“Kayan 24” Exclusive

“Two thousand greetings with the doves… two thousand greetings” to the soul of a mountain voice that departed this world, leaving behind an echo that no one can replace. “Two thousand greetings” to a voice that roamed the Arab world, carrying the masculinity of its homeland in its tone and songs. “Two thousand greetings”… to Fahd Ballan.

The Syrian artist Fahd Ballan was born in the city of As-Suwayda, Syria, on March 22, 1933. He grew up in a Druze family; his father, Mr. Hamoud, was famous for his physical strength and known for his generosity.
Ballan participated in a talent competition where he sang a song by the late artist Farid al-Atrash, “Talaa Ya Qamar Bil-Layl” (Rise, O Moon, at Night), and achieved great success. He then applied to Syrian Radio, began working in the radio chorus, and later sang his first songs, “Ah Ya Ulaybi” (Oh, My Heart), followed by “Ah Ya Ghazal Al-Ruba” (Oh, Gazelle of the Hills).

A Shining Star
He became a shining star among the singing stars and one of the most famous singers in Syria and the Arab world. Ballan traveled to Egypt and resided there for nine years, during which he presented a variety of songs and melodies that won the admiration and approval of the Egyptian people as well.
Perhaps the brightest aspect of the As-Suwayda native's artistic life is the beautiful relationship he shared with composer Abdel Fattah Sukkar, who admired his voice, morals, and humility, resulting in the unique musical style they created together. Their first joint work was the song “Larkab Haddak Ya Al-Motor” (I’ll Ride Beside You on the Motorcycle), which represented a new direction in Syrian folk music at the time and paved the way for unforgettable songs such as “Alfayn Salam” (Two Thousand Greetings), “Taht Al-Tuffaha” (Under the Apple Tree), “Jass Al-Tabib” (The Doctor Checked), “Ishrah Laha” (Explain to Her), “Ya Salma,” “Ya Banat Al-Mukalla” (O Girls of Mukalla), and “Ya Hamam Al-Dawh” (O Dove of the Grove).

The name of Fahd Ballan was also linked to the artist Farid al-Atrash, who was one of his friends. The duo collaborated on more than one song from the days of the "beautiful era." They met in Beirut, where a song was recorded with the musical ensemble led by Aboud Abdel Al, with Farid al-Atrash conducting the orchestra. In “Shway Shway” (Slowly, Slowly), Ballan's voice resonated once again to the tunes and melodies of the wonderful Farid al-Atrash, making it another song that brought them together, following their previous collaboration on the song “Ma Aqdarsh Ala Keda” (I Can't Handle That).

The Singer of Masculinity
He was nicknamed the “Singer of Masculinity,” a title given to him by the Lebanese journalist and artist Najib Hankash following a radio interview he conducted on his program “Colors,” which he prepared and presented on Radio Lebanon. This title remained with Fahd Ballan until the last days of his life. During that period, Ballan met several times with the musician Mohammed Abdel Wahab, who admired his voice and encouraged him to pursue other styles of singing beyond folk songs. Ballan responded to Abdel Wahab’s wish and sang the beautiful poem “Ya Sahir Al-Aynayn Ya Akhal” (O Enchanter of the Eyes, O Dark-Eyed One), composed by Abdel Fattah Sukkar.

Fame in Fahd Ballan's life was not limited to singing; he also entered the world of acting, appearing in a number of films and series alongside the greatest artists of that time.

Although he achieved immense fame, popularity, and great success that extended beyond his home country of Syria to the entire Arab world, his golden throat was not destined to live beyond 64 years, as he passed away in 1997. After suffering a brain hemorrhage and being transported to the hospital, complications led to a stroke, and he died on January 24 of that year.

The Treasure of His Works
It is noted that Fahd Ballan's musical repertoire includes about a thousand songs featuring the signatures of the greatest Arab composers. The late musician Farid al-Atrash gave him one of his most famous songs performed in Egypt, “Ma Aqdarsh Ala Keda.” He received the Order of Arts of the First Class in Syria and the Order of Merit for Arts in both Libya and Morocco, making him a rare artistic phenomenon during his lifetime that is difficult to replicate.

Some of Fahd Ballan's most famous songs:
– The song “Ishrah Laha”
– The song “Larkab Haddak Ya Al-Motor”
– The song “Shway Shway”
– The song “Ah Ya Qalbi”
– The song “Ya Salma”
– The song “Ma Aqdarsh Ala Keda”
– The song “Duri Duri”
– The song “Bahri Al-Hawa”

Some of Fahd Ballan's films:
– The film “Aqd Al-Lulu” (Pearl Necklace) in 1964.
– The film “Layali Al-Sharq” (Nights of the East) in 1965.
– The film “Ariyat Bila Khatia” (Naked Without Sin) in 1967.
– The film “Fursan Al-Gharam” (Knights of Love) in 1968.
– The film “Ajib Afandi” in 1971.
– The film “Ana Anta” (I Am You) in 1976.