Moroccan music legend Abdelwahab Doukkali passes away at 85 in Casablanca

Abdelwahab Doukkali, one of the most iconic figures in Moroccan music, died Friday in Casablanca at the age of 85, according to his family.

Several artists mourned the loss of the legendary singer and composer, whose long and distinguished career left a lasting mark on Moroccan music.

Born in 1941, Doukkali was considered one of the pillars of Moroccan and Arab classical music. He began his artistic career in 1957 and recorded his first album in 1959.

Throughout his career, the late artist received numerous awards and distinctions, including a gold record for his song «Mana Illa Bachar», the Grand Prize at the Mohammedia Moroccan Song Festival in 1985 for «Kan Ya Makan», and the Grand Prize at the Marrakech Moroccan Song Festival in 1993 for «Agharo Alayki».

Doukkali was also honored twice by the Vatican and won the Grand Prize at the Cairo Festival in 1997 for his song «Souk El Bacharia».

In 1991, he was voted «Best Personality in the Arab World» in a poll conducted by Al Majalla magazine, published by the Saudi Research and Publishing Company.