2023 has almost come to an end and this year, we lost many extraordinary characters that helped shape Sudan in one way or another.
As the world mourned the loss of Tina Turner, Sinéad O’Connor, Mathew Perry, Lisa Marie Presley, and many more, Sudan mourned the loss of some of the country’s greatest national and social icons.
500 Words Magazine takes a look back at 2023 to honour and bid farewell to those Sudan lost this year.
Actress Asia Abdelmajid was killed by a stray bullet during crossfire in Bahri (Khartoum North) on 3 May 2023. She was 80 years old.
She was considered a pioneer of the stage and the country’s first professional stage actress, later retiring to become a teacher. Born in 1943, Abdelmajid was famous for her theatre performances, first coming to prominence in a production of the play Pamseeka 58 years ago. It was put on at the national theatre in Omdurman to mark the anniversary of Sudan’s first revolution against a coup leader.
Singer Shaden Gardood and Actress Asia Abdelmajid Victims of Sudan’s Brutal War
Well-known singer Shaden Gardood was killed in crossfire between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman on 13 May 2023. She was 37 years old.
Born in 1986, Shaden Muhammad Hussayn, better known as Shaden Gardood, advocated for peace and justice through her songs and lyrics. She also advocated for the Sudanese revolution, and publicly mourned the martyrs of the revolution.
Flutist Hafiz Abdelrahman Mukhtar passed away in Sudan on 21 July 2023. He was buried on the same day in Omdurman.
Hafiz has composed more than 30 successful pieces of music, including “Everlasting Days”, “Shajn”, “Till We Meet Again” and more. His album, Al Sur, which was released in 1999, is his popular album, and spread around the world. He has performed in Africa, Asia and Europe in countries such as Tokyo, Bahrain and the US where he performed at the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Sudan Mourns the Death of Flutist Hafiz Abdelrahman Mukhtar
Musician Abu Araki Abdelrahim, a member of the popular Sudanese music group Igd Al Jalad, was killed after a mortar hit Al Hammadab Mosque in Al Shajara neighbourhood in Khartoum on 23 August 2027. Other casualties have been reported including women and children.
Born in Al Shajara in 1962, Abu Araki is a printing technician by profession, but leaves behind a rich music legacy as a member of various music groups in Sudan including Selah Al Qawmiya and Selah Al Mudariaat until he joined Igd Al Jalad in 1990.
Musician Abu Araki Abdelraheem and Other Civilians Killed by Mortar in Al Shajara
Singer Mohammed El Amin, one of the most influential artists of the contemporary Sudanese artistic heritage, has passed away at the age of 80 in Virginia, the US on 12 November 2023.
Born in Wad Madani in Al Gezira State in 1943, Mohammed El Amin Hamad Al Neel, also known as Wad El Amin and Bashkatib, was known for his unique style of singing, playing of the oud and often outspoken lyrics.
Sudan Mourns the Death of Sudanese Singer Mohammed El Amin
Singer and Actress Noon Hassan Babikir (Nooh Al Ankaboota)
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A post shared by جلاديتور السودان 🇸🇩 (@gladiator_sd)
Actor Hani Awadallah (Kaboos)
500 Words Magazine would also like to pay tribute to the martyrs of the senseless war. War in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in 15 April 2023. More than 10,000 people have been killed and more than 7 million have been displaced. At least 3 million people have been internally displaced, and at least 4 million have fled the country to neighbouring countries such as Egypt, Chad, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Those still in Sudan are struggling with access to electricity, food and water.
UN experts also reported widespread use of rape and sexual violence against women and girls by RSF in Sudan. There are at least 105 women and girls have reported to have been sexually assaulted.
The missing…
At least 229 people – locals and foreigners alike – have been missing since the war began. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Sudan together with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) have been helping to find missing persons.
Missing Family Member in Sudan? ICRC Sudan Might Help Find Them
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