Samira

Samira mp3

Samira is a traditional feminine Arabic name. It is the feminine form of Samir, meaning "friend of the night" (most common), or "morning star" (high Arabic), or "human of the night". The name (Samira) also means pleasant companion.

The original name was Semiramis, the ancient queen with her hanging gardens. Less commonly, Samira is also a Hindu name, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "gust of wind", or "cool breeze". This too, has the masculine variant of "Samir", which means "the beautiful", or "night talker".

Arabic music includes several genres and styles of music ranging from Arab classical to Arabic pop music and from secular to sacred music.

Arabic music has a long history of interaction with many other regional musical styles and genres. It is an amalgam of the music of the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula and the music of all the peoples who were conquered and eventually arabised by the Muslim Arab invaders. It also influenced and has been influenced by Ancient Greek, Persian, Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkish, Indian, African (i.e. Berber & Swahili) and European music (i.e. Flamenco). As was the case in other artistic and scientific fields, Arabs translated and developed Greek texts and works of music and mastered the musical theory of the Greeks (i.e. Systema ametabolon, enharmonium, chromatikon, diatonon).[1] Such inter-influences can often be traced in language; for example, the word Sh?'ir (poetry in Arabic) bears much similarity to its equivalents in other Semitic languages (such as Sh?r in Aramaic and Sh?r in Hebrew), and Sh?ro in Babylonian

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Early career

Samira began singing professionally at the age of 9. Encouraged by her family, she began her career by participating in talent shows. Her first appearance on television was in the show "Mawaheb". In a short time, Samira Said, as she is known in Morocco, became one of the leading names in her home country. Her best known works include "Maghlouba" and "Wa'ady". Said's ambitions extended beyond Morocco and following the advice of her idol and friend, Abdul Halim Yafez, she moved to Egypt to expand her career.

Biography

Born and raised in Rabat, Morroco; Samira began singing at an early age. She grew up in Rabat in Morocco and almost instantly was praised for her beauty and charming personality. People knew these would carry her far, but it was only when she grew a little older and began singing, that people realized she was destined for great things. Her parents realized this and they began entering her in singing competitions. Always a favorite of the judges, she often won, and launched her professional singing career from this. Soon after she was the most popular singer in the country. However, she decided to move to Egypt so she could make a major impact on the entire Arab world. Sensing her greatness, many producers took her on and she began crafting beautiful songs, and recording many Arab favorites.

International career

In 1980 Said sang Morocco's first (and so far only) entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song "Bitaqat Khub" came 18th out of 19. In the early 1980s, Said recorded a song called "Al hob Elli Ana Aichah", composed by Mohamad Sultan. She went on to record with big names in the music scene in Egypt, including Baligh Hamdi, Helmi Bakr and Mohamad Al-Mouji. Said's performance of "Alemnah Al hob", on Layali Television in 1983, is credited with making her well known in Egypt. Said is known for her careful selection of songs and accompanists, working with several well known composers and lyricists. As a result, many of her songs are critically acclaimed, such as "Asmar malak", "Malak moch zay aweydak", "Sayidati anissati sadati", "Ech gab li gab", "El Leila dee", "Min ghir sabab", "Amrak ajib", "Al gani Baad Yomeen", "Mosh Hatnazel Anak" and "Alf Leila wal Leila". In 2005, she followed this success with 'Aweeny Beek' (make me stronger). Most recently, she sang 'Kollena Ensan' (All people) during the African Cup Of Nations in Cairo in January of 2006 and performed in Casablanca in July of that year.

Style

Said has achieved an unusual longevity in the Arabic world, frequently adopting new stylistic influences, such as Tarab, Ra? and Jazz. She has worked with a variety of young talents, producing a series of albums including "Inssani", "Khaifa", "Ashka", "Enta Habibi", "Kul Dee Eshaat", "Al Bal", "Rohy", and her latest album, "Leila Habibi."

Awards

In 2003 Said won a World Music Award and a BBC award for the best artist in the Middle East with her album 'Youm Wara Youm' (the title track of which is a duet with Cheb Mami).

Discography

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