Oum Kalthoum

40 years ago, the "Star of the East" died. Her death was mourned worldwide, giving rise to scenes of collective grievance. A real "Poor People's Singer" in her lifetime, she was venerated in Egypt, throughout the Arab world, and beyond. Through the power of her song, her unique voice that captured the crowds, and an exceptional repertoire, she performed the unheard-of feat of sweeping away the barriers between peoples -which, to this day, no politician has ever successfully done.