Biography for
Abdel Halim Hafez More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

21 June 1929, Al-Helwat, Al-Sharkia, Egypt

Date of Death

30 March 1977, London, England, UK (Bilharzia)

Birth Name

Abdel Halim Shabana

Nickname

Al Andaleeb
Halim

Mini Biography

Abdel Halim Hafez was born on June 21, 1929, in the village of Al-Hilwat in the province of Al-Sharkia, the fourth child of Sheikh Ali Ismael Shabana following after Ismael, Aliah, and Mohamed. His mother died during his delivery. His father was to die five years later. His work included 16 feature films, his first being Song of Truth (1955) and the last being Abi foq al-Shagara (1969). He also starred in the first Egyptian color CinemaScope picture Dalila (1956). 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 realize any of them due to his failing health. Abdel Halim Hafez died at the age of 48, on March 30, 1977, having dedicated half his life to the singing of songs that were to remain in the hearts of his people forever. He was one of the most famous performing artists of his era. He sang with manifest true feelings.

IMDb Mini Biography By: adriano_r

Trivia

He was one of the leading singers in Egypt and the Arab world.

He died at King's College Hospital, London, England, while receiving therapy.

Four Egyptian girls committed suicide after they learned about Abdel Halim's death at a hospital in London.

He liked cats although he didn't have one as a pet.

He was diagnosed with Bilharzia at age 11.

He used to work as a music teacher at a girls' public school in Tanta.

Played the oboe as a student and later when he worked at the radio station.

Was a good friend of president Gamal Abdel Nasser.

In 1961, he formed alongside Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Madgi El Amroussi, the now famous recording and film production company, Soutelphan which continues to direct to this day as EMI Arabia.

Took his stage name from Hafez Abdel Wahab, a supervisor of the musical programming at the Egyptian national radio who suggested that Abdel Halim should change his last name.

Lived at an orphanage for a short while.

He played the Oboe, Guitar, Piano and Oud.

He often contributed money and items to the poor in his life.

He often traveled to orphanages and hospitals to help and volunteer there.

He often performed in sold-out stadiums.

He was poor in his childhood years.

Daily, his music is still played all over the Arab world.

He is considered one of the most influential performers in the Arab world.

He was known as "King of emotions and feelings" in the Arabic world.