Al-Marsad newspaper: A large number of Arab artists died in 2021, following artistic careers filled with many films, series and plays.
Ezzat Al-Alayli and Youssef Shaaban
According to “Sky News”: “On February 5, the Egyptian artist, Ezzat Al-Alayli, died at the age of 86. Six days later, the Egyptian owner of the song “Lolaki”, Ali Hamida, died, following his struggle with illness. On February 25, Kuwaiti Meshary Al-Balam died at the age of 48, following being infected with the Corona virus.
On February 28, the Egyptian artist, Youssef Shaaban, died at the age of 90, following his health deteriorated due to his infection with Corona. On the same day, the Egyptian Ahlam Al-Gretali died at the age of 73, following suffering a heart attack. On April 30, the artist, Nadia Al-Iraqiya, died of the Corona virus. Also, the Egyptian Mohamed Rihan died, on May 14, at the age of 81.
Intisar Al-Sharrah and Dalal Abdel Aziz
On May 17, the Algerian Reem Ghazali died at the age of nearly 39 following a struggle with cancer, and on June 19, the Egyptian actor Sayed Mustafa died following a struggle with the disease, at the age of 65, and in London on July 30, Kuwaiti Intisar Al-Sharrah died at the age of 59 years, following suffering from illness.
On August 7, the artist, Dalal Abdel Aziz, died at the age of 61, following a struggle with the Corona virus. Her death came 3 months following the departure of her husband, Samir Ghanem, for the same reason.
Jamil Awwad and Zuhair Ramadan
On October 28, Jordanian Jamil Awad died at the age of 86, following being hospitalized in a critical condition. On November 2, Sabah Fakhri passed away at the age of 88. Seven days later, the Egyptian artist Ahmed Khalil died at the age of 80, following an artistic career that lasted 60 years. On November 18, one of the heroes of the series “Bab Al-Hara”, the Syrian actor Zuhair Ramadan, who was famous for the “Abu Jawdat” character, died at the age of 62. And 3 days ago, (December 28), Muhammad Al-Shammat, known as “Abu Marzouk” in the series Bab Al-Hara, died in the United States at the age of 85, following a struggle with illness.
In Memoriam: 2021 – A Year of Loss for Arab Artistic Community
As I reflect on the news article highlighting the passing of numerous Arab artists in 2021, I am reminded of the profound impact these individuals had on the world of entertainment. The year 2021 was indeed marked by an outpouring of tributes, as fans and fellow artists mourned the loss of these cultural icons.
The article begins with the passings of Ezzat Al-Alayli and Youssef Shaaban, two Egyptian artists who left an indelible mark on the Arab entertainment industry. Al-Alayli’s demise on February 5 at the age of 86 was soon followed by the loss of Ali Hamida, the legendary owner of the song “Lolaki”. Although these passings were a significant blow to the artistic community, there were many more to come throughout the year.
One notable figure who also departed in 2021 was Sabah Fakhri, a prominent Syrian singer who died on November 2 at the age of 88 [[1]][[2]]. Fakhri was renowned for his traditional songs and preservation of extinct forms of Arabic music, earning him a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts across the Arab world.
The outpouring of grief that followed Fakhri’s passing was a testament to his enduring legacy, which transcended generations and borders. His contributions to the preservation and promotion of Arabic music will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
As I read about the numerous passings of Arab artists in 2021, I couldn’t help but think about the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the legacies of those who have come before us. These artists, including Sabah Fakhri, Ezzat Al-Alayli, and Youssef Shaaban, have left an indelible mark on the Arab entertainment industry, inspiring future generations to continue their work and build upon their foundations.
In a year marked by loss, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact these individuals had on the world of entertainment. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories, songs, and traditions of the Arab world continue to thrive for years to come.
References:
[[1]]https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/11/345300/syrian-singer-sabah-fakhri-dies-aged-88
[[2]]https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-11-02/arab-world-legendary-singer-sabah-fakhri-dead
