News
It was announced two days ago that Angham will perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 23 September 2025, making her the first Egyptian artist to perform there since Abdel Halim Hafez in 1968. Just three months prior, on 28 June, Nancy Ajram is set to make her comeback to the same stage, more than two decades after her 2004 performance at the Hall, which helped solidify her status as a leading figure in Arabic pop. This time, she will be joined by rising Saudi artist Mishaal Tamer as the opening act, whose contemporary sound represents the evolving landscape of Arab music.
Since its opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to the world’s most revered performers, from Maria Callas to Adele, Ravi Shankar to David Bowie. Its perfect acoustics and architectural grandeur make it a rite of passage to many artists. We take a look at some of the Arab artists who have graced the Royal Albert Hall stage.
Abdel Halim Hafez (1968)
In 1968, Abdel Halim Hafez performed at the Royal Albert Hall before an audience of 8,000, in a concert that lasted three hours. Among the songs he performed was “Al-Maseeh“, a piece that resonated deeply with audiences. Performing it for the first time ever, the song drew parallels between the suffering of Jesus Christ and the Arab world’s anguish following the 1967 war. Hafez’s decision to perform this song in London, shortly after Egypt’s defeat, was a bold statement of resilience and hope. Notably, he donated his earnings from the concert to support Egypt’s war efforts.
The performance was released on vinyl and contains the songs he performed.
Majida El Roumi (1995)
In 1995, Majida El Roumi, the Lebanese soprano renowned for her crystal-clear voice and emotive performances, graced the Royal Albert Hall stage. This concert was a significant milestone, reportedly marking the first sold-out performance at the venue since The Beatles in 1965.
El Roumi’s repertoire that included her iconic songs such as “Kalimat” (Words), released in 1991, which became her first pan-Arab hit. The song, composed by Ihsan Al-Munzer with lyrics by Nizar Qabbani (who was in attendance), as well as songs from her album then newly released album “Ebhath Aanni” (1994), including Maa El Jareeda.
KazEm Al-Saher (1997)
Kazem Al Saher performed not once, not twice, but three times at the Royal Albert Hall. His first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall occurred in 1997, where he performed alongside Tunisian singer Latifa. The concert featured the duet “Al-Insan,” penned by Nizar Qabbani, and was reportedly attended by Princess Anne.
In 2004, Al Saher returned to the Royal Albert Hall for a solo concert on May 23. This performance coincided with his receipt of the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Best Singer in the Middle East and North Africa category. During the event, he performed songs such as “Baghdad” and “Me and Laila.”
His third appearance at the venue took place on March 14, 2006, as part of a charity concert benefiting children in the Middle East. At a press conference preceding the event, Al Saher emphasized the suffering of the Iraqi people and called upon politicians to remember their own families and humanity.
These performances at the Royal Albert Hall not only highlight Al Saher’s musical achievements but also underscore his dedication to humanitarian efforts, particularly concerning children in the Middle East.
Nancy Ajram (2004)
Fast forward to 2004, a 21-year-old Nancy Ajram took to the Royal Albert Hall stage, marking a new era for Arab pop music. Her performance was a marker of the genre’s evolution, blending traditional Arabic melodies with contemporary pop elements.
Her youthful energy and modern sound introduced a fresh narrative to the historic venue, showcasing the dynamism of Arab music in the 21st century.
