Abdel Halim Hafez performing in Paris. Photo: Getty Images
On Eid Al-Fitr, a hologram of the late Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez is set to perform a pair of shows at the Dubai Opera. The digitized version of the singer will be accompanied by a live orchestra, performing his greatest hits. The 90-minute concert will be spread out over two dates, May 13 and 14. The unique show aims to revive his work and preserve the Arab musical heritage.
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This is the second time the hologram is being showcased after the success of a sold-out debut concert at Egypt’s Baron Empain Palace. MBC and UAE production company NDP will be organizing the event, which is the same company that put together the Umm Kulthum hologram concert, becoming the first to introduce it in 2019 in Saudi Arabia’s Hegra. The hologram is meticulously built by technicians that have spent hours studying Hafez’s every move by watching his previous performances. Additionally, the technician team conducted extensive consultations with his family members and associates to depict his essence accurately.
The late singer was referred to as the Al-Andaleeb-Al-Asmar, which translates to The Black Nightingale. He studied at Cairo’s Institute of Arabic Music and the Higher Institute for Theatre Music, beginning his career by teaching music. His first hit came in 1951, where he went on to sing and act, slowly rising to stardom. Known for his deep voice, Hafez melodically spoke of love and his love for Egypt through his colloquial poetry. Some of his most best known songs are Khosara, Ahwak, and Gana El Hawa. He died in 1971 at the age of 47 of Bilharzia.
Tickets are now available and start from AED 350; visit the Dubai Opera’s website for more information.
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