Quick answer: Mouza Al Hamrani is an Emirati illustrator and multimedia designer based in Ajman whose poster series celebrates five of the most influential voices in Arab music: Umm Kulthum (Egypt, "Star of the East"), Fairuz (Lebanon), Abdel Halim Hafez (Egypt, "the Dark Nightingale"), Warda Al-Jazairia (Algeria, "the Algerian Rose") and Talal Maddah (Saudi Arabia, "the Voice of the Earth"). The posters reinterpret these icons in a playful, retro pop-art style and are available at the Mouza Al Hamrani collection.
Who is Mouza Al Hamrani?
Mouza Al Hamrani is based in Ajman and holds a B.Sc. in Multimedia Design from Zayed University in Dubai. Her work draws on her Khaleeji upbringing, touching on cultural inheritance, superstition, existentialism and the human condition, often with humour, stylised forms and captions. Her music posters are a natural extension of that practice: they treat the voices that filled Gulf homes, cars and radios as part of the region's shared family memory.
Why these five singers?
For decades, these artists were the soundtrack of the Arab world, from Morocco to the Gulf. Their songs are still heard at weddings, on long drives and on the radio across the region. Together they represent Egypt, the Levant, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which makes the series a map of Arab music as much as a set of portraits.
The five posters
Umm Kulthum: the Star of the East
Umm Kulthum (c. 1904 to 1975) was the most celebrated Arab singer of the 20th century, known as Kawkab al-Sharq, the Star of the East. Her concerts, broadcast live on the first Thursday of the month, could last for hours as she repeated and stretched a single line in response to the audience. When she died in 1975, millions of people filled the streets of Cairo for her funeral.
Start with: Enta Omri, her famous 1964 collaboration with composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab.
View the Umm Kulthum Poster
Fairuz: the voice of morning
Fairuz, born Nouhad Haddad in 1934, is Lebanon's most beloved singer. Working with the Rahbani Brothers and later her son Ziad Rahbani, she created a sound that is still played across the Arab world every morning, so much so that "Fairuz in the morning" is a cultural habit in itself. She is affectionately called the "ambassador to the stars".
Start with: Nassam Alayna El Hawa.
View the Fairuz Poster
Abdel Halim Hafez: the Dark Nightingale
Abdel Halim Hafez (1929 to 1977) was Egypt's great romantic singer and film star, known as Al-Andaleeb Al-Asmar, the Dark (or Brown) Nightingale. His songs of love and longing made him an idol for a generation, and his films are still shown on Arab television today.
Start with: Ahwak.
View the Abdelhalim Poster
Warda Al-Jazairia: the Algerian Rose
Warda Al-Jazairia (1939 to 2012), whose name means "rose", was born in France to an Algerian father and a Lebanese mother, and built her career between Algeria, Lebanon and Egypt. Her powerful, emotional voice made her one of the great divas of Arab music.
Start with: Batwanes Beek.
View the Warda Poster
Talal Maddah: the Voice of the Earth
Talal Maddah (1940 to 2000) was a Saudi singer and oud player known as Sawt Al-Ard, the Voice of the Earth. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern Saudi and Khaleeji song, and his music is especially close to the hearts of audiences in the Gulf. He passed away in 2000 while performing on stage.
Start with: Maqadir.
View the Talal Madah Poster
How to style the series
- A listening corner: hang one poster above a record player or speaker.
- A row of five: frame all five at the same size for a gallery-wall "radio of the Arab world".
- A pair: Umm Kulthum and Abdel Halim for Egypt's golden age, or Fairuz and Warda for two great divas.
- A Gulf focus: Talal Maddah alongside Mouza's The Founding Generation Poster.
For framing tips, read our guide to art print papers, framing and care in the UAE.
More by Mouza Al Hamrani
Mouza's The Founding Generation poster and matching sketchbook pay tribute to the pioneers of the region.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Umm Kulthum called the Star of the East?
"Kawkab al-Sharq" was a title of admiration reflecting her status as the most celebrated singer across the Arab world.
What is Abdel Halim Hafez's nickname?
He is known as "Al-Andaleeb Al-Asmar", the Dark or Brown Nightingale.
What is Talal Maddah's nickname?
Talal Maddah is known as "Sawt Al-Ard", the Voice of the Earth.
Are the posters framed?
Check each product page for framing, size and paper details.
Where can I buy Mouza Al Hamrani's posters?
At the Mouza Al Hamrani collection on the Tashkeel shop.
Prices and availability change, so check the product page for the latest.
