Salma Bennani
- Born:
- May 10, 1978, Fes, Morocco
- Nationality:
- Moroccan
- Profession(s):
- Engineer, Philanthropist, Former Princess Consort of Morocco
Early Life and Education
- Born Salma Bennani in Fes, Morocco.
- Raised in Rabat by her maternal grandmother after her mother's death.
- Received a degree in computer engineering from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique et d'Analyse des Systèmes (ENSIAS).
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as an information systems engineer at Omnium Nord Africain (ONA), Morocco's largest private holding company.
- Married King Mohammed VI of Morocco in 2002.
- Began to represent the Moroccan Royal Family publicly, a significant change in protocol.
- Focused on philanthropic work, particularly in cancer awareness and prevention.
- Served as the president of the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
Notable Works
- Actively involved in promoting cancer awareness and healthcare initiatives through the Lalla Salma Foundation.
- The Lalla Salma Foundation has established numerous cancer treatment centers throughout Morocco.
- Supported various projects aimed at improving public health and education in Morocco.
Legacy and Impact
Salma Bennani, known as Princess Lalla Salma, marked a shift in the Moroccan monarchy, becoming the first wife of a Moroccan king to be publicly acknowledged and given a royal title. Her dedication to philanthropy, particularly in the fight against cancer, has had a lasting impact on healthcare in Morocco. Her story is often discussed alongside figures such as Oum Kalthoum within discussions of influential women in the Arab world, such as when considering the context of "lalla salma et oum kalthoum biography" compilations.
Oum Kalthoum
- Born:
- December 31, 1898 (estimated), Tamay e-Zahayra, Egypt
- Died:
- February 3, 1975, Cairo, Egypt
- Nationality:
- Egyptian
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born Fatma Ibrahim al-Sayyid al-Beltagi in a rural village in Egypt.
- Began singing at a young age, learning religious songs from her father, an imam.
- Received minimal formal education but possessed a strong innate musical talent.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started her professional singing career in the early 1920s.
- Rose to prominence as a leading singer and actress in Egypt.
- Performed regular concerts that were broadcast live on the radio, drawing massive audiences across the Arab world.
- Collaborated with renowned poets and composers, including Ahmed Rami and Mohamed El Qasabgi.
- Used her music to promote Egyptian nationalism and pan-Arabism.
Notable Works
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Enta Omri | One of her most famous songs, composed by Mohammed Abdel Wahab. |
| Alf Leila Wa Leila | Another very famous song, often played for extended periods (around an hour) in concerts. |
| Aghadan Alqak | One of her last recordings, a poignant song about longing and anticipation. |
| Fat'et Ganbina | A classic love song. |
Legacy and Impact
Oum Kalthoum, often dubbed "The Star of the East," remains one of the most influential and celebrated singers in Arab history. Her powerful voice, emotional performances, and patriotic themes resonated with millions across generations. Her music continues to be widely listened to and studied, and she is remembered as a cultural icon and a symbol of Arab identity. She's often discussed in comparison to other influential women, like in a discussion around "lalla salma et oum kalthoum biography" books.