‘Prince of Arab Song’ Hany Shaker Dies at 74 After Long Illness

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Cairo: Veteran Egyptian singer Hany Shaker, widely known as the “Prince of Arab Song,” has died at the age of 74 following a prolonged illness, marking the end of a decades-long career that shaped modern Arabic music.

Shaker passed away on Sunday in a hospital in Paris, where he had been receiving treatment after his health deteriorated in recent weeks. Reports indicate that he had been battling a combination of respiratory complications and severe colon-related health issues, which worsened despite medical care.

According to media reports, the singer had initially shown signs of recovery before suffering a sudden relapse that left him in intensive care. His condition declined rapidly in the final days, leading to his death in the French capital.

Shaker was one of the Arab world’s most celebrated musicians, known for his romantic ballads and refined vocal style. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, he built a legacy that spanned more than five decades, producing hundreds of songs and becoming a defining voice in Arabic music.

Tributes have poured in from across the region, with public figures and fans mourning the loss of an artist whose work resonated across generations. Egypt’s leadership also paid tribute, highlighting his contribution to culture and the arts and his lasting influence on the music industry.

Beyond his musical career, Shaker also played a prominent role in the industry, including serving as head of Egypt’s Musicians’ Syndicate.His body is expected to be returned to Egypt for burial, as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic cultural figures.