Wewantsounds reissues another Warda classic from the '70s, Wemalo, originally recorded in 1975 by the legendary Arabic Diva who has been sampled by Jay-Z and J Dilla. The album blends traditional Arabic music with 1970s grooves, showcasing Warda's distinct vocal style. She is accompanied by a full-sized orchestra, updating the classy traditional sound with modern instruments (electric guitar, organ).
Wemalo was penned by composer Baligh Hamdi. This reissue features newly remastered audio, original cassette artwork and a two-page insert with a new introduction by Mario Choueiry from the Institut du Monde Arabe. Warda is widely regarded as one of the greatest divas of the Arab world with Oum Kalthoum and Fairuz. Born in the suburbs of Paris to an Algerian father and a Lebanese mother, she was discovered at the age of 11 by Ahmed Hachlaf, the head of A&R at Pathé Marconi in Paris specializing in Arabic music. She refined her singing skills at her father's cabaret in the Latin Quarter, Le Tam-Tam, and soon gained recognition in Arabic music circles. While in Lebanon, Warda was spotted by an Egyptian film producer who brought her to Cairo, where she began recording and acting in films. However, in the early 1960s, Warda stepped away from the music scene after marrying and settling in Algeria, dedicating herself to family life for nearly a decade. It wasn't until 1972, when Algerian President Houari Boumediene invited her to sing for the 10th anniversary of the country's independence, that she had an epiphany. She divorced and returned to Egypt, marking the beginning of a remarkable comeback. Wemalo ("So What") was recorded live in 1975, during the peak of her career. Partnering with her new husband, renowned composer Baligh Hamdi, she created a series of albums filled with lengthy, hypnotic compositions that showcased her commanding voice and ability to captivate audiences. Merging traditional Arabic music with modern instrumentation -- including electric guitar and organ (likely played by Hany Mehanna) -- the album unfolds into several mesmerizing sections, highlighting Warda's superb singing. Wemalo is one of her most rhythmically dynamic LPs, and remains highly regarded by collectors and Arabic music enthusiasts.
