Who Sudan Lost in 2021

2020 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 America politician Colin Powell, American TV host Larry King, American actor Michael K. Williams, American rapper DMX, Egyptian actor Samir Ghanem and his wife Egyptian actress Dalal Abdel Aziz, and many more, Sudan mourned the loss of some of the country’s greatest national and social contributors.

500 Words Magazine takes a look back at 2021 to honour and bid farewell to those Sudan lost this year. 

Abdel Karim Al Kabli (1932 – 2021)

One of Sudan’s greatest icons, distinguished singer, poet, songwriter and composer Abdel Karim Al Kabli passed away on 2 December, at the age of 89, after battling an illness in the US where he resides with his family.

In addition to his literary talents, Al Kabli’s deep melodious voice created a distinct musical career for him that has drawn a significant audience inside and outside of Sudan. He sang in both classical Arabic and colloquial Sudanese dialects. He has greatly continued to Sudanese music, which has reflected in more than 150 songs and lyrics of diverse themes, including love, revolution, nationalism and more, which have helped preserve important pieces of literary and musical heritage of Sudanese culture.

Sudan Mourns the Loss of Singer and Poet Abdel Karim Al Kabli

Abu Obaida Hassan (1952 – 2021)

Abu Obaida Hassan, known as Sudan’s tambour master, has passed away on 2 September at the age of 69 in Sudan of an undisclosed illness.

Born in 1952, Abu Obaida’s career took off in the 1970s with his five-string tambour, popularising the traditional music of the Shaigiya people across Sudan. However, he subsequently faded into obscurity through a combination of misfortune and Sudan’s shifting politics during the reign of former Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir. 

Musician Abu Obaida Hassan Dies at 69

Badruddin Basati (1968 – 2021)

Actor and comedian Badruddin Basati, who is also known as Al Bulula for his character in the Fadil comedy series, which is one of the most watched dramas in Sudan, has passed away on 6 July at the age of 53 in Khartoum, Sudan.

Sudan Mourns Loss of Sudanese Comedian Badruddin Basati

Kamal Keila (1930 – 2021)

Singer Kamal Keila passed away on 2 January at the age of 73.

Known as the James Brown and Fela Kuti of Sudan, Keila has been active in Sudan’s music and jazz scene since the late 1960s, incorporating a wide range of influences from folk, soul, jazz, afro beat and funk music to his often political songs. He recorded both in Arabic and English. 

Sudan Mourns Loss of Singer Kamal Keila

Mohamed Taha Algadal (1951 – 2021)

The iconic poet Mohamed Taha Algadal has passed away on 5 June at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer.

His lyrical poetry was recited and performed by many Sudanese singers and well-known personalities. Many of his poems were nationalist and revolution-inspired, inspiring many generations. The most recent and well-known recitation of Algadal’s poetry was by the young sudanese woman, Alaa Salah, who recited his poem, standing on top of a car in the midst of the Sudanese revolution in 2019, which saw the fall of former Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir.

Sudan Mourns Loss of Iconic Poet Mohamed Taha Algadal

Sudan also lost…

500 Words Magazine would also like to pay tribute to the martyrs of the reignited revolution of December 2019. As millions took to the streets to protest the military coup on 25 October 2021, led by General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, military forces used tear gas and live bullets to disperse protests, killing at least 47 people since the coup. The youngest martyr is 14-year-old Ramaz Hatim Al Atta.

a riffles’ butt which led to a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage.

The death toll among civilians has risen to 44 since the military coup on October 25th, 2021.#SudanCoup#ThereNoWayBack

CCSD’s Media Office
December 4th, 2021

— لجنة أطباء السودان المركزية-CCSD (@SD_DOCTORS) December 4, 2021

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Gone But Not Forgotten: Remembering Those Sudan Lost in 2018