The controversy surrounding Kazem Al-Saher’s song “Al-Halawin” sparked widespread debate. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU-PNFiD-ro6F6kXhnE5IAgبعد The Iraqi artist removed the song from his new album, “Untitled.”
This came after reports circulated that artist Hamid Mansour had previously released a song with the same opening lyrics titled “What Did the Sweethearts Say?”
In this context, Iraqi musician and researcher Hussein Muslim published clarifications he attributed to poet Bashir al-Aboudi,
the song’s lyricist. The account revealed details of how the lyrics reached Kazem Al-Saher and Hamid Mansour.
Bashir Al-Aboudi Reveals the Story Behind the Song “Al-Halawin”
Bashir al-Abudi confirmed that he did not usually give the same lyrics to more than one artist. He also explained that he had previously submitted lyrics to Kazem al-Saher and was careful not to offer them to any other artist.
The story of “Al-Halawain” dates back to 1985. At that time, Al-Aboudi wrote the opening lines of the song while he was at the Military Theater and kept the lyrics for years.
In 2004, the poet received a message from Kazem Al-Saher through his friends Munther Karim and Mahmoud Shaker.
Al-Saher asked him to complete the song and send additional lyrics, and Al-Aboudi complied with the request.
Kazem Al-Saher Asks for the Song Again
The song returned to the spotlight about two years ago. Al-Aboudi said that the artist Malik Mohsen visited him and conveyed Kazem Al-Saher’s desire to obtain the lyrics after some words were amended.
Indeed, the poet made the requested changes and also provided a written waiver for the song. He confirmed that he did not receive any financial compensation, given his long-standing relationship with Al-Saher.
How did “Al-Halawin” reach Hamid Mansour?
Al-Aboudi explained that he was unaware of a previous song by Hamid Mansour with the same opening line.
After the controversy escalated, he contacted him to find out the details.
According to the account, Hamid Mansour told him that composer Mohsen Farhan had given him the song,
and informed him that the lyrics were by Bashir Al-Aboudi. The song was then recorded and filmed without the poet’s knowledge.
Al-Aboudi pointed out that Hamid Mansour’s version included only the opening line. In contrast, Kazem Al-Saher’s version includes complete verses and passages written by Al-Aboudi.
Mohsen Farhan Becomes the Subject of Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding Kazem Al-Saher’s song “Al-Halawain,” Bashir Al-Aboudi refrained from making direct accusations against either Mohsen Farhan or Hamid Mansour.
He suggested that the opening verse may have reached Mohsen Farhan during past meetings between the two, especially since they used to exchange lyrics, melodies, and artistic ideas.
Thus, the issue appears to be more of an old misunderstanding regarding a poem, part of which appeared in a previous song, before its author returned and presented it in its entirety to Kazem Al-Saher.
