Egyptian music stars who deceased at age 80
Here are 3 famous musicians from Egypt died at 80:
Henry Sprinks
Henry Sprinks (August 19, 1905 Alexandria-May 23, 1986 Bramshaw) was an Egyptian personality.
Henry Sprinks was actually born in Alexandria, Egypt but spent most of his life in England. He was a renowned cricketer who played for the Hampshire County Cricket Club during the 1920s and 30s. Despite being an accomplished batsman, Sprinks was more well-known for his superb fielding abilities. He played in 210 first-class cricket matches and scored over 7,000 runs in his career. After retiring from cricket, he settled in the small town of Bramshaw in Hampshire where he lived until his death in 1986. Sprinks is remembered as one of Hampshire's greatest ever cricketers and his legacy lives on through the Sprinks Memorial Cup, which is awarded to the best fielder in the Hampshire County Cricket Club each year.
In addition to his cricket career, Sprinks also served in the British Army during World War II, where he achieved the rank of Major. After the war, he worked in the paper industry and was an active member of the local community in Bramshaw. He was known for his love of gardening and was a regular at the village cricket matches, offering tips and advice to the players. Sprinks was also a skilled musician and played the piano and the organ. He was married for over 50 years and had two children. In 1987, a year after his death, a memorial service was held in his honour at the Hampshire County Cricket Club, attended by many of his former teammates and fans.
Sprinks was not only a talented cricketer, but he was also a skilled football player. He played professional football for Southampton FC in the 1920s and was a reserve player for the team during the same period he played cricket. Additionally, Sprinks was part of the England football squad in the 1920s and played in several matches, including the tour of South Africa in 1927. Alongside his sports career, Sprinks also worked in the family business in Egypt before moving to England to pursue his cricketing career. He was known for his gentlemanly conduct on and off the field, and his sportsmanship was highly respected by his fellow players and opponents alike. After his retirement from cricket and football, Sprinks remained involved in sports and was an active supporter of both teams. He served as the president of the Bramshaw Cricket Club, where he also played and acted as a mentor to young players aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
Henry Sprinks was also a philanthropist and supported various charities throughout his life. He was particularly interested in supporting organizations that provided assistance to children in need. He was a regular donor to the local children's hospital and was instrumental in setting up a scholarship fund for underprivileged children in Bramshaw. Sprinks was also an avid traveler and visited many countries throughout his life. He documented his travels in a series of journals and photographs, which are now kept in the archives of the Hampshire County Cricket Club.
Sprinks' legacy continues to inspire future generations of cricketers and footballers in Hampshire and beyond. His dedication to his sports, his community, and his philanthropic efforts have made him a revered figure in the county. The Sprinks Memorial Cup, as well as the various charities and scholarships that bear his name, serve as a tribute to his life and achievements. His life story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship, and he continues to be an inspiration to many.
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Youssef Wahbi
Youssef Wahbi (July 17, 1902 Sohag Governorate-October 17, 1982 Cairo) also known as Youssef Wahby was an Egyptian film director and actor.
Wahbi was a pioneer of Egyptian cinema and one of the most influential figures in the Egyptian entertainment industry, appearing in over a hundred films throughout the course of his career, which spanned several decades. He was known for his charismatic and versatile acting style, and his ability to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic, which endeared him to audiences both in Egypt and abroad. In addition to his work in cinema, Wahbi was also a respected theater director, having founded the National Theater in Cairo in 1959. He was widely regarded as one of the most important cultural figures of Egypt's 20th century.
In addition to his prolific career in acting and directing, Youssef Wahbi was also a writer and a composer. He wrote several plays and musicals, including the widely popular "Layla bint al-Fajr" and "Alf Leila wa Leila". Furthermore, he was a talented musician, and he composed music for many of his films, which further added to his contribution to Arab culture. Youssef Wahbi received numerous awards and honors for his contribution to the film and theater industries in Egypt, including the prestigious Nile medal, awarded by the Egyptian government. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of Egyptian cinema and a cultural icon, whose work continues to inspire and influence generations of Egyptian artists.
Youssef Wahbi was born in a village in Sohag Governorate, located in Upper Egypt. He moved to Cairo at the age of 17 to pursue his passion for acting and began working in theater productions. In 1923, he made his film debut in the silent film "Mohammad" and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most sought-after actors in the Egyptian film industry.
Throughout his career, Wahbi worked with many of the most prominent directors and actors in Egyptian cinema, including Farid Shawqi, Samia Gamal, and Omar Sharif. He also directed several films himself, including "Laila bint al-Shati" and "El malak al zalem".
