The voice and performance of the Iraqi singer Elham al Madfa’i is full of anxiety and originality. He introduced himself to his audience through his unique and special performance and songs which blended modern art with the folklore.
He carried the Iraqi song from its local horizon to the Arab horizons and managed to match the western and eastern instruments.
“Since the beginning of my artistic career, I have been moving on an art track which I believe is far and different from what is available locally. Therefore I cannot compare between any artistic experience whether Iraqi or Arabic with my experience,” Madfa’i told the UAE daily al Bayan.
He added, “I have the right to think of offering all what is new and different. I think I have managed, to some extent, to match the folk song and modern performance and so carry the Iraqi song from its local milieu to its Arabic horizon. The outcome of this matching brought this unique tone of the song which has originality and specialty.”
“Many people spoke out loudly that there were many problems that stood in the way of the western music and instruments to meet the Arabic words and singing. With time the opposite was proved to be true because the song which has humanitarian content must share the other songs some traits whether these were in Arabic or foreign language,” Madfa’i said.
He added, “I consider myself open to all modern art options without any problems in dealing with any style whether western or eastern as far as cadences, distribution or music are concerned. This depends on the extent of the achievements, which this addition brings me particularly to the uniqueness of my songs. In the end I do not seek simulation or imitation but everything new and unique within this framework -- Albawaba.com
