Syrian Singer Sabah Fakhri dies Aged 88

Fez – Sabah Fakhri, a prominent Syrian artist, died at the age of 88, according to a joint statement issued by Syria’s Ministry of Information and the Syndicate Artists in Syria on Twitter and Facebook. No cause of death has been revealed.

Sabah Fakhri was born in Aleppo in 1933 and was awarded the Syrian Order of Merit of the Excellent Class in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to authentic Syrian Arab art.

Sabah Fakhri is regarded as one of the most renowned singers in Syria and the Arab world. He is an oriental music artist and singer, and the name Fakhri is in honor of Fakhri Al-Baroudi, who sponsored his talent.

Fakhri was hailed as a representative of Syrian folk music over the course of his 70-year career, and an influence on generations of Arab musicians across the region.

This has been reflected in the outpouring of tributes from an eclectic array of artists.

According to Saudi Singer, Sulaiman Al Manah, Fakhri was a “master” of the Syrian folk song. “This is sad news. My sincere condolences to his family, his artistic family and fans across the Arab world.”

Fahed Al Nasser, a composer from Kuwait, hailed Fakhri as  “the melody of Aleppo. And the light of music went out in the Levant. Farewell.”

Syrian actor Moa’tasem Al Nahar posted a picture of Fakhri performing before his demise, captioning: “Goodbye Sabah Fakhri. Goodbye.”

Lebanese television host Nishan stated: “You will remain a source of pride for authentic Middle Eastern music.”