Google honours Sudanese music icon Asma Hamza

The doodle, seen across the MENA region, was issued to coincide with 17 July 1997, the day Asma Hamza won the Laylat AlQadr AlKubra music competition in Sudan.

Google said: “This win was a turning point in her career and helped her gain recognition in a male-dominated field.”

Asma Hamza was born in 1932 and loved music, with her father encouraging her from the start despite the social restrictions at the time that did not allow women to create music. This meant the artist, who taught herself to play from her own memory and ear for music, composed her first piece in secret.

However, with her vocal abilities letting her down, she switched to whistling. “When her father heard her whistle in harmony, he borrowed an oud so Asma Hamza could practise,” Google said.

As she got older, she composed melodies for several talented Arab artists and became one of the first female composers in Sudan. She also continued perfecting her oud playing and was among the first formally trained woman oud players in 1946.

Google added: “Asma Hamza’s indomitable spirit and remarkable contributions to the realm of music have not only left an indelible mark on Sudanese musical heritage, but have also shattered gender barriers, paving the way for women in the industry. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her pursuit of a more equitable world for women is a testament to her enduring legacy.

“Today, we celebrate Asma Hamza’s musical prowess and her invaluable efforts in championing gender equality through the captivating medium of music. Her tale serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and passion.”

Asma Hamza died in 2018 aged 86.