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Join on Telegram Rabat- As we enter the new year, it is time to reflect on the beloved personalities who have passed away over the last year. For many, 2022 was particularly difficult, as numerous iconic figures died, leaving behind an emptiness in many adoring fans.
From inspiring activists, musicians and actors, to footballers and artists, these individuals left an indelible mark on the world and will never be forgotten.
While there are no words that can adequately express the loss felt to many people, it is important to take the time to remember these legends and the enormous contributions they made to society.
Rachida El Harrak
Rachida El Harrak was a well-known actress who made significant contributions to Moroccan culture through her theater and television appearances.
Sadly, she passed away this year, at the age of 74, after a long battle with cancer.
The accomplished actress was a trailblazer in the Moroccan theater scene. Beginning her career in the late 1960s, she has appeared in a number of performances, including the lead role in Diab La Tamout (Wolves Don’t Die).
Rachida El Harrak’s career has influenced many Moroccans over the years, and she will be remembered for her outstanding acting ability.
Little Chef Omar
On July 14, Moroccans collectively mourned the loss of Omar Archane, also known as chef Omar among his social media followers.
Archane tragically lost his life at age 16, he was suffering from muscular dystrophy.
The little chef was renowned for his positive attitude and optimism despite his life-threatening disability, as well as his unique and charming method of presenting recipes to his followers through videos.
In 2017, chef Omar received Morocco’s Person of the Year award because of his impactful content which was followed by a large online community.
Mourad Lamrabatte
In May, Moroccan-Dutch football player Mourad Lamrabatte died in a tragic accident.
Lamrabatte, who previously played for Dutch club SBV Vitesse, sadly died while performing a dangerous cliff stunt in front of his wife and two children on vacation on the Spanish island of Majorca.
The incident occurred as he executed a tombstoning stunt from a 30-meter-high cliff with the intention of jumping into the water. However, he miscalculated his jump and fell into the water after hitting rocks.
Khadija El Bidaouia
On October 15, Morocco’s popular music industry lost one of its iconic celebrities when this famous artist died after a long battle with lung cancer.
El Bidaouia was a pioneer and an icon of popular musical heritage with her work in the genre of L’Aita Marsawiya.
The popular Moroccan musician contributed significantly to the consolidation and preservation of authentic Moroccan heritage.
The late El Bidaouia influenced a lot of Moroccans with her songs from the art of L’Aita Marsawiya.
The well-known Moroccan performer began her career in the 70s with bands like Ouled Bouaazaoui, Ouled el Aouni, and Toulati el Farah Lemnouar.
Read Also: King Mohammed VI Sends Condolences to Khadija el Bidaouia’s Family
5-year old Rayan
The world collectively mourned the tragic death of 5 year-old Rayan this year.
Rayan was playing outside near Morocco’s Chefchaouen when he fell into a narrow well owned by his father. The boy was trapped for more than four days at a depth of about 32 meters.
Moroccan authorities, medical personnel, and citizens all rushed to the rescue. However, despite several days of rescue and digging efforts, the little boy died on February 5.
The entire world was watching Rayan’s rescue mission in the hopes that he would survive. His story sparked an outpouring of support and sympathy in Morocco and around the world.
The young boy became UNICEF’s “new icon of childhood in Morocco,” and he will forever be remembered.
Aicha Chenna
Iconic and influential Moroccan activist Aicha Chenna, known as “the Moroccan mother Teresa,” passed away this year at the age of 81.
Chenna was an activist well-known for her initiatives aimed at empowering women, particularly single mothers.
She founded the association “Solidarite Feminine” (Female Solidarity), which was the first of its kind to provide training to empower single mothers.
The Moroccan activist was honored by several international independent and governmental organizations, including the EU.
She also received the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability Award for the MENA region, as well as a knighthood from France’s Legion of Honor, for her years of service and dedication to assisting single mothers in Morocco.
Youssef Boujamaoui
This year witnessed the tragic death of yet another young boy. Young Moroccan footballer Youssef Boujamaoui died in July in a tragic car accident while on vacation with his family in Morocco.
The young footballer played for the youth team of Belgian club Liege. Boujamaoui’s younger brother and sister were also killed in the fatal accident.
Boujamaoui was described as a “promising talent” by the Belgian club, while his teammates and trainers, as well as the entire RFC Liege family, gathered to mourn the young footballer’s death.
Fathallah Lamghari
Morocco lost another prominent artist this year. Moroccan singer Fathallah Lamghari passed away in a hospital in Rabat after suffering from a long illness.
The musician, who died at the age of 82, significantly contributed to Morocco’s musical and cultural scene.
His rich musical repertoire includes many legendary songs including, Allah Ala Raha, and Faynk Al Hbib, among others.
Lamghari was also a renowned lyricist, as he contributed to many of Morocco’s biggest music hits, including Maghiara and Mouhal Yenssak El Bal.
Read Also: Prominent Moroccan Singer Fathallah Lamghari Dies at 82
Mohamed Benchekroun
The renowned Moroccan Islamic scholar Mohamed Benchekroun passed away this year at 90 years old. During his distinguished career, he established himself as one of the foremost experts in his field.
Benchekroun, an author of numerous works on education, culture, and Islamic studies, was born in Marrakech in 1932. The Islamic scholar was best known for his 10-volume translation and explanation of the Quran into French.
Benchekroun worked as a primary and secondary school teacher in Marrakech, Rabat, and Paris. He also taught at Mohammed V University and was the president of the Moroccan Association for Education.
The multi-talented Benchekroun received several honors for his distinguished career, including the Mohammed VI Prize for Islamic Studies in 2013.
Abdelhak Khiame
In August, Abdelhak Khiame, the former head of Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), died in Casablanca aged 64.
Khiame led the BCIJ office from its inception in 2015 until 2020. The office is known for its elite police unit specialized in counterterrorism and the fight against organized crime.
Khiame achieved commendable results in the fight against terrorism.
Under his leadership, the BCIJ dismantled 80 terrorist cells and arrested over 1,200 people with ties to ISIS and other extremist organizations.
Noureddine Bikr
A long-term illness claimed the life of legendary Moroccan actor Noureddine Bikr in September.
Born in Casablanca in 1952, Bikr was a top-tier Moroccan actor and comedian.
The entertainer was known for his sense of humor and began his artistic career in the 1990s when he starred in theater and television series.
“Shreh Melh” and “Heb o Tben” are two of his most well-known theater performances in Morocco.
