Between the 1920s and 1970s, with dramatic social, political and commercial changes in Egypt, Umm Kulthum and Ab'del Wahhab leapt to prominence as musical icons in the Arab world. More than 25 years after her death, the Kulthum radio station still begins and ends its daily broadcasts with "the lady", often singing songs composed by Ab'del Wahhab. Musicologist Ruth Davis - with the help of Naguib Mafouz , Nawal El Saadawi , biographer Virginia Danielson and others - considers the significance and appeal of stars still highly revered across the Middle East.
Producer Bella Bannerman