Who is Abu Bakr Salem?
- Full Name: Abu Bakr bin Salem bin Zain bin Hassan Bulfaqih.
- Profession: Saudi singer, composer, and literary figure of Yemeni descent.
- Date of Birth: March 17, 1939.
- Date of Passing: December 10, 2017.
- Place of Birth: Hadhramaut, Yemen.
- Nationality: Yemeni and Saudi.
- Residence: Saudi Arabia.
Early Life and Education of Abu Bakr Salem
Abu Bakr Salem was born in Hadhramaut, Yemen, on March 17, 1939. He completed his secondary education in Hadhramaut, where he developed an early appreciation for poetry and literature. After finishing high school, he enrolled in a teacher training institute and subsequently worked as an Arabic language teacher in his hometown. Later on, he relocated to Aden, which marked the beginning of his artistic journey.
Abu Bakr Salem’s Artistic Beginnings
Abu Bakr Salem embarked on his artistic career in the 1950s upon moving to Aden. He started participating in local musical celebrations, where he gained recognition within the community. During this period, he met numerous influential poets and composers. His first song, titled “Ya Ward Ma Ahla Jamalek,” was recorded in 1956 and aired on Aden Radio. Following this initial success, he began to compose and arrange his own music.
When Did Abu Bakr Salem Truly Make His Mark?
Abu Bakr Salem gained significant prominence in the music scene during the 1980s, a time when he produced some of his most iconic songs. He collaborated with distinguished poets and composers, and also created a number of original pieces. Among his well-known hits from this era are “Enab Fi Ghusunuh,” “Ghazani Al-Sheib,” and “Nar Al-Shawq.” His continuous string of successful releases eventually earned him the esteemed title of “The Father of Gulf Singing.”
Major Works by Abu Bakr Salem
Throughout his extensive career, the artist produced a plethora of successful songs. Below is a list of some of his most significant works:
- Ma Alayna.
- A’dak Illa Saghir.
- A’tni Al-Hal.
- Inti Wein.
- La Tunadi.
- Ghazani Al-Sheib.
- Enab Fi Ghusunuh.
- Ya Sahraan.
- Tasafina.
- Nar Al-Shawq.
- Majrooh.
- Wawih Nafsi.
- Rasooli Qoom.
- Wamaghird Buadi Al-Dor.
- Law Khayrooni.
- Ayyaar.
- Ya Samaar.
- Yuqalu Annani Fadhalt.
- Marhaib.
- Fursa Min Al-Umr.
- Tab Al-Hanaa.
- Dhabi Rami.
- Hatni Fi Uyoonak.
- Fi Shawati Al-Adn.
- Mawqifi Sad.
- Ghadr Al-Layl.
Awards and Recognition Received by Abu Bakr Salem
The artist received numerous accolades throughout the Arab world, among which are the following notable honors:
- In 1989, he was awarded the First-Class Arts Medal by the President of Yemen.
- In 1989, he received an honorary medal from the Andalusian Festival in Kuwait.
- In 1995, he was recognized by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture in Oman for his contributions to arts and literature.
- In 1999, he obtained an honorary medal from the Hala February Festival in Kuwait.
- In 2001, he received a First-Class Arts and Literature Medal from the Government of Bahrain.
- In 2002, he was awarded the Oscar of Arabic Song and the title of “Artist of the Century” by the Arab League, marking 50 years of his artistic career.