Khalil Farah

Besides his prominent role in the independence movement, Khalil Farah (1892-1932) is often seen as the ‘Father’ of contemporary Sudanese music. The most popular nationalist poems from the 1920-30s are of the lyricist and oud player, Farah. He continues to receive praise for being the ‘father’ or ‘pioneer’ of modern Sudanese music. As a graduate of the Gordon College Technical Workshops, he was a mechanic in the post and telegraph department. Farah composed music that praised the Sudan’s connection with Egypt and its Nile Valley unity. He achieved fame on the basis of songs which blended literally and colloquial Arabic that were accessible to various audiences.