Arab Music Icon Hany Shaker Passes Away at 73

Arab singing star Hany Shaker passed away on May 3, at the age of 73 following a deterioration in his health, marking the loss of one of the Arab world’s most prominent symbols of classical singing.

Shaker began his artistic career at an early age and quickly drew attention with his powerful emotional voice. 

He had his talent discovered in 1972 by the late composer Mohamed El Mogi, who introduced him to Egyptian radio with the song “Ehki Ya Donia,” marking the beginning of his artistic journey.

Throughout his career, Shaker performed more than 600 songs and released 29 albums. Among his most notable works are El Youm Gameel, Kon Fayakoon, Esm Ala El Warak, Aghla Bashar, Baadak Maleesh, Ahl El Layali, Arrabni Leek, Bahebak Ya Ghali, Bahebak Ana, Garhi Ana, Ya Retni, El Helm El Gameel, Takhssari, Leh Menhelmsh, Wala Kan Be Amri, Albi Malo, Koloh Yahon, Saddaqni, Shawar, Baashaq Dahoqtak, Howa Elli Ekhtar, Men Gheir Leh, Hekayet Kol Asheq, Ma’ak, Wasalna Le Fein, Ala El Dahkaya, Saddaqeeni, Wala Ya Habibi, El Hob Maloosh Kabeer, Keda Bardou Ya Amar, Teslamli Oyounoh, and Yaretek Ma’aya.

He also pursued acting, appearing in films such as Endama Yoghanni El Hob (“When Love Sings”) and Haza Oheboh wa Haza Oreedoh (“This I Love and This I Want”), and took part in stage productions, most notably Cinderella and El Maddah.

He was heavily influenced by Abdel Halim Hafez, to the extent that many considered him a continuation of that musical style, which earned him the title “Prince of Arab Singing.”

The late veteran singer also served as the head of the Musicians’ Syndicate in Egypt for seven years over two terms, playing an important role in organizing the music industry. He officially announced his resignation from the position in 2022. 

Shaker received numerous local and international honors, including the First Class Order of Merit from Tunisia and the Jerusalem Medal awarded by the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat, in addition to being recognized at many festivals and cultural events in Egypt and abroad.

He is regarded as one of the most prominent singing stars in the Arab world, with a rich artistic career spanning decades. His extensive body of work has left a lasting mark on the history of Arabic music, earning him widespread popularity and enduring support from audiences across generations.