Egypt has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of its most revered singing star, Umm Kalthoum.

As popular in other Arab countries as she is in Egypt, the legendary diva died in 1975 but her music is still very much alive.

They called her the Star of the Orient - through a career spanning six decades Umm Kalthoum thrilled and mesmerised audiences, not only in her native Egypt, but throughout the Arab world.

Golden voice

The first lady of Arab song

Her's was a unique and powerful voice, one that touched the very soul of her Arab listeners. But her voice was not the only strand to her appeal

"She was special in many ways - apart from her golden voice, she had the ability to drive home her meaning to her listeners," says Maurice Guindy of the Egyptian al-Ahram weekly.

" Love songs, national songs, religious songs - her articulation was just superb, and this had a lot to do with her appeal to the other Arabs."

Shamar keeps the legend alive

Today, 12-year old Shamar - a rising star - sings Umm Kalthoum songs with the Umm Kalthoum band. It has been kept busy with several concerts to mark the centenary.

Umm Kalthoum herself was several years younger than Shamar when she began to make her mark in the poor villages of the Nile delta where she was born.

In her path to fame and fortune Umm Kalthoum became far more than just a successful singer. In the days of President Nasser she took on a truly national role.

Towering figure

"She rescued the dignity and pride of the Egyptian nation, after the sad defeat of 1967," says artist Hilmy Al-Touni. "Umm Kalthoum is a leader, she's not only an artist."

Millions joined her funeral procession

A towering figure on the Arab stage, Umm Kalthoum captured and in many ways became the spirit of a whole era in Egyptian history.

Yet at the same time she also touched on universal themes and her music was so special that it is still immensely popular today, even with a new generation that has grown up since her death nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Umm Kalthoum's albums are still selling like hot cakes. Many young people prefer her music to the work of modern singers.

Lesson in love

"When you start to fall in love you understand the meaning of Umm Kalthoum lyrics," says one young fan.

Her albums continue to find new listeners

A patron of a restaurant on the Nile dedicated to Umm Kalthoum agrees: "She's the queen of Oriental singing in the whole Arab world"

Umm Kalthoum's death in 1975 caused widespread grief across the Arab world. Her funeral brought out millions of mourners onto the streets of Cairo.