Abū al-‘Ilā Muḥammad

Biography

Abu al-‘Ila Muhammad was a singer and composer especially associated with the sung qasida and Umm Kulthum’s early training.

AMAR’s research stresses the scarcity of reliable childhood evidence: his birth is placed around 1878, while Bani ‘Adi in Asyut is a possible birthplace. He died on 5 January 1927. His Gramophone recordings began in 1912, followed by Meshian, Polyphon and Baidaphon campaigns. Comparisons reveal both stable melodic settings and improvisation across several vocal forms.

As printed on the labels Cheikh Aboul Ela Mohamedالشيخ ابو العلا محمدCheikh Abou el Ela