Grand Dame of Rhythm

“I don’t wait for death. Let death wait for me,” says Widad Al Orfali, 82-years-old and bubbling with life and optimism. This Iraqi artist and musician has launched her first album Angham Arabia (Rhythms of Arabia) and has decided to dedicate it to her husband, children and grandchildren, who have all been her best support and critics.

By Raziqueh Hussain

Published: Fri 11 Mar 2011, 10:35 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 7:38 AM

“This album is a heartfelt dedication to my beloved husband and life-long companion, (late) Hameed Al Azzawi, who made me what I am today. In those most difficult moments especially for nine years when the UN imposed an extended embargo on Iraqi trade, and times were difficult with no electricity, I used to play the oudh in my garden in Baghdad from six in the morning till noon and my husband would listen to it. When I finished playing he would clap for me. That applause thundered as if an audience of thousands were clapping for me,”  she recalls.

Brought out by EMI Music, ‘Rhythms of Arabia’ is a pan-Arabic instrumental work that takes the listener on a journey from Andalus to Baghdad. It encompasses several musical pieces including Hareem (Harem), Baghdadeyat (Baghdadis), Genoon El Farah (Madness of Joy), Haneen (Nostalgia), Morgana, Arabesque, Scheherezade, Wansa, Tarab, and Raqs Babely (Babylonian Dance) that speaks of what Orfali calls “dream cities” like Baghdad and Andalusia — cities she has visited, shaping her culture as well as her architectural arts. She’s an illustrator of fantastical, fairy tale landscapes with elaborate architectural and floral motifs, related to the 18^th century illuminated manuscript tradition. “I started playing the piano from the age of six and painted from that time too. Music and art go hand in hand. I’ve got my teachers to write little notes as well as some of my artworks are included in this album. My dream has come true. It took a long time, but I’m here and still raring to go. I can compose at least two songs per day which makes it nearly 10 albums in a year! Even in my sleep if I chance upon a tune, I jump out of bed at 3am and play it on the oudh. The next morning I make sure it’s all ready to be recorded,” she says, adding, “At the moment, I’m writing my autobiography. Let me finish with it and get back to composing more songs. I also write lyrics and poems so maybe I can work on that too.”

The Iraqi artist, born in Baghdad in 1929, was trained by great music professors like the Turkish piano professor Bahgat Dada El Awad and the Italian Aldo Cani, and Oud (lute) professors Salah El Qadi and Ali El Imam. Orfali was the first to have established a private gallery the “Al-Orfali Gallery” in the year 1983 in Baghdad, embracing all kinds of arts for more than 20 years. Shortly after Baghdad fell, members of the Iraqi National Congress returning from exile occupied the gallery.

“I am sad,” she admits. “I cannot live without my gallery.”

Its occupiers have promised to vacate it soon, but Orfali feels she would be afraid to re-open it as long as Baghdad is unsafe. “My gallery was a cultural haven. Artists, poets, writers, musicians — everyone was welcome. I garnered new talent. Discovered and shaped them. We had lectures on parapsychology too. But war kills everything. It kills love, music, art and children. If you want to grow flowers the garden needs to be taken care of. The seeds sown have to be on fertile ground. You won’t find beautiful plants growing in garbage. Especially, not amidst bombs. I’m Widad because I got a chance. Not everyone is as lucky as me so I tried to give something back, but even that is not possible now,” she rues.

A talk with noted Iraqi musician Elham Al Madfai and her dream of getting an album out was accomplished. “I tell youngsters to stop listening to silly music that will spoil your taste and life. Go back to the early days. Listen to classical music and meaningful lyrics. Don’t listen to rubbish,” says the artist whose music reminds you of the rich classical blend of Fairuz to Abdel Wahab and to the current instrumental gems.