ZAMAAN YA SUKKAR – SMR45-03
- Third single of the "Zamaan Ya Sukkar 45 RPM Series
- Hand-numbered limited edition of 500 copies.
- High quality die-cut cover with Souma-owned 60s flip black feature.
- No repress
Following its highly sought-after Zamaan Ya Sukkar compilation, Souma Records once again presents a collection of 3 singles with inimitably groovy Egyptian and Lebanese exotica, unearthed from the hallowed vaults of Sono Cairo and Voix De L’Orient’s archives. These rare gems, born from a time of boundless musical experimentation in the Arab world, capture the vibrant, ever-evolving soundscapes of Cairo, Beirut, and beyond. Each track invites listeners onto a sonic voyage where the familiar and the avant-garde intertwine, revealing a sound that is as timeless as it is revolutionary.
| Genre | Jazz |
|---|---|
| Style | Exotica, Egypt |
| Format | VINYL |
| Cat. no | SMR45-03 |
| Label | SOUMA RECORDS |
| Artist | GEORGETTE SAYEGH & MELHEM BARAKAT |
| Release Date | 19/09/2025 |
| Carrier | 7" |
| Stock | In stock |
In stock
Tracklisting
ZAMAAN YA SUKKAR – SMR45-03
Show more tracks Show less tracks + -
Album or track playing
Georgette Sayegh & Melhem Barakat – Belghi Kull Mawaidi & Instrumental:
Finally, hopping across from Egypt to Lebanon for this infectious number, Georgette Sayegh delivers what some consider her magnum opus in a captivating duet together with Melhem Barakat, and on the flipside a stripped-down instrumental version that’s equally catchy.
Georgette Sayegh is a legendary Lebanese singer and actress known for her tender and dulcet voice that echoed the grace and beauty of the inimitable Fairuz yet carried its own unique warmth. Her passion for collecting vinyl at an early age formed her eclectic musical palette, and she eventually caught the eyes of the Rahbani brothers and played the lead role in a monthly play written by Fairuz’s son, Ziad. Georgette’s household classic "Yay Yay Ya Nassini” shot her to stardom across the Arab world in the 1970’s, and till this day carries the exact same nostalgia of a Lebanese summertime anthem – flirtatious, jolly, and unfettered. In Belghi Kull Mawaidi (I cancel all my appointments), Sayegh’s voice entwines with compatriot and fellow household staple, Melhem Barakat in an emotional display of longing and depth - her voice delicate yet powerful, effortlessly blending with Barakat's commanding baritone.
The instrumental version on the flipside (surprisingly a stereo mix) reveals a highly catchy arrangement that is lush and emotive, driven by strings that glide smoothly through the melody, while brass instruments add a touch of drama. The rhythm section, punctuated by a steady percussion, anchors the track, allowing the interplay of instruments to build a sense of urgency and longing, accurately reflecting the struggles and emotional resilience that defined Sayegh’s own life.
This reissue, remastered with painstaking care, brings both versions of Belghi Kull Mawaidi back to life, making it an essential addition to any avid listener, DJ or collector’s shelf. It captures the timeless beauty of two of Lebanon's most cherished musical icons, their voices and instruments merging to create a track that resonates through the ages.
Muhammad Al-Najjar
London, April 2025
credits
Audio restoration and vinyl mastering: Colin Young
Lacquer cut: Timmion cutting lab
Sleeve and label artwork: Grotezk Studio
Under License of Voix de L'Orient