Mayada Bselis: The Authentic Syriac Voice and Pioneer of Syrian Art

Mayada Bselis (July 28, 1967 – March 17, 2021), one of Syria’s most prominent Syriac voices, left an indelible mark on the world of art and music. With her delicate voice and authentic tarab style, she embodied the Syriac and Syrian identity, blending the spirit of folklore with religious hymns. From Holeb (Aleppo), her birthplace, to international stages, Mayada carved her name as a pioneer in music that bridges tradition and modernity.

The Beginning of Her Artistic Journey 

Born in Holeb (Aleppo), Mayada displayed her musical talent at an early age. At nine, she participated in an amateur program on Aleppo Radio, recording the song Asl al-Gharam and winning first place in 1976. This moment marked the launch of her artistic career. In 1987, she married the Syriac musician Samir Kwefati, who became her partner in both life and art. Together, they had three daughters – Nour, Marah, and Nagham – who accompanied her in concerts as musicians, playing the violin, piano, and cello, adding a distinctive family touch to her performances.

A Diverse Artistic Legacy 

Mayada released 14 albums, starting with her debut Ya Qatili bil-Hijr in 1986, a song inspired by ancient Syrian folklore. Her work stood out for its diversity, encompassing Syrian folklore, Christian religious hymns, patriotic songs, and refined Arabic music. One of her greatest achievements was the song Kazbak Helo, which won the Golden Award for Best Arabic Song at the Cairo Festival in 1999, gaining widespread acclaim across the Arab world. She also sang theme songs for popular Syrian dramas such as Ikhwat al-Turab, Ayam al-Ghadab, and Abna’ al-Qahr, cementing her status as a distinctive dramatic voice.

Global Presence and Awards 

Mayada’s performances were not confined to Syrian stages; she captivated audiences in global capitals, including the Madrid Opera House, the Cairo Opera House in 1998, and the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. She received numerous accolades, including the Golden Award for Best Music Video for Hawa Tani at the Bahrain Festival in 2001 and the Ornina Golden Award for her songs Haneen and Ya Ghali at Syrian Song Festivals. These achievements reflected her ability to blend Syriac cultural roots with international appeal.

Commitment to Syriac Identity 

Mayada was a pioneer in preserving Syriac identity through her music. Her collaboration with her husband, Samir Kwefati, produced a distinctive artistic project focused on delivering an authentic Syrian song, free from blind imitation of other Arab musical schools. Her religious hymns, such as Al-Wasiyya al-Akhira (The Last Testament), recorded despite her battle with cancer, expressed her deep faith and spiritual message, inspired by Mirna al-Soufaniyya’s vision. This final work, completed before her passing, reflects her dedication to serving her religious and cultural heritage.

Departure and Legacy 

In 2010, Mayada released the album Ila Ummi wa Ardi (To My Mother and My Land), reflecting her profound connection to her homeland and family. Despite her struggle with cancer, she continued to create until her final days. She passed away on March 17, 2021, in Aleppo, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy spanning folk songs to spiritual hymns. Her voice continues to resonate as a symbol of Syriac and Syrian authenticity. 

Why Mayada Is a Pioneer 

Mayada Bselis is considered a pioneer for her ability to craft a unique artistic identity, blending Syriac heritage with refined Arabic music. While artists like George Wassouf achieved broader fame, their work was more aligned with mainstream Arabic music. Mayada, with her focus on folklore and hymns, was an ambassador for Syriac culture, preserving its roots during challenging times. Her legacy lives on through her songs, her family, and her audience, who continue to celebrate her timeless voice.

Final Word

Mayada Bselis was more than a singer; she was a symbol of cultural resilience and artistic creativity. Through her voice, she carried the Syriac people and their history to the world, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

In this series

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Youssef Abdelké: A Visionary Syriac Artist Blending Creativity and Commitment

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