Cover Star Mona Zaki on Motherhood, Marriage, and Becoming Umm Kulthum in El Sett

Mona Zaki Honours Umm Kulthum in El Sett

Egyptian actress Mona Zaki stars in the new biopic El Sett, portraying the legendary Arab singer Umm Kulthum. The film presents a lavish and graceful portrait of Umm Kulthum, celebrating her as a beloved cultural icon and a voice that reflected the hopes and struggles of her era. Director Marwan Hamed crafts the story with sensitivity, highlighting Umm Kulthum’s influence on major political events in Egypt, including the end of the monarchy, the 1952 revolution, and the dream of Arab unity. Mona Zaki’s performance captures the courage and modesty of this extraordinary figure, who was much more than a singer—she was a pan-Arab heroine and symbol of national identity.

Life and Legacy of Umm Kulthum

Umm Kulthum was born in a small Egyptian village to a religious family and developed exceptional singing talent early on. Trained initially in classical Arabic and Qur'anic recitation by her father, she became a major musical figure by the 1930s, touring widely across the Arab world. Her music flowed alongside pivotal political eras, and she became deeply connected to grassroots causes, notably supporting the Egyptian legion during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Her repertoire included classical Arabic poems set to music, which rallied diverse audiences and even challenged royalist sensibilities. Umm Kulthum was decorated by King Farouk I but later distanced herself from the royal family, embracing causes that resonated with the people and revolutionaries.

Mona Zaki’s Artistic Journey

Mona Zaki began her acting career as a teenager in a Cairo theater production and gained prominence through television and film roles. Celebrated for her versatility, she took on the monumental role of Umm Kulthum with dedication, embodying the icon’s voice and spirit. El Sett showcases both Umm Kulthum’s public triumphs and private challenges, intertwining Zaki’s portrayal with themes of motherhood and marriage, which add depth to the character’s life story.

The Cultural Impact of El Sett

El Sett transcends the biography genre by portraying Umm Kulthum as a symbol larger than life—an influential woman whose music and persona inspired unity and resilience across the Arab world. The biopic reasserts Umm Kulthum’s enduring relevance, showing how her art echoed amid social and political turmoil. Mona Zaki’s nuanced performance brings to the forefront the humanity behind the legend, inviting a new generation to appreciate Umm Kulthum’s impact.

Mona Zaki’s portrayal of Umm Kulthum in El Sett beautifully honors the icon’s legacy while exploring her personal struggles and immense cultural significance with authenticity and grace. This film not only preserves history but also reaffirms the power of art in shaping national identity and inspiring change.

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Vogue Arabia Vogue Arabia — 2025-11-28

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