Oum Kulthum appeals to the activist in me. She was an unconventional woman who became the most important artist of the 20th century in the Middle East. Having risen in the male-dominated society of 1920s Egypt, she had a five-decade career and died beloved—a mythical figure. Her music’s power in bringing people to truly primal emotions, like weeping, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. She also broke through taboos—between men and women, the religious and the secular. In Israel, Algeria, This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Films Issue 51 Point of View Filmmaker Garrett Bradley reflects on a corner of her city. Music Issue 50 Caroline Polachek “The thing that eats at me a little bit is how subjective my music is.... You can’t get away from ‘Caroline Polachek.’” Films Issue 50 Sally Potter The film maestro on her musical debut. Music Issue 49 Tove Lo The pop star reflects on the big feelings behind her biggest hits.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
Music Issue 50 Caroline Polachek “The thing that eats at me a little bit is how subjective my music is.... You can’t get away from ‘Caroline Polachek.’”
