Nearly two decades since her untimely passing, Saudi singer Etab continues to inspire Arab women in music. Artists Sawsan Albahiti and Rahma Riad describe the trail blazed by their fearless predecessor.
Photo: Nick Thompson
This August will mark 17 years since the Arab world lost an unforgettable star: Etab. Lauded as one of the most talented female singers in the Gulf region — and the first from Saudi Arabia — her indelible impact on the arts scene of her home country and beyond has never been more significant. At a time when the Kingdom is bolstering its culture sector and relaxing some traditionally conservative policies, Etab’s trail- blazing legacy shines bright.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Born Tarfa Abdel-Kheir Adam in Riyadh, the Afro-Arab singer was raised in the 1950s – an era during which restrictions on social activity held girls like herself back from expressing themselves on public stages. But that did not stop the young singer, who got her start performing at weddings and other family gatherings at the age of 13.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Singing her way through subsequent moves to Jeddah and then Kuwait using her newly minted stage name, Etab, the young woman’s big break came in 1972 when she performed at the concert of Egypt’s famed Abdel Halim Hafez. The rising star often honored her Bedouin roots in her songs, never abandoning this side of herself even after settling in Cairo. It wasn’t long before she achieved bonafide icon status with hits like Gani Al-Asmar and Mita Ashoufaq, her trademark husky voice and folksy-contemporary aesthetic becoming known worldwide. Over the course of her career, she produced 15 albums and featured in three films. An advocate for women in the male- dominated music industry, Etab continues to inspire female Arab performers around the world. Here, two of the region’s biggest talents tell us how.
Photo: Nick Thompson
SAWSAN ALBAHITI, Saudi opera singer
“Etab is one of the early artists of Saudi and Gulf music. She is a true pioneer who introduced a new genre to the Middle East by carrying a cultural identity through her voice and music. I remember early memories in my life in the 1990s where her music would be playing in local weddings and women would celebrate dancing to her tunes. The dance moves that she introduced through her famous [television appearances] were mimicked by many Saudi women.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Although she faced difficult times being a Saudi female singer at that point in the country’s history, she was loyal to her identity and culture and continued to reflect that strongly in her music. To me, this is the meaning of a true artist and it inspires me to do the same. When I decided to pursue a career as a Saudi opera singer, this aspect was very crucial to me as it embodies my purpose as an artist: showcasing a Saudi identity through my image, music, and singing while presenting opera to my country’s audiences and introducing the world to Saudi culture through opera.
Photo: Nick Thompson
In addition, being true to your identity and culture in your public image is an important key to success not only on a career level, but also in several other aspects. Firstly, delivering a cultural export to the world. When Saudi artists represent their culture respectfully and elegantly while showcasing their art professionally, it paints a beautiful picture about our culture and about the country as a whole. Secondly, it creates a lasting legacy for the artist through generations, inspiring and representing what it means to be an artist. And this is what Etab did as the first generation of Saudi singers.”
RAHMA RIAD, Iraqi singer
“Music has always been a bridge for me – a way to bring worlds together and share the rich tapestry of my Iraqi heritage. When I think about artists who’ve done this beautifully, Etab stands out. Her songs not only carried the melodies of Saudi Arabia but also the dialect, making her music a heartfelt invitation into her world. This resonates deeply with me as I strive to do the same with my music, weaving Iraqi nuances into every note I sing.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Etab wasn’t just a musician; she was a trailblazer for artists like me. Her journey through the Arab music scene was a vivid story of innovation and influence. Every song she sang painted a picture of her culture so vividly that listeners, no matter where they were from, could feel the soul of Saudi Arabia. This ability to connect through music has always inspired me, urging me to ensure my own songs are windows into my world.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Our paths in music may diverge stylistically, but our hearts beat to the same rhythm – the rhythm of authenticity and cultural pride. Etab’s dedication to embedding her Saudi identity into her music reminds me why I started singing in the first place: to celebrate where I come from and share that with the world.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Navigating the complexities of the music industry, I find courage in Etab’s story. She broke through barriers, bringing new stories to the mainstream not just as a woman, but as a cultural icon. Her success reassures me that there is immense power in cultural authenticity – that my voice, too, can echo beyond borders.
Photo: Nick Thompson
Reflecting on Etab’s enduring legacy, I see her not just as a singer, but as a cultural ambassador whose music continues to inspire. It’s a reminder to all of us who follow in her footsteps that our music can transcend entertainment. It can connect, teach, and inspire.”
Style: Natalie Westernoff
Hair: Daniel Martin
Makeup: Kite Chuang
Nails: Edyta Betka
Production: JJ Media Agency
Casting director: Chloe Rosolek/CDR Casting
Model: Aliiettt at Storm Management
Originally published in the June 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
