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Sid Darwish’s Grandson Denies That Assala’s Song Borrowed Its Melody from "Zourouni Kol Sana Marra"
Mohamed Hassan Sid Darwish, grandson of the late musician Sid Darwish and the legal custodian of his artistic legacy, has settled the controversy surrounding the melody of Assala’s song “Ala Road Al Habib,” denying any connection between it and the melody of “Zourouni Kol Sana Marra.”
In press statements, Sid Darwish’s grandson explained that the two melodies share only the same maqam and rhythm, while differing in their musical notes and melodic structure. He confirmed that he reached this conclusion after studying and comparing the two musical scores.
His remarks contradict the position of the Egyptian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers, known as SACERAU, which had previously claimed that the two melodies were identical. The society also called for a historical recording proving that the melody existed before 1917 in order for it to be attributed to the musical heritage of the Syrian city of Latakia.
The late composer’s grandson noted that Assala’s performance of the song during her concert in Damascus was intended to evoke the atmosphere and spirit of traditional music. Although these elements may generally resemble Sid Darwish’s musical style, he stressed that this does not indicate that the melody was copied or that the two melodies are identical.
The controversy over the origins of the melody of “Ala Road Al Habib” and the extent of its similarity to Sid Darwish’s works therefore continues, pending any historical documents or recordings that could settle the dispute.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat
