Lebanon-Al-Sharqiya September 28: The great Lebanese artist Najah Salam, the author of the song “Oh the most precious name in existence, O Egypt,” passed away today, Thursday, at the age of 92 years.
Her daughter, Samar Salman Al-Atefi, wrote on Facebook: “And the journey is over, Orouba... Mama is in God’s arms.”
Najah Salam began her artistic career in the field of singing through school concerts that were held at the end of each school year. In 1948, her father accompanied her to Cairo, where he introduced her to great artists such as Umm Kulthum, musician Farid Al-Atrash, his sister, singer Asmahan, Sheikh Zakaria Ahmed, and others.
It is noteworthy that Najah Salam was born in Lebanon in 1931, and became famous for her talent during school concerts. In 1948, her father accompanied her to Cairo, a trip that witnessed her getting to know the greats of art and the giants of singing, including Kawkab Al-Sharq, Umm Kulthum, musician Farid Al-Atrash, his sister Asmahan, Sheikh Zakaria Ahmed, and others.
In 1949, she recorded her first songs, “About Ya Ghannam,” and “O Hurt My Heart,” after which she launched her artistic career. Among her most famous patriotic songs was “O, the most precious name in existence, O Egypt,” which she sang during the tripartite aggression against Egypt in 1956. She also sang the poem “I Am the Nile.” A Cemetery for the Invaders, by the poet Mahmoud Hassan Ismail.
It is noteworthy that Najah Salam, whose father is the artist and writer Mohieddin Salam, who is considered one of the most prominent composers and oud players in Lebanon and the Arab world, learned the principles of singing from her father, whose house was like an art institute.
