Basra remembers prominent composer Kawkab Hamza

BASRA — The city of Basra marked the 40th day since the passing of renowned musician Kawkab Hamza with a musical memorial event. The ceremony, attended by Hamza’s family, close friends, musical critics, intellectuals, and musicians, took place at the headquarters of the Iraqi Communist Party, celebrating his enduring legacy and deep connection to the city.

Born in 1944 in the Al-Qasim district of Babil to a Feyli Kurdish family, Hamza died at age 80 in a hospital in Denmark, where he had resided since 1989. An influential composer, he crafted numerous musical masterpieces throughout his life. He joined the Communist Party at a young age, facing imprisonment and persecution for his political beliefs and lived in exile starting in 1979.

Nasser Hashim, a university professor and composer, reflected on Hamza’s bond with Basra to 964media, stating, “When I asked him when he would return to Basra, he said he couldn’t enter the city because he wouldn’t be able to leave it. Basra meant something unique and irreplaceable to him.”

Hashim added, “We learned artistic commitment and a genuine national stance from Kawkab. Meeting him was a turning point, and I became his close disciple.”

Tariq Shaban, a composer and school friend, reminisced about their early days, saying, “We had a complete school band, and Kawkab played the flute.”

He continued, “I witnessed Kawkab’s success when he composed ‘Ya Najma’ for singer Hussein Neama. Kawkab was a remarkable personality with a unique style in composing, deeply influenced by Basra’s environment.”

Mohammad Jawad, Hamza’s cousin, shared, “Kawkab had a strong brotherly relationship with Anwar Taha Abu Adel, a member of the Communist Party in Basra. On the day of his death, Kowkab’s son called me and asked to find a place near Abu Adel’s grave to bury his father.”

Kawkab Hamza is credited with playing a pivotal role in the renewal of Iraqi music, especially in Basra during the early 1970s. His legacy also intertwines with influential artists like Riyad Ahmed, Fouad Salem, and Seta Hagopian, with whom he collaborated extensively.