About the Artist
Abdel Halim Hafez was born in 1929 in the village of Al-Hilwat in the Province of Al-Sharkia. His mother died during his delivery, and his father died five years after. He had a difficult childhood and early adulthood.
His work includes sixteen feature films, the first being "Lahn al-afa" and the last "Abi foq al Shargara" He starred in the first Egyptian color Cinema Scope picture "Delilah". He made seventeen films and produced seven programs for television. There were ninety-three songs for the films as well as fifty filmed songs. He took part in several broadcasts and radio serials. He left a legacy of over 260 songs. Towards the end of his career he entered into contracts for five films but was unable to release any of them due to his failing health. His teaming with Baligh Hamdi produced many lengthy and vibrant songs whose music is used in belly dance performances worldwide. Many of these later songs were written by the famous poet Nizar Qabbani.
Abdel Halim died at the age of 48 in 1977, having dedicated half his life to the songs that were to remain in the hearts of his fans forever. He was one of the most famous performing artists of this era. He sang always with an honesty of style and with manifest through feelings. Now over 20 years after his death, we are able to perceive that his popularity remains undiminished through every Arab country and in the hearts of all Arabs and lovers of Arabic music.
