Karem Mahmoud facts for kids
Karem Mahmoud (born March 16, 1922 – died January 15, 1995) was a very famous Egyptian singer and actor. People often called him "the Melodious Knight" because of his beautiful voice. He was well-loved not just in Egypt, but across the entire Arab world.
Early Life and Amazing Talent
Karem Mahmoud was born on March 16, 1922, in a city called Damanhur in northern Egypt. This city is about 60 kilometers (or 37 miles) away from Alexandria.
Even when he was a young boy, Karem showed a special gift for music. He would often sing religious songs with his older brother, Mohammed. This helped him learn to sing Arabic poetry very clearly and correctly. His teachers at elementary school quickly noticed his powerful voice. By the time he was just seven years old, Karem could already sing difficult songs by famous musicians like Sayed Darwish and Mohammed Abdel Wahab.
Becoming a Musical Star
Karem's talent was so clear that he was accepted into the Institute of Arabic Music in Cairo when he was still a child. This was a big deal! There, he learned from some of Egypt's greatest music teachers. These included Fouad Mahfouz, Darwish el-Hariri, Sheikh Badawi, the composer Safar Ali, and the oud player Hassan Gharib. An oud is a stringed instrument, a bit like a lute.
When Karem graduated from the Institute, he earned the highest grades ever. He achieved an amazing distinction that no one had before. After his studies, Karem Mahmoud became a huge star. He was famous both for his singing and for his acting in movies.
His Final Days
Karem Mahmoud passed away on January 15, 1995. He was in a hospital in London, England. Before a surgery, his last words to his doctor showed how much his voice meant to him. He asked, "Please guard my vocal cords throughout the surgery." Karem Mahmoud is remembered as a true legend of Egyptian music and film. He was survived by his wife and their two children.
