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Rabat – With 2021’s end near, it is a fair time to pay tribute to Moroccans we lost this year, including respected leaders, gifted entertainers, human rights advocates, and celebrities who inspired us and left a tangible impact that will live forever despite their absence.
In some cases, public figures left us surprisingly soon because of illness, including COVID-19, while others have just gone as their time has come.
Here is a list of just some of the notable people Morocco lost this year:
Rais Ahmed Bizmaoun
On December 20, Amazigh music industry lost one of its iconic celebrities. Bizmaoun died of cancer. He was known for his captivating performances, leading his musicians in Amazigh rhythms.
Aziz El Fadili
The Moroccan iconic actor died on November 19. The beloved actor died due to COVID-related complications. El Fadili leaves a rich repertoire in the archives of Morocco’s television. He starred in several series, including “The Brigade.”
Princess Lalla Malika
On September 28, the nation collectively mourned the death of Princess Lalla Malika, King Mohammed VI’s aunt. The princess was known for her contributions to humanitarian initiatives across Morocco, including launching Morocco’s Red Crescent week beginning in 2018. During the inauguration ceremony, Princess Lalla Malika donated equipment to Ahmen Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Insistut, including clothes, wheelchairs, and other critically needed items.
Fatima Regragui
On August 2, Morocco’s renownedly beautiful actress Fatima Regragui died. She was a prominent figure in Morocco’s cinema and entertainment industry. Regragui will always be remembered for her spellbinding acting in several well-known Moroccan movies, including “Adieu mere” and “Mirage.”
Soumia Amrani
On August 18, Morocco lost one of its respected human rights activists. Amrani, who was the president and founder of the Autism Morocco Collective, died due to COVID-19. Amrani’s death shocked her followers and other human rights organizations, including Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH).
“The National Human Rights Council family, and the activist family in general, has lost a valuable and active member who added real sense and experience to our efforts to protect handicapped people,” read a statement from CNDH on her death.
Mohamed Sabila
On July 20, the family of respected Moroccan philosopher and writer Mohammed Sabila announced his death. The Casablanca-born thinker left behind a number of published books and academic papers on various topics, including philosophy, sociology and politics. Among his known publications are “Human Rights,” “Modernity and Postmodernity,’ and “Morocco and Modernity.”
Haja El Hamdaouia
On April 5, Morocco’s beloved singer Haja El Hamdaouia died after suffering health complications. The iconic Casablanca-born singer was known for her unique style in singing Aita, a genre of music also known as the “call” or “cry.” Aita is frequently used by prominent singers to condemn colonialism.
El Hamdaouia was also known for her appearances on stage wearing colorful takchitas (Moroccan traditional dress) and fancy hairstyles. She was also known for playing the bendir (a large wood-framed hand drum) or a taarija (a skin drum).
Hammadi Ammor
On May 14, Moroccan cinema fans lost Hammadi Ammar, one of the country’s renowned actors and comedians. The Fez-born actor died at the age of 90. Ammor starred in several sitcoms, movies, and series during his long career. He played in the Moroccan movies “Keid Ensa” and “Al Mohima.”
Larbi Chicha
On January 3, former Moroccan international football player Larbi Chicha died. The former football player had a youth career with the Moroccan Sports Union and Racing de Casablanca before making his debut with the national team.
Chicha represented Morocco on different occasions and was among the best players of the A team in 1957. Larbi Chicha also played for international football clubs, including Olympique de Marseille in the mid 1950s.
Bachir Skiredj
On January 29, Moroccan actor and comedian Bachir Skiredj died of COVID complications.Born in Tangier, Skiredj was one of Morocco’s most iconic actors; he starred in many movies, including “Lalla Houbi” and “Gharamiat Al Haj Mukhtar Al Soldi.”
While we are remembering beloved actors and actresses, as well as well established leaders in varying fields and sectors who we lost this year, let us pay tribute to all people who lost their lives due to the unique circumstances of the ongoing deadly pandemic. May their souls rest in peace.
