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Umm Kulthum returns to the Egyptian stage

Egyptians are flocking in droves to puppet shows in Cairo that re-enact concerts by the late legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, complete with a full band.
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CAIRO — In the 1960s and 1970s, famous Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum performed her concerts on the first Thursday of each month.

The songs and tunes of this late legendary singer have returned to theater in the Zamalek district, west of Cairo, in a show performed by puppets mimicking Kulthum and her renowned complete band. These puppet shows, which target a new generation of listeners, aim to revive the ambiance of Tarab Arabic music, which is music that evokes powerful emotions from its listeners.

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