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

One of Sudan’s greatest icons, distinguished singer, poet, songwriter and composer Abdel Karim Al Kabli has passed away on 2 December 2021, at the age of 89, after battling an illness in the US where he resides with his family.

His son, Saad Al Kabli made the announcement on social media on 2 December 2021. Based in Virginia, the US, Saad has been taking to social media in recent months to ask for prayers for his father’s recovery.

بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره ننقل اليكم خبر وفاة الوالد عبد الكريم Abdel Karim AlKabli عبد الكريم الكابلي

اللهم اغفر له وارحمه وعافه واعف عنه وأكرم نزله ووسع مدخله واجعل قبره روضة من رياض الجنة

وإنَّا لله وإنا إلية راجعون#الكابلي

— Saad Alkabli (@SaadAlkabli) December 2, 2021

Born in Port Sudan in 1932, Al Kabli’s musical and literary talents emerged at an early age, and he developed an interest in Sudanese music and the Arabic language. Kabli later taught himself how to play the whistle, flute, and eventually mastered playing oud, which is known as a lute in English. While attending secondary school in Khartoum, Al Kabli continued playing oud, and singing for his family, friends and colleagues. Soon after, he composed the lyrics and music for his first song, “Ya Zahiya”, which was then performed by the popular Sudanese singer Abdulaziz Muhammad Dawoud. “Ya Zahiya” continues to be one of the most popular Sudanese songs.

Al Kabli’s major musical activity began in the 1960s with a concert that turned out to be a breakthrough in his career. The echoes of his song, “Asia and Africa”, constituted part of the inspiration felt during the decades of liberation and the calls for peace and development in the Asian and African continents. Among his numerous nationalist songs, his song, “Al Khartoum”, celebrates the 21 October 1964 revolution.

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.

Recognised as an ambassador of Sudanese music, Al Kabli has visited many countries not to only perform, but also to lecture on Sudanese music, folklore, and culture at different international academic institutions, universities and cultural organisations. His contributions earned him an honourary doctorate degree in literature from Nyala University, Sudan. As an advocate of gender equality and human rights, Al Kabli was a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) goodwill ambassador for Obstetric Fistula and Violence against Women.

Al Kabli has been residing in the US and last visited Sudan in 2020, where he was honoured for his contributions to Sudan.

اجتمع محبي الفنان الأستاذ عبد الكريم الكابلي في امسية مميزة تحت رعاية منتدى دال الثقافي في ليلة الخميس ، و قدشارك في الامسية مجموعة من الفنانين الذين تغنوا باغانيه
بمشاركة وزير الثقافة والاعلام السيد فيصل محمد صالح.#تكريم_الكابلي pic.twitter.com/XgtnODHlh1

— ‏هاشتاق السودان 🇸🇩 (@hash_sudan) February 1, 2020

Once of Sudan’s most distinguished figures, Al Kabli is mourned by many including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The last of the greats has passed away. RIP Abd el Karim al-Kabli. A towering giant of Sudanese music has died at the age of 89. https://t.co/pHOUNBEeNT

— Mohanad Humam (@moehash1) December 3, 2021

#Sudan most iconic singer Abdel Kareem al-Kabli has passed away today in the #US per his son @SaadAlkabli. His songs have transcended generations & will continue to live in the hearts & souls of all Sudanese. A legend he was. RIP pic.twitter.com/BwHrelA2mF

— Wasil Ali – واصل علي (@wasilalitaha) December 3, 2021

Source: Encyclopedia