KUWAIT: Ouda Al-Muhanna performs during a wedding party in these file photos. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Ouda Al-Muhanna was one of the top icons of folkorish singing in Kuwait and the Gulf region. Ouda’s real name was Jawhara Bashir Mayouf Al-Muhanna. She was named Ouda after her grandmother’s nickname. She started singing at the early age of 15 in her aunt Hadiya Al-Muhanna’s band, after the death of her aunt, Suad Al-Beraiki led the band, and later on, Ouda became the leader.

Ouda had many artistic activities since 1955, taking part in different plays, films, weddings, and musical events. The singer, who was also one of the founders of Kuwait Artists Association, passed away in 1984 at the age of 85, after a struggle with disease. In appreciation of her memory, a Kuwaiti company has named a building after Ouda in Hawalli, also setting a brief summary about the singer’s history at the main entrance. — KUNA