Kadim al-Saher to enthral Arabic music lovers in Doha

This summer offers exceptional entertainment activities for both Qatari nationals and expatriates alike. Many famous musicians have regularly been visiting Doha.The credit for all these events goes to Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) for running the Summer in Qatar campaign successfully and collaborating with different organisations to bring in marvellous singers and musicians for the Doha audience.Among many music events organised so far under Summer in Qatar, the upcoming music concert by world-renowned Arabic singer Kadim al-Saher is expected to be the most shining one. The musician is all set on August 16 and 17 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).Lovers of Arabic music are in for a real treat. Kadim, one of the most successful singers in the Arab World, will be taking Doha by storm along with his majestic orchestra. It is going to be a life-time opportunity for the Doha residents to see the Caesar of Arabic Song perform his world-renowned hits, romantic ballads and classical songs.Kadim Jabbar al-Samarai, better known by his artistic name Kadim al-Saher, is an Iraqi singer, composer and songwriter. He has been dubbed the Caesar of Arabic Song, and Iraq’s Ambassador to the world.Kadim has established himself as one of the most successful singers in the Arab World, since the start of his career – ranging from big romantic ballads to more political work, and pop to Arab classical music.In 2003, according to an international poll conducted by BBC, more than half-a million people from 165 countries voted his composition Ana Wa Laila (Me and Laila), his most famous song about his love for Laila, as the sixth in the world’s top 10 most popular songs of all time.He performs with an orchestra of 20 to 30 musicians on Arabic percussion, oud, qanun, nay, and a full complement of strings – violin, cello, and bass. While some of his work makes use of electronic musical sounds, he avoids the use of synthesizers to imitate acoustic instruments. His work frequently features Iraqi folk instruments, rhythms and melodies.Apart from his mother, al-Saher’s family were never supportive of his direction in becoming a musician. They had no faith in him that he would become successful, and instead wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer. Kadim was inspired early in life by the poet Mustafa Ksayer, whose work was dedicated to Haya Dashwaly.Kadim wrote his first song at 12, a romantic piece in the classical style, composed for a girl he liked. He used to work with his father in early age after school to help the family. At age 21, he enrolled at the Baghdad Institute of Music where he studied for around six years. After selling his bicycle, Kadim purchased a guitar at the age of 12, and began learning the arts of the guitar for about three months before writing a classical song. It was his first instrument.Kadim’s albums are: Shajarat Al Zaytoon (The Olive Tree) 1984; Ghazal (Gazelle) 1989; Al Aziz (The Beloved) 1990; Efrah (Be Happy) 1992; La Ya Sadiki (No, My Friend) 1993; Banat Alaeibak (Your Tricks are Over) 1993; Salamtak Min El Ah (Your Safety From Hardships) 1994; Baad ElHob (After Love) 1995; Fi Madrasat Al Hob (In the School of Love) 1996; Aghsilly Bilbard (Wash My Heart With Hail) 1997; Ana Wa Laila (Laila and I) 1997; Habibati Wal Matar (My Love and the Rain) 1999; Al Hob Al Mustaheel (The Impossible Love) 2000; Abhathu Anki (Looking For You) 2001; Qissat Habibain (A Story of Two Lovers) 2002; Hafiat Al Kadamain (Barefooted) 2003; Ila Tilmitha (To a Student) 2004; Entaha Almeshwar (The Journey Is Over) 2005; Yawmyat Rajoul Mahzoom (Diary of a Defeated Man) 2007; Sowar (Pictures) 2008; Al Rassem Bil Kalimat (Drawing with Words) 2009; Latizidih Lawa’a (Don’t Add Anguish to Him) 2011; and Kitab Al Hob (The Book of Love) 2016.Kadim tours around the world where he performs for his Arab fans. He has performed in many foreign countries including USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and England. He has also performed in different countries of the Middle East.