Muhammad Khairi

Old Mawal and Qudud

• Ya Malek Al Rouh (O Possessor of Souls)
• Ya Saleb Al Rouh (O Stealer of Souls)
• Al Wi Al Wi (Dance Dance)
• Ttmakhtari Ya Helwa (Strut Your Stuff, My Beauty)
• Ya Mn Tonadini (Oh, You Who Seek Me)
• Al Layl Ba'd Al Holk (The Night After the Darkness)

• Ya Ahl Al Hosn Walmawada (O People of Beauty and Love)
• Ma Mal Qalbi Leghirk (My Heart Belongs Only to You)
• Mili Ma Mal Al Hawa (My Heart Won't Waver)
• A'iet Anshed Mnhali (I've Decided to Sing My Heart Out)
• Ya Mn Behobk (O You Whom I Love)

Location Issued

Artist Origin

More Info

A collection of Aleppo Qudud and Mawal, performed by the artist Mohammed Khairi. Mohammed Khairi (1935-1981) was an Aleppo-born Syrian singer who played a significant role in the revival of Muwashahat and Qudud, and is considered one of the most famous music figures to have come from Aleppo. Khairy was also a muezzin in the mosques ofthe city's old quarters, revered for his voice and performance. Some called him the king of muwashahat. Khairi began his education under his father, who taught him Quranic memorization and recitation. He later joined a dhikr circle to learn the fundamentals of chanting, and memorizing numerous religious chants and poems. Under Bakri Al-Kurdi, Khairi learned the basics of classical singing, nasheed, poems, and qudud. He began his singing career at weddings in Aleppo, then moved to Aleppan theaters where he performed qudud and muwashahat. In 1949, Khairi joined Radio Aleppo alongside Sabah Fakhri and Sabri Al-Mudallal, producing programming that focused on musical heritage. He recorded a number of muwashahat and traditional poems for both Radio Damascus and Aleppo Radio. During his ten years at Aleppo Radio, he recorded songs by prominent Aleppo composers such as Adnan Abu Shammat, Ibrahim Joudat, and Nadim Droueesh. During his career, Khairy recorded for several Arab and international radio stations, and performed in Parisian theaters for two consecutive years. In 1960, Khairi moved to Damascus, often performing musical segments for television. Later in life, he relocated to Beirut.