"I Weep" ("وا اسفاي") by Muhammad Wardi | English Translation

"I Weep,” more literally “Oh My Sorrows!” (Arabic: وا اسفاي) is the final collaboration between poet Isma'il Hassan and singer/composer Muhammad Wardi. In the 1950s, Isma’il Hassan was already a famed and acclaimed poet, whereas Wardi was still at the beginning of his career, singing primarily in his native Nobiin language. When the two began to collaborate, they took the world of Sudanese music by storm with songs like “Alleyla ya Samraa” (an Arabic adaptation of a Nobiin folk song), “Sudfa,” “al-Gamar Boba” (an adaptation of a Shaigiya folk song) and many, many more. But, in the early 60s, the two had a falling out, reportedly over statements Isma’il Hassan made to journalist and poet Suleyman Abd al-Jaleel that his lyrics popularized Wardi, rather than Wardi’s voice and compositions. The two then didn’t work together for decades, during which Wardi continued to compose incredibly popular songs with other poets, as Hassan continued to write incredibly popular songs for other singers. The final result of their reconciliation was this song: “I Weep,” ultimately Isma’il’s Hassan’s last song before his death in 1982. Bound with religious imagery and philosophical reflection, “I Weep” stands out among Hassan and Wardi’s usual collaborations, which tend to be romantic songs, rather than the reflective and lamentful poem we get with “I Weep.” Along with Wardi’s legendary composition and vocal performance, “I Weep” is an undeniable masterpiece of Sudanese music, and a favorite song of mine. Hope y’all enjoy!
This recording is from Wardi’s 1993 album, “Arhal,” as found on the Waves of Sudan channel.
Sources:
-www.alrakoba.n...
-An post by Sudanese musical archivist Nasser al-Lendi, provided to me by a personal acquaintance of his.