Khaled Al-Qallaf to Al-Rai: "Nagmat Watan"... to "Shadi Al-Khalij"
Writer Dr. Khaled Al-Qallaf dedicated his new book, “A Nation’s Melody: The Kuwaiti National Anthem from Memory to the Future,” recently published by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters as part of its special non-periodic publication series, to the people of Kuwait, and specifically to the veteran artist Abdulaziz Al-Mufarraj, known as “Voice of the Nation” and “The Singer of the Gulf.”
Al-Qallaf explained to “Al-Rai” that the book sheds light on the trajectory of the Kuwaiti national anthem as an integral part of memory and national identity. “It was not merely lyrics and melodies tied to specific occasions, but rather, across its various stages, it expressed the Kuwaiti society’s sentiments during its joys, challenges, and historical turning points, contributing to reinforcing values of belonging, loyalty, and national identity across generations.”
He added, “The book also examines the role played by the national anthem in expressing the events Kuwait has experienced, and in strengthening feelings of loyalty and belonging. It emphasizes that national singing was present during times of hardship and prosperity, war and peace, as an expression of love for the homeland and readiness to sacrifice for it.”
He noted that the publication focuses on several examples, works, and personalities that contributed to shaping the characteristics of the Kuwaiti national anthem, highlighting its cultural, social, and educational roles, as well as its capacity to shape the consciousness of generations and enhance feelings of pride and esteem for national identity.
In conclusion, Al-Qallaf expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for Cultural Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, “for her unlimited support and attention to the printing and publication of books and works that contribute to documenting Kuwait’s history and cultural and artistic heritage, preserving its national memory for future generations.” He praised her consistent commitment to supporting researchers and authors, and encouraging cultural and documentary projects that enrich the Kuwaiti and Arab libraries.
The release of “A Nation’s Melody” in its first edition for 2026 adds to publications dedicated to documenting the cultural and artistic memory of the State of Kuwait, within the framework of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters’ interest in safeguarding Kuwait’s cultural and artistic memory, chronicling the components of its national heritage, and presenting them to future generations as a living asset of Kuwaiti identity.
