Salma Ya Salama

The song was re-released in March 1977 by artist Dalida in Egyptian Arabic, then was translated to French. Salma Ya Salama was also an album released by Dalida in 1977, containing the title song and other hits.

It was among the first Ethnic fusion hits in the world, recorded in five languages (Egyptian Arabic, French, German, and Italian: "Uomo di sabbia" and Spanish). The French version speaks of a man wandering in the desert and sees a mirage of a garden paradise.

The 45 rpm single was released in two different pressings - The French version (IS 45730) coupled with "Ti amo" (originally by Umberto Tozzi) and the Egyptian version (IS 45731) coupled with the instrumental version. The disc was distributed by "Sonopresse". When Dalida signed with "Carrere" in 1978, a third 45 rpm pressing (CA 49354) was made.

Dalida remixes

In 1995, Orlando (brother of Dalida, producer and French record label owner) released two completely re-orchestrated versions of the "Salma Ya Salama" in its album release Comme si j'étais là... one in French and the other in an Egyptian version (both offered as a bonus).

The song was remixed again in late 1996 for the Dalida album L'an 2005 and as a CD single. This version, released in May 1997, was certified silver having reached the French Top 20 chart. A clip was made for the occasion.

The song "Salma Ya Salama" has been performed by other artists, such as Haifa Wehbe, Alabina, Chantal Chamandy, Jean Michel Jarre, Giota Lydia, Ziynet Sali, Krum & Miro, Mika, WAMA and Tiziana Rivale. It was also sung by Atilla Taş as "Sallana Sallana" at his debut album, "Kırmızılım" ("My red" in Turkish) in 1998. A version of it has also been performed by the Greek singer Marinella with the name Pali Berdeftika Also it has been performed by an Uzbekistan duet on the "New wave" festival in Latvia in 2011.