“Google” commemorates the success of Sudanese musician Asma Hamza

Internet search giant “Google” celebrated on Monday the anniversary of the great success achieved by Sudanese composer and oud player Asma Hamza, which marked a turning point in her professional life.

The Google homepage featured an illustration depicting the Sudanese musician playing the oud, wearing traditional blue attire and holding a musical note in her hand.

Asma Hamza, who passed away in 2018, was among the winners of the “Great Night of Destiny” music competition on July 17, 1997, according to Google’s description.

The description further added that this victory was a turning point in the life of the Sudanese musician, who was born in 1932, and contributed to granting her recognition and attention in a field dominated by men.

Asma had a passion for music since her childhood and dreamed of becoming a singer. However, her vocal cords did not support her in achieving her dream, so she turned to playing the flute.

When her father heard her playing the flute rhythmically, he borrowed an oud-like instrument with fewer features so that his daughter could practice music.

Asma Hamza taught herself how to play the songs she heard on the oud.

Her father was supportive of her from the beginning, but he was among the few, especially since it was not socially acceptable in Sudan at that time for women to excel in music.

Asma remembers that the first melodies she played were in secret.

With gained experience and skill in composing, Asma produced melodies for many talented artists in the Arab world and became one of the first female composers in Sudan.

In 1946, she became one of the first women to receive formal training in playing the oud.