Journey with an Artist [Archives:1998/01/Last Page]

Mohammed Saad Abdullah presented everlasting works of art and formed a special Musical school. Many singers chant his lyrics such as Hiyam Yunis of Lebanon and Talal Maddah and Abadi Al-Johar of Saudi Arabia. The first famous song he wrote was “Rudo habibi and Rohi” which means bring back my sweet heart and soul. Our great artist Mohammed Saad Abdullah was born in 1938 in Lahaj. He led a very hard life during his childhood, considering that his father died while he was still 10 years old. He was artistically influenced by his father Mr. Saad Abdullah, the outstanding artist. After finishing his secondary schooling, Mohammed Saad left his birthplace with his mother and went to Aden. He worked as the director of the music department in Channel 2 in 1982. He represented the state in many Arab and international festivals. Mohammed Saad later immigrated to Saudi Arabia where he lived for about 4 years. There he presented several musical recitals. He also published his first collection of poems – “Fires of Longing.” It includes all of his lyrics. He produced a collection of songs on a cassette tape entitled “Jawal.” It included classical songs performed with modern musical instruments. He returned to Yemen in 1990 and as far as I know that the Ministry of Culture has not yet finished his employment procedures. He made numerous artistic contributions through patriotic songs and musicals. He translated his ardent patriotism into songs at the beginning of 26th of September revolution in order to establish the republican regime. Some of these songs are “Republic Republic, we made it” and “Ours is the country of revolutionaries.”
His artistic birth Mohammed Saad Abdullah became a companion of several old artists such as Ahmed Al-Qatabi, Al-Makawi and Anwar Ahmed Qassem. He also worked with artist Ahmed Awad Al-Jarash as a drummer. A rhythm controller was supposed to be fully knowledgeable of some of post classical forms of Yemeni poetry (muashahat), which are called “Sana’ani songs.” So he was one of a few singers who are able to sing, and play music for, Sana’ani songs. In the mid 1950s, modernization hit the musical scene in Aden and other southern regions. Music circles and forums sprouted here and there. Mohammed Saad joined the Aden Music then.

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