Google has recently unveiled a heartwarming 'Google Doodle' dedicated to the remarkable Sudanese oud player, Asma Hamza. This tribute, launched in celebration of her incredible talent and achievements, is now gracing screens across the MENA region, including countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and the UAE.
On July 17th, 1997, Asma Hamza achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Laylat Al Qadr Al Kubra music competition in Sudan. As a female oud player, this victory proved to be a transformative "turning point in her career and helped her gain recognition in a male-dominated field," as eloquently expressed by Google.
Asma's journey to becoming an accomplished musician is a tale of passion and perseverance. During her formative years, she nurtured dreams of becoming a singer. However, she faced a hurdle with her vocal cords, which couldn't safely support her singing aspirations. Determined to pursue her musical passion, Asma ingeniously switched to whistling tunes, capturing the beauty of melodies in her unique way. It was this melodic gift that caught her father's attention, prompting him to lend her an oud, a musical instrument similar to a lute but with a thinner neck and no frets, to practice with.
Undeterred by societal norms that frowned upon women creating music in Sudan at the time, Asma taught herself to play the oud, drawing from her own memory and innate musical sense. She composed her first piece in secret, cherishing the support of her father, who was among the few who encouraged her musical pursuits from the outset.
Fast forward to today, Asma Hamza's talent and achievements are being celebrated by Google in the form of a captivating 'Google Doodle' tribute, honoring her immense contributions to the world of music.
And while you're exploring Google's thoughtful tributes, don't miss the opportunity to discover another touching 'Google Doodle' dedicated to Saudi Novelist, Abdul Rahman Munif, commemorating his literary brilliance.
