“Ouda” (1992) – Hamied El Shaeri * Written by Mostafa Amar and Sameh al-Agami * LP: Kawahel * Label: Rotana
A Libyan exile based in Cairo, Hamied El Shaeri (this spelling seems more common than the one on the cassette cover above) had been an outspoken voice of protest against the actions of Muammar Gadaffi at the expense of Libyan citizens. His music is essentially pop fare with romantic lyrics and Western influences, but coming from a land where non-native musical instruments were once piled up and burned, such a specialty rings with a certain political defiance. His gentle 1992 hit “Ouda” (return), with its whispery voices and acoustic guitars playing major 7th chords, has a way of wafting through listeners’ minds with universal appeal. Although El Shaeri has also developed a reputation as a songwriter, this one was written by the Egyptian musician and actor Mostafa Amar—who’s associated himself with Spanish guitar—along with lyricist Sameh al-Agami. (The album title Kawahel translates to “as a camel.”)