A Night with the Legends: Celebrating the women who defined Arabic music's Golden Era at London's Royal Albert Hall

Less than a week from now, the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, typically known for the Proms yet also a venue for varied cultural events, will host A Night with the Legends, celebrating the women who shaped the Golden Era of Arabic music.

Timed just days before International Women’s Day, this evening goes beyond a simple retrospective, instead celebrating the legacy of legendary artists such as Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Layla Mourad, Asmahan, Sabah, and Warda.

Through live performance, narration, and immersive staging, their music — once carried across borders by radio waves and cinema screens — is brought to life for a contemporary London audience, many of whom share personal or familial connections to these songs.

At the heart of the performance is internationally acclaimed Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme, whose interpretations are noted for their blend of reverence and clarity.

She will be joined by the London Arab Orchestra under the baton of Basel Saleh, alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, while a 70-strong all-female choir completes the line-up, a sonic reflection of the concert’s central theme: women’s voices, front and centre.

Framing the evening is model and presenter Jessica Kahawaty, taking on the role of a modern-day Scheherazade. Her narration threads biography with memory, revealing how these artists navigated fame, politics, and artistic expectation in societies undergoing rapid change.

Behind the scenes, Ali Matar, founder of AM Management & Productions, has been the driving force in bringing Arabic musical heritage to one of the world’s most recognisable stages.

Ahead of the concert, he and Abeer reflect on what it means to present this repertoire in London, and why, for many in the audience, the night will feel less like a retrospective and more like a reunion with their musical heritage.

Ali Matar: 'Their voices continue to inspire and uplift'

The New Arab: When you first imagined A Night with the Legends, what feeling did you want people to walk into the theatre with — and what feeling do you hope they leave with?

For A Night with the Legends, my vision was for attendees to enter the theatre with a sense of excitement and anticipation, fully aware of the powerful stories and voices of Arab women being celebrated.

Music plays a pivotal role in this tribute, serving as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. I wanted the audience to feel an immediate connection to the rich tapestry of Arab musical heritage, which brings the stories to life and resonates with listeners.

As they leave the theatre, my hope is that they carry a profound sense of inspiration and unity. The music — serving not just as entertainment but as a vital medium — helps bridge the gap between cultures, allowing an international audience to appreciate and understand the diverse experiences of Arab women. I want them to feel uplifted and motivated to champion these voices, recognising the importance of inclusivity and representation in the arts.

These women — Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Sabah, Warda, Layla Mourad, and Asmahan — weren’t background music. They were the soundtrack to people’s lives. What does it mean to gather their voices in one room, on one night?

Bringing together the voices of Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Sabah, Warda, Asmahan, and Layla Mourad at the Royal Albert Hall with Abeer Nehme as the lead singer is a powerful celebration of their impact on music and culture. These women weren’t just artists; as you say, they were the soundtrack to people’s lives, marking both the great moments of joy and the times of sorrow.

This gathering honours their legacy and highlights how important their music is to both Arab culture and the world. It offers a chance to connect with their stories and emotions, inviting everyone — whether familiar with their work or not — to appreciate the richness of their contributions.

Ultimately, this night celebrates the strength of women in music and reminds us that their voices continue to inspire and uplift people everywhere.

A Night with the Arab Legends

Warda Al-Jazairia was an Algerian singer who was well known for her Egyptian Arabic songs [Getty]

Sabah was a Lebanese singer and actress [Getty]

Umm Kulthum was a legendary Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress [Getty]

Asmahan was a celebrated Syrian-born Druze princess, singer, and actress [Getty]

Layla Mourad was an Egyptian singer and actress [Getty]

Fairuz is a Lebanese singer [Getty]

Why did it feel important to centre this concert around International Women’s Day, rather than just presenting it as a celebration of classical Arabic music?

Centred around International Women’s Day, this tribute concert is important because it highlights the significant role women have played in music and culture. While celebrating classic Arabic Tarab music is essential, focusing on women’s contributions adds depth and resonance to the event.

This concert is not just about the music; it is about honouring the incredible artists who have inspired generations. By aligning with International Women’s Day, we emphasise the strength, resilience, and impact of women in the arts. It offers a chance to raise awareness about gender equality and celebrate the voices of women who have often been overlooked.

