Sabah Fakhri

Sabah Fakhri (Arabic: صباح فخري‎‎) (May 2, 1933 ): is an iconic Syrian traditional and tenor singer from Aleppo.
Over the past 50 years of fame and popularity as a singer, Sabah Fakhri modified and popularized the then-fading form of traditional Arabic music, Muwashahat and Qudud Halabiya. He was well known for his exceptionally strong vocals, impeccable execution of Maqamat and harmony, as well as charismatic performances. He has numerous admirers around the world, and an excellent performer of authentic Arabic Tarab.

Fakhri was born Sabah Abu Qaws in Aleppo, Syria on May 2, 1933, and enrolled in the Academy of Arabic Music of Aleppo, then later in the Academy of Damascus, from which he graduated in 1948. He was given the stage name Fakhri by his mentor, Syrian nationalist leader Fakhri al-Barudi, who encouraged him as a young boy to stay in Syria and not travel to Italy. One of the earliest performances for Fakhri was in 1948 at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, before President Shukri al-Quwatli and Prime Minister Jamil Mardam Bey. Unlike many Arab artists, he never studied or worked in Cairo, insisting that his fame is linked to his origins, as a Syrian Arab.

He soon became famous all over the Arab World, performing in many Arab countries and capitals as well as receiving honors over the years for his work in maintaining the popularity of traditional Arabic music. Sabah Fakhri is also one of the very few Arabic singers to receive widespread popularity and perform concerts worldwide (including Europe, Asia, The Americas, and Australia). His name is enshrined in the Guinness Book of Records for his prowess in Caracas, Venezuela where he sang continuously for 10 hours without pause.

Fakhri was also a member of the Syrian parliament for the one session of parliament in 1998 as a representative of artists.

When he performs, Fakhri insists on interacting with his audience. Before singing, he insists on having a good atmosphere by having good musicians and an appropriate sound system. While performing he asks for the lights to remain on, in order to interact with the audience. He says that the audience play a key role in bringing the performer's creativity. The audience should be aware of the music and poetry, so they would value the music given to them.

Sabah Fakhri in a concert in 2007

Fakhri relies on the traditional songs of Aleppo, the traditional Arab poems of Abu Firas al-Hamdani, Al-Mutanabbi, and many other traditional and contemporary composers. His most popular works are:

• "Ya Hadi al Les/Malek Ya Helwa Malek"
• "Khamrata el Hob"
• "Ya Teira Tiri"
• "Foog Elnakhal"
• "Addouka al Mayass"
• "Ya Mal il Sham"
• "Mouwachah Imlili/Ya Chadi el Alhan"
• "Eba'atli Jawab"
• "Ah Ya Helo"

Fakhri was awarded the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree by the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in recognition of his achievements in serving and his role in reviving the artistic heritage in Syria.