SINGERS from Iraq

1. Kadim Al Sahir (b. 1957)

With an HPI of 52.75, Kadim Al Sahir is the most famous Iraqi Singer.  His biography has been translated into 21 different languages on wikipedia.

Kadim Jabbar Al Samarai (born 12 September 1957), better known by his stage name Kadim Al Sahir (Arabic: كاظم الساهر), is an Iraqi singer and composer. Dubbed The Caesar, he has earned numerous local, regional, and international awards. One of the most famous singers in the Arab world, Al-Sahir has sold more than 100 million albums and written more than 40 hit songs, including "Ana Wa Layla" (Me and Layla), "Salamtak Men Al Ah" (Get Well Soon) and "La Titnahad" (Don’t Sigh). In 1980, Al-Sahir started teaching music. Two years later, he pursued studies at the Institute of Music of Baghdad. By 1988, he gained popularity in many Arab countries with compositions such as "Ladghat El-Hayya" and "Abart El-Shat". His musical career was hindered by the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990. After leaving Iraq, his songs and titles championed the Iraqi people while they lived under Saddam Hussein's rule and Western sanctions. In 2011, he was named a goodwill ambassador by the UNICEF. Al-Sahir has performed a wide range of Arabic music from pop to classical and singing in most Arabic dialects. His music is known for fusing traditional Arabic melodies with diverse international music forms. He has collaborated with international stars such as Quincy Jones, Sarah Brightman, Lenny Kravitz, and had frequent partnerships with the revered Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani. His romantic poetry in music has established him as a cultural icon. He appeared as a judge in the television show The Voice: Ahla Sawt from 2012 to 2015, alongside Assi El Hallani, Sherine, and Saber Rebai. In 2020, he appeared on the frontpage of Vogue Man Arabia.