Salima Jebrayel

Salima Murad, also known as Salima Pasha, was a prominent Iraqi singer born in Baghdad's Tataran neighborhood in 1905. She emerged as a leading figure in Iraqi music from the mid-1920s, earning the distinction of being the first woman to receive the title "Pasha." Murad's musical journey began in Baghdad, where she immersed herself in the local musical scene, collaborating with renowned poets and composers of her time. Notably, poet Abdul Karim Al-Allaf penned several songs for her, including "Khidri al-Jay Khidri" and "Qalbak Sakhir Jalmud," while composers like Saleh and Daoud Al-Kuwaiti provided her with memorable melodies.

In 1935, during a performance at Baghdad's Al-Hilal Theater, Murad's rendition of "Qalbak Sakhir Jalmud" captivated Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, who later recorded the song herself. Murad was among the first female artists to broadcast on Iraqi radio in 1936, further solidifying her status in the music industry. Her home became a cultural hub, hosting gatherings attended by prominent literary and political figures. In 1952, she met singer Nazem Al-Ghazali, and their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1953. The couple performed together both domestically and internationally, including concerts in Paris and London. Following Al-Ghazali's sudden death in 1963, Murad withdrew from the public eye, focusing on managing the nightclub they had established together. She passed away in Baghdad on January 28, 1974, leaving behind a rich legacy in Iraqi music.