Departure of Al-Qutami: Partner in Kuwait's First Opera Performance

True artists do not depart when their bodies are gone; rather, they remain present in people’s memories through the joy they sowed and the legacy they left behind. Yesterday, Kuwait bid farewell to one of its sons who carried the message and identity of folk art: the esteemed artist Ahmed Al-Qutami, who dedicated his life to serving Kuwaiti heritage and turned monologue and folk song into a window through which society could view its concerns and hopes, with a style that combined simplicity, awareness, and a sincere smile.

With his passing, the artistic landscape loses a towering figure who contributed to shaping a significant part of Kuwaiti artistic memory, having presented over decades works that remained vivid in the public’s consciousness, and cementing his presence as one of the foremost pioneers of folk art. He believed that art is a message that preserves identity, touches the human spirit, and stands as a witness to time.

Al-Qutami emerged in the 1960s, succeeding in delivering works that blended novelty with meaningful messages through the art of monologue. Later, on June 20, 1979, he assumed the presidency of the Kuwait Television Folk Arts Troupe, where he contributed to developing its artistic activities and worked alongside a distinguished group of artists.

The late artist was among the founders of the troupe, moving between administrative and training roles within it. He represented Kuwait at numerous festivals inside and outside the country, firmly believing in the importance of preserving and presenting folk heritage in a manner befitting Kuwait’s artistic history.

During his years of study, he joined the Arabian Gulf Theatre Troupe in 1970, participating in various theatrical and media activities. However, his passion for music led him to focus exclusively on vocal art, prompting him to join the Kuwait Artists Association, where he later served for several years as a member of its board of directors.

Among the most notable milestones in his career was his participation in February 1979, during the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, to Kuwait. There, he performed an excerpt from Mozart’s opera *The Magic Flute* alongside artist Aliaa Hussein, becoming the first Kuwaiti citizens to present operatic singing at an official occasion. This exceptional scene, which earned the admiration of the Queen and her accompanying delegation, marked a bright page in the history of Kuwaiti musical arts.

Ahmed Al-Qutami has passed away, but his voice will remain present in Kuwait’s memory, and his works will stand as a testament to the journey of an artist who loved his country, carried its heritage to future generations, and believed that sincere art does not age, and that true creators are immortalized by what they leave in people’s hearts long before history books record their names. May God have mercy on Ahmed Al-Qutami, grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace.