Arwa Gouda

After decades of enriching the national musical treasury, Mohamed Ben Abdel Salam leaves this world

Musician and composer Mohamed Ben Abdel Salam passed away this Thursday morning in Rabat, at the age of 94, after suffering from illness, according to what his family learned. The deceased, who was born in the city of Sale, is considered one of the pillars of Moroccan singing art, as he accumulated a rich artistic career that spanned decades and influenced Moroccan song with immortal creative works. Ben Abdel Salam, who bore the title of "Master of Moroccan Zajal Song" during his lifetime, signed about 250 musical works performed by great artists such as Ismail Ahmed, Abdel Wahab Doukkali, Naima Samih, Bahiga Idris, and Mohamed Idrissi. The deceased also founded the "Ittihad Salawi" band, led the Moroccan Radio Variety Band, and participated in radio programs that left an imprint, such as "The Ear Has a Memory" and "Samar".