Moroccan music icon Abdelwahab Doukkali dies at 84
via Business News4 min read
Abdelwahab Doukkali, a pivotal figure in modern Moroccan music, passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 84 in a Casablanca clinic, where he was scheduled for surgery. Born in Fès in 1941, Doukkali began his career at national radio in Rabat in the late 1950s before moving to Casablanca. In the early 1960s, he spent time in Egypt, then a major artistic hub in the Arab world, gaining international recognition before returning to Morocco in 1965. Over six decades, he created numerous iconic works such as "Moul El Khal," "Kan Ya Makan," and "Marsoul El Houb," blending Darija, classical Arabic, popular poetry, and sophisticated compositions. His distinctive style left a lasting mark on the Arab music scene. Beyond music, Doukkali was a versatile artist involved in theater, film composition, and acting, receiving international accolades, including honors from the Vatican in the 2000s. His legacy is expected to endure for generations.
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