This focus encourages dialogue about women’s rights and representation, making the concert a meaningful and empowering experience for everyone involved. It is about recognising the power of their music while also advocating for a more inclusive future.

So much of today’s music industry moves fast and forgets quickly. Is this night, in some way, about slowing down and reminding audiences of depth — of poetry, patience, presence?

Absolutely! This night is all about slowing down and appreciating the depth of music and its storytelling. In today’s fast-paced music industry, it is easy to overlook the artistry and the emotions behind the songs. By focusing on these legendary women and their timeless music, we invite the audience to pause and truly connect with the poetry and presence of their work.

This concert serves as a reminder of the beauty in patience and the power of meaningful lyrics. It encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the rich narratives and cultural significance of the music, fostering a deeper appreciation that goes beyond mere entertainment. Ultimately, it is about celebrating the lasting impact of their artistry and inviting everyone to reflect on the emotional connections that music can create.

For someone who may not have grown up with these legends in their home, why should this night matter to them?

This night matters for everyone, regardless of their background, because it offers an opportunity to experience the richness of Arab culture through its legendary music. Even if someone has not grown up with these artists, their songs carry universal themes of love, struggle, and resilience that resonate with all.

Attending this concert allows people to discover new sounds and stories, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. It is a chance to connect with the emotions and experiences that these women expressed through their music, breaking down barriers and building empathy.

Ultimately, this night is about celebrating the power of music to unite us all, regardless of our backgrounds. It is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the beauty of a different cultural heritage.

Abeer Nehme: 'Heritage isn’t frozen in time, it’s alive'

The New Arab: You’re not just singing these songs — you’re stepping into voices that shaped generations. Do you feel responsibility, pressure, or something more intimate when you take them on?

I definitely feel a sense of responsibility, but not pressure.

It’s more like entering something sacred. These voices weren’t just those of artists; they were part of people’s lives — weddings, heartbreaks, long car rides, revolutions. When I sing their songs, I don’t try to copy them. Instead, I try to understand what they were feeling when they first sang them.

For me, it’s like having a quiet conversation with them. I’m not trying to replace anyone. I’m simply adding my own breath to something that already exists.

Is there one of the legends you feel especially connected to — not musically, but personally?

Yes, there is one legend I feel especially connected to, and it’s not really about the voice.

It’s about women who carried both softness and strength at the same time — women who could be emotional and powerful without apologising for either. That balance really speaks to me.

I see that duality in myself, too, the vulnerability and the fire. And that’s where the connection feels personal.

These women sang with a kind of conviction that feels rare today. When you perform their repertoire, do you feel that strength in your body?

Conviction is something you feel physically. Your posture changes, your breathing changes, and you stand differently.

When I sing their songs, I feel grounded. It’s not nostalgia; it’s more like remembering something that was always there. They stood tall because they had to. And when I sing their music, I feel that same sense of purpose in my body.

On a night dedicated to women who defined an era, what do you think they would make of the world — and the music scene — now?

I think they would be amazed, and perhaps a little overwhelmed.

Everything moves so fast now. Music travels instantly, and sometimes I wonder if we lose depth in that speed.

But at the same time, women today have more freedom and control over their careers, their voices, and their stories. That’s something many of them fought for, even if quietly.

I think they would remind us that being seen isn’t the same as being meaningful. What endures still requires sincerity and courage.

If this concert is about honouring legacy, what do you hope your own voice adds to that lineage?

I hope it adds a sense of connection.

My journey has always been about bringing worlds together — East and West, tradition and the present day. I grew up in the Arab world, trained classically, and sing in many languages. That blend shaped who I am.

If I add anything, I hope it’s this: heritage isn’t frozen in time. It’s alive. It grows. And when it’s honest, it can travel anywhere without losing its soul.

Click here to purchase a ticket for the upcoming event

Zainab Mehdi is The New Arab's Associate Editor and researcher specialising in governance, development, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa region 

Follow her on Instagram: @zaiamehdi_/@zainabmehdiwrites_