Rida Al Abdullah

Rida Al Abdulla
Born	(1966-07-05) July 5, 1966 Iraq
Occupation(s)	Vocalist, actor
Years active	1990s–present
Known for	Integration of traditional Arabic classical music with popular genres; protest anthem "Weinkom Ya Arab"

Rida Al Abdulla (; alternatively spelled Rida Al Abdallah or Reda Al Abdullah; born 5 July 1966) is an Iraqi vocalist and actor. He earned widespread acclaim throughout the Arab world with hits such as "Bo'dak Habibi," "Qasawa," "Dhalim," "Min Trid Abousak," "Al Asabe3," "Melih Wa Zad," "Ya Hali," and the influential protest anthem "Weinkom Ya Arab," which opposed the 2006 Lebanon-Israeli conflict.

His July 2009 release, the album Yom Wa Sana, comprises fourteen tracks.

Biography

Born in Iraq in 1966, Rida Al Abdulla is recognized for integrating traditional Arabic classical music (maqam) with various regional popular genres. His songwriting frequently delves into interpersonal dynamics alongside social and political issues.

Originating from Kirkuk, Rida demonstrated musical aptitude early on, supported by his parents who provided him with instruments such as the oud. Despite facing governmental restrictions on artists, he persisted in creating and privately performing music. During the Iran-Iraq war period, he enrolled at Baghdad’s House of Art and Music Conservatory, where he studied under composer Munir Bashir, graduating at the top of his class as both a composer and oud player.

He pursued advanced education at the Academy of Arts, Music and Theatre while beginning to produce recordings amid Iraq’s turbulent music scene. During the Gulf War, Rida composed peace-themed songs. After completing his studies in 1993, he was conscripted into the Iraqi military for eighteen months but remained detained beyond that term. With his parents subjected to detention and torture, he took on responsibility for supporting his ten siblings.

In 1997, following a failed attempt to desert the military, Rida was imprisoned, subjected to torture, and sentenced to severe penalties including mutilation and extended incarceration. His brothers covertly secured his release and provided him with a passport, giving him less than a day to exit Iraq.

With only his oud and minimal possessions, Rida escaped to Jordan. After swiftly crossing the border, he relocated to Amman and later Irbid, performing in local restaurants. An Emirati student assisted him in obtaining a visa for Dubai, where he began recording music professionally.

While in Dubai, Rida gained prominence through performances at private gatherings. His 1997 single "Meleh Wa Zad (Salt and Food)" reached number one on charts in the United Arab Emirates. The subsequent release "Hali (My Family)" explored themes of love constrained by familial expectations. He produced three albums under Rotana/EMI: Zalim (2001), Boadak Habiby (2003), and Enha Bzaman (2005); with Boadak Habiby marking his transition toward Arabic pop music. His love-themed lyrics frequently contain underlying political messages.

In July 2009, Rida unveiled his fourth studio album titled Yom Wa Sana (A Year and a Day), a project spanning four years that fuses traditional Iraqi melodies with elements from Arabic and Western pop genres ranging from maqam to techno. The album incorporates a wide array of instruments including violin, oud, cello, flute, clarinet, guitar, saxophone, tabla, trap drums, and layered rhythmic loops. Key tracks include "La Tesafer (Don't Go)," a tribute to his mother reflecting on his departure from Iraq, alongside the title song which reminisces about a youthful romance.

In 2011, Rida collaborated with Tsevetelina Yaneva on the single "Broy Me."

Albums

• Yom Wa Sana (2009)
• Ehna Bezaman (2006)
• Bo'dak Habibi (2003)
• Dhalim (2001)

See also

• Iraqi musical traditions
• Music of the Arab world
• Lebanon-Israel conflict of 2006
• Military forces of Iraq

External links

• Rida Al Abdullah Discography