Kingdom
Death of Abdelwahab Doukkali, an icon of Moroccan song
The great composer died at the age of 85. Several artists have mourned the passing of this icon of Moroccan music, known for his long and rich artistic career.
The renowned singer and composer Abdelwahab Doukkali passed away on Friday in Casablanca at the age of 85, according to his close associates.
Several artists have lamented the loss of this icon of Moroccan song, whose artistic career was long and richly distinguished.
Born in 1941, Abdelwahab Doukkali—one of the pillars of classical Moroccan and Arab music—began his artistic career in 1957, before recording his first album in 1959.
During his lifetime, the late artist received numerous awards and distinctions, including a gold record for his song “Mana Illa Bachar,” the Grand Prize of the Mohammedia Moroccan Song Festival in 1985 for “Kan Ya Makan,” and the Grand Prize of the Marrakech Moroccan Song Festival in 1993 for “Agharo Alayki.”
Honoured twice by the Vatican, the late Doukkali also won the Grand Prize at the Cairo Festival in 1997 for his song “Souk El Bacharia.”
He was named Arab World Personality of the Year in 1991 following a poll conducted by Al Majalla magazine, published by the Saudi Research and Publishing Company.
