ of Arabic Musical composers
(1896-1961)
protector and custodian of original Arabic music,
Zakaria Ahmed enriched this heritage with a
valuable collection of masterpieces. His
compositions were instrumental in exploring the
talent and shooting into fame a host of top singers
such as the miraculous Umm Kolthoum.
Born in 1896, at the popular district of AL-Hussein, Cairo, he was sent to the pre-school "Kuttab" to memorize the
Holy Qur’an. Later, he joined Al-Azhar, where he spent six years (1902-1908) memorizing the Holy Qur’an and
learning Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic grammar. He then, associated with major reciters of the Qur’an and
learned how to recite and chant religious songs.
Career
At the age of 18, he used to frequent theaters and in no time he had learned by heart all songs and poems attended.
He started composing new tunes for common religious songs and poems.
He toured the countryside to perform concert at minimal pay and acquaint himself with provincial spontaneous
singers.
He joined some art associations such as the Egyptian Performing Art Society.
Over the period (1916-1922), he worked with major singers and composers such as Sayyed Darweesh and
Muneera Al- Mahdayia.
In 1917, he made his first musical composition, as a professional composer, entitled "Pull Down the Curtain"
He contributed to the 1919 Revolution, by composing tunes for patriotic songs, which inflamed popular sentiments.
Following the death of Sayyed Darawish, Ahmed became Egypt’s prime composer creating the most beautiful
tunes for major theatrical troupes of Naguib Al-Rehani, Ali Al Kassar and Fatama Rushdi.
Over the period (1924-1930), Ahmed composed tunes for more than 46 plays.
In 1927, he traveled to Turkey, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and France, where he presented concerts that were
widely acclaimed.
In December 1960, he was awarded the Order of Science and Arts of the First Class by late President Gamal
Abdel Nasser.
His Influence on Arabic Music
Zakaria Ahmed had a peculiar and outstanding fingerprint on Arabic music. While maintaining its intrinsic features,
he introduced a modern innovative structure and a flavour that were acceptable to all.
His compositions reflected his purely oriental spirit and Arab, Egyptian environment.
Using a variety of forms, he could reflect the districts features of Arabic music.
Ahmed and Umm- Kolthoum
Zakria Ahmed played a major role in discovering and sponsoring Umm-Kolthoum, the prodigious top Arabic singer.
Under his persuasion she was convinced to leave her village to Cairo, the centre of art and fame.
He organized concerts for her in Cairo. For more than 30 years, Zakaria Ahmed remained by her side, sponsoring
her talent, and creating the sweetest tunes for her songs.
Works
More than 30 Mwwashahs
580 musical compositions including 56 operettas.
225 light tunes (Taqtouqa and Door)
91 songs for 37 films
43 radio songs
Total songs composed by Zakaria Ahmed amounted to 1070 including 45 for Umm Kolthoum.