Iraqi artist Farouk Hilal dies at 91, artists' union announces

The Iraqi Artists Syndicate announced on Monday that Iraqi artist Farouk Hilal died at the age of 91 after a prolonged illness. In a condolence statement, the syndicate paid tribute to Hilal's memory. Hilal graduated from the Music Department of the Institute of Fine Arts in 1957 and joined radio and television in the early 1960s. Throughout his career, he composed extensively and wrote songs for well-known artists of the era, including Ma'ida Nidh'am, Hussein Na'ma, Yas Khudr and Abdullah al-Ruwashid. Among his most recognized works are "Ya Sayyad al-Sam'a," "Seelt Ank," "Khatta' Ajana al-'Ashiq," "Kalevali Rah wa Masha," "Allamni 'Alayk" and "Ta'ali." Hilal also founded music ensembles that helped train numerous artists and received local, Arab and international awards during his career.