The Caesar of Arabic song, artist Kadim Al Sahir, expressed his deep appreciation for the Saudi audience, describing them as possessing refined artistic taste and a "deep listening" ability, which grants the artist space for creativity, especially in the realm of classical Arabic poetry, which Al Sahir considers his true domain. These remarks came after his exceptional concert held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), as part of the "Classical Arabic Singing Evenings" series organized by the Saudi Music Commission.
Historical background: Al-Saher and classical Arabic poetry
Kadim Al Sahir represents a unique case in the contemporary Arab music scene. For decades, he has built his artistic career on a solid foundation of refined lyrics and authentic melodies, using classical Arabic as a means to express the deepest human emotions. His name is associated with the poems of great poets, most notably Nizar Qabbani, whose complex and complex poems he successfully transformed into popular songs sung by millions, such as "Zidini Ishqan" (Increase My Love), "Madrasat Al Hob" (The School of Love), and "Inni Khayartuk Fa Ikhtari" (I Gave You a Choice, So Choose). This commitment to classical Arabic was not merely an artistic choice, but a cultural project that restored the brilliance and prestige of the sung poem in an era dominated by fast-paced and simplistic songs.
Cultural context: The Kingdom and its embrace of fine arts
Kadim Al Sahir's concert at Ithra comes within the context of a broad cultural and social transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030. The Kingdom has become a major destination for leading Arab and international artists, and a platform for launching high-quality artistic initiatives. The "Evenings of Classical Arabic Singing" series, organized by the Music Commission in collaboration with Ithra, is a testament to this trend, which aims to revive authentic Arab musical heritage and present it to new generations, and to strengthen the status of the Arabic language as a language of art and creativity. Hosting an artist of Kadim Al Sahir's stature within this framework underscores the seriousness of this endeavor and the Kingdom's desire to lead the Arab cultural scene.
Unique interaction and mutual appreciation
Al-Saher emphasized the unique nature of the Saudi audience's interaction, saying, "The Saudi audience is discerning and cultured, and if the lyrics aren't meaningful and profound, they won't resonate with them. But I've tried performing challenging poems with them, and from the stage, I've witnessed their respect for both the words and the melody." He added that this appreciation gives the artist tremendous positive energy, something he has experienced at all his concerts in the Kingdom. For his part, Al-Saher explained that Classical Arabic is not merely a heritage, but a living and evolving language capable of expressing love and romance on a broad scale, which explains the connection different generations have with his songs.
Importance and expected impact
Locally, these events enrich cultural life and cater to the diverse tastes of Saudi society. Regionally, they strengthen Arab cultural ties and reaffirm that refined art still has a wide audience. Internationally, these concerts present a bright image of the Kingdom as a center of cultural and artistic influence, celebrating its language and heritage while simultaneously embracing the world. The success of Kadim Al Saher's concert in Ithra is not merely an artist's triumph, but a celebration of the Arabic language and its power to unite hearts and emotions.