Wahbi was known for his commitment to developing and promoting Egyptian culture, both within Egypt and abroad. He worked tirelessly to encourage young artists and was an active supporter of the National Union of Artists and Writers, serving as its president for many years.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Wahbi was also a passionate philanthropist and social activist. He was a strong advocate for women's rights and worked to improve conditions for the poor and marginalized.
Today, Youssef Wahbi is remembered as one of the most important cultural figures of twentieth-century Egypt, whose work had a profound impact on the country's film, theater, and music industries. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and cultural activists in Egypt and beyond.
Despite facing numerous challenges during his career, Youssef Wahbi remained dedicated to his art and continued to work until his death. He was a true trailblazer in Egyptian cinema, introducing new techniques and styles that helped to define the industry as it exists today. His contributions to the world of theater and music were equally significant, making him a multi-talented figure who had a profound impact on many different aspects of Egyptian culture.
Throughout his life, Wahbi remained committed to his values and principles, using his influence to advocate for social justice and equality. He was a true humanitarian who believed in the power of the arts to bring people together and uplift communities. Today, his legacy lives on, as his films and plays continue to be watched and performed by audiences all over the world. Youssef Wahbi was a true icon of Egyptian culture, and his contributions to the arts will never be forgotten.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
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Taheyya Kariokka
Taheyya Kariokka (February 22, 1919 Ismaïlia-September 20, 1999 Cairo) a.k.a. Taheya Cariocca, Taheyya Kariokka, Tahiya Mohamed, Badaweya Mohamed Kareem Al Nirani, Badawiya Mohamed Karim Ali Sayed, Tahia Carioca, Abla Mohammed Karim, Tahiya Karioca or Tahiya Karioka was an Egyptian actor, belly dancer and singer.
Taheyya Kariokka is considered as one of the most influential and prominent figures in Egyptian entertainment industry. She was known as the "Queen of Oriental Dance" and was famous for her unique style of belly dancing. With her vibrant and electrifying performances, she gained massive popularity and became an icon of the 1940s and 1950s era in Egypt. Kariokka was not only a talented dancer but also a skilled actor and singer. She appeared in numerous films where she showcased her acting skills and mesmerized audiences with her soulful singing. Some of her most notable films include "Afrita Hanem" (1949), "El-Mamnoua" (1954), and "Sira Fi Al-Wadi" (1954). She was also recognized for her charitable work and was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations. Despite passing away over two decades ago, her legacy and impact on the Egyptian entertainment industry still remain strong.
Taheyya Kariokka began her career performing in nightclubs and cabarets, where she quickly gained fame for her energetic and innovative performances. She was a trailblazer for female performers in Egypt, breaking barriers and challenging traditional Arab social norms. Kariokka was known for incorporating elements of ballet, jazz and Latin dance into her belly dancing routines, which made them unique and exciting.
In addition to her work in film, music and dance, Kariokka was also a fashion icon. She was known for her bold style choices and was often seen wearing revealing and colorful outfits on stage, which further cemented her status as a trendsetter.
Kariokka received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, both in Egypt and internationally. She was recognized with the Order of Merit from King Farouk, the title of "The First Lady of Belly Dance", and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award at the Cairo International Film Festival in 1997.
Despite her success, Kariokka faced many challenges throughout her life. She was married six times and had to overcome societal and cultural prejudices towards divorced women. She also suffered financial struggles and health issues later on in her life.
Nevertheless, Taheyya Kariokka's contributions to the arts and entertainment industry in Egypt have secured her place as an icon and legend in the country's history.
Taheyya Kariokka's impact on popular culture extended beyond her country's borders, and she is widely regarded as a pioneer of Middle Eastern dance. Her performances inspired many dancers and artists, including Americans like Madonna and Shakira. Kariokka's influence was not only limited to the entertainment industry, but it also helped to shape the perception of Egyptian women at the time. Her ambitious spirit, boundless energy and unwavering perseverance remain an inspiration to many women to this day. In recognition of her achievements, a street in Cairo was named after her in 2017. Kariokka's legacy lives on through the countless dancers, singers and performers who draw inspiration from her mesmerizing and inimitable style.
In addition to her career as an entertainer, Taheyya Kariokka was also known for her philanthropy. She was dedicated to helping the less fortunate and frequently donated to charitable organizations. Kariokka's contributions to society earned her several honors, including the Order of Merit from King Farouk and the title of "Ambassador of Peace" from the World Peace Council.
Taheyya Kariokka's legacy continues to be celebrated in Egypt and around the world. In 2019, her centennial was marked with various events and exhibitions showcasing her life and work. Her influence on Arab culture endures through her enduring musical and cinematic performances, which are still enjoyed by many fans today.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
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