The Arab music world is mourning the loss of legendary Moroccan singer and composer Abdelwahab Doukkali, who passed away at the age of 85 after a remarkable artistic career that shaped generations of Moroccan and Arab music.
News of his death sparked widespread sadness across artistic and cultural circles in Morocco and the wider Arab world, with many paying tribute to his lasting influence on modern Moroccan music.
The announcement was first shared by Nass El Ghiwane through official social media pages before actor Rachid El Ouali confirmed the news in an emotional message online.
According to reports, Doukkali had fallen into a coma following a recent health crisis while receiving treatment at a clinic in Casablanca.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary Moroccan music, Doukkali dedicated more than five decades to the arts.
His work blended traditional Moroccan musical identity with modern compositions, combining classical Arabic language, Moroccan poetry, and local musical heritage.
Born in Fez in 1941, Doukkali began his artistic journey in the late 1950s before moving between Rabat and Casablanca. He later expanded his presence across the Arab world during a period spent in Cairo in the early 1960s.
Throughout his career, he released a number of iconic songs that became deeply rooted in Arab musical culture, including “Mersoul Al Hob,” “Ana Wal Ghorba,” “Al Layl Wal Noujoum,” and “Kan Ya Ma Kan.” He also became known for several patriotic songs that resonated strongly with audiences.
Beyond music, Doukkali also explored cinema and theater and received numerous Arab and international honors in recognition of his contribution to the arts and his status as one of the most influential figures in Arab music history.




