Who is Ahmed Shafiq Kamel?
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel is a renowned Egyptian lyricist. Here are some key details about him:
| Stage Name | Ahmed Shafiq Kamel |
| Full Name | Ahmed Shafiq Kamel |
| Country of Origin | Egypt |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Ashmon, Monufia Governorate |
| Area of Fame | Arabic Lyric Poetry |
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel’s Personal Life
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel was born on June 9, 1929, in the village of Mansa, located in the Ashmon district of Egypt’s Monufia Governorate. He pursued his education in the Faculty of Commerce and Economy. Upon graduation, he began working at the Tax Authority as a tax official. His first poem was published in the magazine “Culture” in 1945. He was married.
During the unity between Syria and Egypt, Kamel served as the director of the office for Dr. Abdel Monem Al-Qaisouni, who was a minister at the time. Later, he became Egypt’s Minister Plenipotentiary. In the latter part of his life, Kamel transitioned from writing romantic songs to focusing on religious themes, influenced by Sheikh Al-Shahrouri. He passed away on August 31, 2008, at the age of 79.
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel’s Artistic Journey
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel is regarded as one of the most prominent lyricists in Arabic music in the twentieth century. He had a profound love for the Arabic language, beginning to write in classical Arabic at a young age. It is said that he once wrote a poem criticizing the multiplication table while still in school. Notably, his high school teacher, Ahmed Rami, played a significant role in his shift from classical Arabic to the popular Egyptian dialect.
Kamel excelled in writing song lyrics, leaving behind a legacy of more than a hundred romantic and patriotic songs. He earned the nickname “Poet of the Two Pyramids” for his many works performed by the legendary Umm Kulthum, after being arranged by the revered composer Muhammad Abdel Wahab, which also led to him being called the “Cloud Poet.”
Notable Works of Ahmed Shafiq Kamel
Ahmed Shafiq Kamel penned some of the most famous Arabic songs, which were performed by leading Arab artists. Here is a selection of his most notable works:
- “Al-Watan Al-Akbar” (The Greater Homeland) 1960, performed by Abdel Halim Hafez, Sherifa Fadel, Faida Ahmed, Sabah, Warda, and Nagat Al-Saghira.
- “Matlab Shaab” (People’s Demands) 1960, performed by Abdel Halim Hafez.
- “Enta Omri” (You Are My Life) 1964, sung by Umm Kulthum.
- “Amal Hayati” (Hope of My Life) 1965, sung by Umm Kulthum.
- “Al-Hob Kulluh” (All the Love) 1971, sung by Umm Kulthum.
- “Leilet Hob” (Night of Love) 1972, sung by Umm Kulthum.
- “Eish Ma’aya” (Live with Me) 1975, sung by Nagat.
- “Khali Al-Silah Sahy” (Keep the Weapon Awake) 1983, performed by Abdel Halim Hafez.
- “Kalam I’tab” (Reprimanding Words) 1983, performed by Farid Al-Atrash.
- “Al-Dua’ Al-Akhir” (The Last Prayer) 1993, performed by Muhammad Abdel Wahab.