Sultan El Tarab: George Wassouf
By: Ahmed Abu Sultan/Arab America Contributing Writer George Wassouf was born on 23 December 1961, grew up to become an icon in modern music. In a career spanning almost four decades, he has released more than 30 albums. With a significantly large audience of fans in Lebanon, Syria, throughout the Arab world and abroad, he is one of the most successful Arab singers selling over 60 million records worldwide. His work is one that is admired to a point where his concerts reach the United States and other non-Arab Speaking countries.
Beginning
George Wassouf started singing very young at the age of 10 years old in his hometown Kafroun, consequent to Mashta Al Helou in Tartous, Syria at different occasions such as marriages, parties, hotels, etc. Shortly thereafter he moved to Lebanon where he started singing and his popularity grew. It was at 16 years old when he became known as “Sultan El-Tarab”, as called by the famous international Actor Omar Sharif, Arabic for “The Sultan of Singing”, with his classic song “el-Hawa Sultan”. People at that time thought of him as being the only one who could provide tarab with his magical and crystal voice that was very sharp and high-pitched when he was young, which matured into the deep, commanding voice that he is now known for. A few of his first songs include “Hawa Sultan”, “Rohi ya Nesmah”, “Helif el-Amar”, “Law Naweit” are the ones that brought him up to fame.
Wassouf preferred not to shoot videos for his songs; Wassouf’s magical voice was discovered by his first manager and producer “George Al-Khouri”. This happened when Wassouf was 12 years old – he was singing at a wedding party. George Wassouf also got married very young at the age of 21 to Shalimar, who is originally from Sierra Leone. They have three children: Wadee’, Hatem, and George Jr. His oldest son’s name is Wadee’, which is why he is known as Abu Wadee’. His Lebanese wife allowed him access to dual citizenship where he could travel freely between the countries. This gave him the advantage to spread his art across all the cities within his reach.
Musical Career
The 56-year-old singer has released more than 30 albums for almost four decades, an incredibly successful career that anyone would be proud of. The veteran Syrian Lebanese singer released a lot of wonderful hits such as “Kalam El Nass” in 1994, “Leil El Ashiqeen” in 1996, “Tabeeb Garrah” in 1999, “Dol Mush Habayib” in 2000 “Heya el Ayam” in 2006 and a lot of other songs. Thanks to his rare voice, his strong vocals, and ability to sing like no one else does, Abu Wadiaa has gained wide recognition and full respect both in the Arab world and in the West and he is considered as one of the most important and known singers. Even commonly the title is used by some other musicians to acknowledge the artist.
Known for his unique singing style and his honest feelings, George Wassouf has been contributing massively to the music industry in the Arab region. Also known for his non-conformism and his excessive lifestyle, George has been arrested several times by police for drug possession and consumption. There are many speculations as to the reason for his actions, but they remain speculations. At the beginning of the 21st century, he had been out of the spotlight for several years because of health problems and other issues, yet his popularity remained unchangeable and unaffected because of his music, performance, feelings, and words, and mostly because of people’s love.
Despite the spread of rumors about him, George’s fans remain loyal, and their love has never changed. I can say that unconditional and unlimited is the love of his fans. In 2012, rumors about his death were circulating and surfacing on all media channels and social media, sparking a stir in the artistic community, and in the whole world, people were shocked to hear that. Fortunately, he is still alive. He also won a lot of awards and prizes throughout his career, but the most precious and priceless award he believes he has ever got is the love and respect of his fans. He says always: “Money can buy anything except people’s love and appreciation”.
Legacy
George Wassouf’s legacy is still in the making. There are thousands of chances that he will one day decide to perform something new again. Until then, we can appreciate what is ongoing. From my experience, relating to the lyrics in the song can help you feel the music as it passes. In some of his work “Youm Al Wadaa”, the lyrics can make those who long for their loved ones thousands of miles across the ocean. The song “Zikrayat” which translates to “Memories” is one of his prime achievements. In this piece, his voice will take you to a journey across the past of all good and bad. Besides, he manages to control his tone to alter the way you interpret the music.
I enjoy his work and enjoy the joy and peace granted by his music. I understand that not everyone has the same taste for music and that some people don’t share his views on music. Nonetheless, I pray that whoever finds peace in his voice to have it last as long as they live.
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