A view of the session honoring singer Ahlam Wahbi on Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad. (Photo: 964media)
'A Journey of Melody'
Baghdad event honors late singer Ahlam Wahbi’s musical legacy
BAGHDAD — The Al-Mada Foundation for Culture and Arts, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute in Baghdad, hosted a musical and documentary session Friday titled Ahlam Wahbi: A Journey of Melody on Mutanabbi Street, celebrating the life and career of the iconic Iraqi singer.
The event recalled key moments in Wahbi’s artistic journey, highlighting her contributions to the development of Baghdadi music. It featured live performances and critical discussions of her work.
Mohammed Luqman, director of the International Center for the Study of Traditional Music, told 964media that Wahbi’s songs remain deeply rooted in Iraq’s social memory. “Her music is closely tied to the Iraqi character, particularly the Baghdadi household, because her songs convey sincere human emotions,” he said.
Luqman noted that while political circumstances have influenced art and culture, today’s younger generations are often unfamiliar with Wahbi’s legacy. He emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in preserving and promoting her work. Among Wahbi’s songs, he cited “Seven Days of My Life” as a vivid reflection of traditional Baghdadi bridal customs.
Rafaat Abdul Razzaq, who moderated the session, stressed the broader significance of remembering Iraq’s artistic pioneers. “This session is a national duty to remember those who created something from nothing,” he said.
Wahbi, born in Basra in 1938, came from a musical family. She launched her career in the mid-1950s through Iraqi radio and television, collaborating with renowned composers such as Nazem Na’im, Redha Ali, Khazal Fadhil, and Baligh Hamdi. She died in July 2020.
