Leïla Sfez facts for kids

Leïla Sfez (born 1874–1944) was a talented singer and composer from Tunisia. She became very famous in Tunis during the 1920s. People loved to hear her perform at special music halls called café-concerts. Leïla sang different kinds of music, including styles called ma'luf and charqui.

Who Was Leïla Sfez?

Leïla Sfez was born in Tunisia in 1874. She grew up in a Jewish Tunisian family. Leïla became a well-known performer. She sang songs in a classical style from Andalusia. She performed in a concert hall in the Bab Souika area of Tunis.

Her Music and Compositions

Besides singing well-known songs, Leïla also wrote her own music. She is remembered for helping her niece, Habiba Msika, start her music career. Leïla taught Habiba how to sing and play the piano.

Recordings of Her Music

Leïla Sfez's music was first recorded in 1910. The Gramophone Company started recording Jewish women singers in Tunisia. Their recordings show Leïla singing ma'luf and other Middle Eastern songs. Later, in 1929, another company called Pathé-Marconi recorded more of her songs. These included "Hbibi ghab" and "Jani el marsoul".

Later Life and Legacy

Over time, other singers like the Chemmâma Sisters became very popular. Leïla Sfez then spent less time performing on stage. She focused more on teaching and training her niece, Habiba Msika. Habiba also became a very famous singer. Leïla Sfez helped shape the music scene in Tunisia.