Iraqi singer Kathem Al Saher’s concert in Tyre on Friday was a smashing success, to say the least. A crowd of over 4,000 filled with high expectations received Saher with a roaring cheer.
Smartly dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow-tie, Saher began with some of the hits off his latest album Abhathu Anki (Looking for You). He performed the title song, the controversial Kulla Am Wa Anti Habibati, and Shukran.
He continued with Ya Rayheen Lubnan, a traditional folklore song he dedicated to the Lebanese people, according to thisiscyberia.com.
Later, of course, came the big hits, most of which were the fruits of his collaboration with the late Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani. The romantic ballads Zidini Ishqan and the excellent Ana Wa Laila intoxicated people. Saher’s powerful, virile voice throbbed through the senses, awakening people’s emotions and their dreams of love.
The Iraqi star continued with a sampling of his early hits: the Khaliji (Gulf) songs that established his name. He began with the cheerful Aghazlak, followed by the innovative hit single La Titnahad, which was recently re-mixed by Transglobal Underground.
Of course, Saher didn’t forget his patriotic songs, such as Baghdad and Mustaqil.
No doubt, Saher’s concert will be remembered as one of Tyre festival’s biggest events. It once again proved the singer’s immense popularity among the Lebanese and Arab public.
Saher once said: “I like to be different in my work. I like to look for the strange and hard things to challenge myself.” And the star was absolutely right, for he is truly in a league of his own.
Saher is one of the biggest artists in the Arab world, so far selling more than 30 million records, while collaborating with some of the biggest names in literature and music – Albawaba.com
