Kadim Al Sahir - كاظم الساهر

Kadim Al Sahir, born Kadim Jabbar Al Samarai on September 12, 1957, is an Iraqi singer, composer, and oud player widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern Arabic music. Often called the Caesar of Arabic Song, he rose to fame in Iraq before building a pan-Arab and international following, becoming one of the best-selling and most celebrated Arab artists of his generation. His work bridges classical Arabic poetic tradition with contemporary pop and orchestral arrangements.

Al Sahir is known for setting the verses of major Arab poets to music, most famously the Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani, whose romantic and political poetry he transformed into some of his signature songs. His repertoire blends lush orchestration, traditional instrumentation, and emotionally expressive vocals, giving his music a distinctive elegance that appeals across generations and borders. Songs such as «Al Mahkama», «Zidiny Eshqan», and «Ana Wa Leila» showcase his ability to combine dramatic storytelling with melodic sophistication.

Over a career spanning decades, he has performed at major venues worldwide, including collaborations and duets with international artists, and has served as a cultural ambassador figure for Arabic music on the global stage. His influence extends beyond his own recordings, as he is credited with helping modernize Arabic pop while preserving its poetic and melodic roots.