Salma Ya Salama

Salma Ya Salama (in Arabic سالمة يا سلامة) is an Egyptian popular song composed by musician Sayed Darwish for the 1919 play "Qulu lu". The lyrics are by Egyptian poet Badi' Khairi. The song speak about nostalgia for the homeland, homesickness, how they are satisfied with life, whether they are poor or rich, and how brilliant they are in war and peace.

Versions

Dalida version

The song was re-released in 1977 by artist Dalida in Egyptian Arabic, then in French. Salma Ya Salama was also an album released by Dalida that same year, containing the title song and other hits.

It was among the first Ethnic fusion hits in the world, recorded in four languages (Egyptian Arabic, French, German, and Italian: "Uomo di sabbia"). The French version speaks of a man wandering in the desert and sees a mirage of a garden paradise.

The 45 rpm single was released in two different pressings - The French version (IS 45730) coupled with "Ti amo" (originally by Umberto Tozzi) and the Egyptian version (IS 45731) coupled with the instrumental version. The disc was distributed by "Sonopresse". When Dalida signed with "Carrere" in 1978, a third 45 rpm pressing (CA 49354) was made.

Dalida remixes

In 1995, Orlando French record label released two completely re-orchestrated versions of the "Salma Ya Salama" in its album release Comme si j'étais là... one in French and the other in an Egyptian version (both offered as a bonus).

The...
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