Hafez (Shabana), Abdel Halim

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Hafez (Shabana), Abdel Halim

Hafez (Shabana), Abdel Halim, renowned Egyptian singer; b. Zakazik, Sharkia, 1929; d. Londo, March 30, 1977. He rose to prominence in Egypt, and the Arab world in general, as the foremost interpreter of romantic and nationalistic sones. He won renown for his renditions of Safini Marra and Ala Kad el Shouk.He used Western instruments in his performances, and even utilized the Moog synthesizer. So widespread was his fame at the time of his death that 100, 000 Egyptians lined the streets of the funeral procession in Cairo.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire