WHERE IS UMM KULTHUM? NEUKÖLLN SINGS ALONG

A Celebration for Umm Kulthum in the Passage

© Christine Kriegerowski – Ansicht eines Cafés mit einem Bild von Umm Kulthum angebracht an der Fassade.

“You are my life, whose dawn began with your light.”

(from the song Enta Omry, “You are My Life”, by Umm Kulthum)

For two days, the Passage of Neuköllner Oper will be transformed into Neukölln’s open-air living room – hosting a celebration dedicated to the musical and social legacy of the Egyptian singer and icon Umm Kulthum. Known as the “the Fourth Pyramid of Egypt,” she shaped generations of listeners across the Arab world.

Through live music, listening sessions, and moderated conversations, visitors are invited to bring records, cassettes, CDs, digital formats, or personal objects they associate with Umm Kulthum. Together, participants will listen, remember, and discuss – personally, politically, and musically. Seated on Monobloc chairs, gathered around oilcloth-covered tables, with drinks from the local Späti, self-brought food, and German-Arabic interpretation, a communal atmosphere emerges: a celebration by and for neighbours, initiatives, associations, Umm Kulthum fans, and artists alike.

The event takes place as part of 48 Stunden Neukölln and in connection with the production طرب / TARAB.

 

PROGRAMME Anica Happich PROGRAMME & MODERATION Fatima Çalışkan STAGE DESIGN Mayan Tuulia Frank TRANSLATION Linda Haddad

WITH Leila Ey of Sister*Queens (Rap) on 4 July and Yousra (Singer & Songwriter) on 5 July as well as the musicians Valentin Link (Bass), Bernd Oezsevim (Drums), Yazan Alsabbagh (Clarinet)

We welcome the participation of initiatives and associations, as well as engaged residents of Neukölln.

Next date:

• Date Saturday, 04/July/2026 16:00 ( 1 more date )
• Venue Neuköllner Oper
• Address Karl-Marx-Straße 131, 12043 Berlin-Neukölln