Singing Legend Wadih Al-Safi Passes Away at 92
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Renowned Lebanese singer Wadih al-Safi passed away on Friday after a battle with illness.
Al-Safi, 92, died at Bellevue Medical Center in al-Metn's neighborhood of al-Mansourieh, al-Jadeed television reported.
The state-run National News Agency noted that the singer was transferred to the hospital at 7:30 pm, after falling ill at the house of his son, Tony.
Caretaker Culture Minister Gaby Layoun arrived at the hospital where the legend passed away, and he assured reporters: “Wadih al-Safi will unite the Lebanese amid this divide.”
After the news of his death broke out, many artists took to social media to lament the loss of the cultural icon.
Nawal al-Zoghbi took to Twitter to mourn al-Safi.
"With great sadness, moments ago we lost a Lebanese mountain and pyramid. The great Wadih al-Safi. May he rest in peace,” she said.
"We have lost a Lebanese cedar. The world will have to wait a long time before witnessing such a voice, such ethics and such humility,” Ragheb Alameh tweeted.
Carole Samaha said, also on Twitter: “The great Wadih al-Safi, your memory will never fade away..You have given a lot for art and Lebanon... My deepest condolences to your family.”
“A big loss and great sadness towards a huge legend! You will live in our memories and hearts. Rest in peace Wadih al-Safi,” famed singer Elissa tweeted.
Born Wadih Francis in 1921, the aspiring singer started his artistic journey at the age of 17 when he took part in a singing contest held by a Lebanese radio and was chosen the winner among fifty other competitors.
His experience in the competition rose him to fame.
After studying at the Beirut National Conservatory of Music, he began composing and performing songs that drew upon his rural upbringing and love of traditional melodies, blended with an urban sound, and creating a new style of modernized folk music.
Al-Safi is a classically trained tenor and has written over 3000 songs.
In addition to his Lebanese nationality, he has the French, Egyptian and Brazilian passports, according to the NNA.
12 October 2013, 16:43
62
FT: Sir, I expect comments similar as yours from people handicapped with mild to severe retardation.
11 October 2013, 22:43
212
Very heartbroken...he was our family friend of 36 years..his home away from home, when visiting the USA, was my sister and brother in law's house in Easton, Pennsylvania...months and months and months, for years and years and years....Allah Yerhamouh..we will miss him forever...
12 October 2013, 22:10
00
I didn't know that. I've been living in Easton for seven years and I regularly attend church there. Thank you for your story.
14 October 2013, 19:05
00
Nancy, he attended Mass at our church whenever he was in Easton, which was about 8 times or more, for months at a time, during that period.
11 October 2013, 22:47
44
An icon of that Lebanese of my generation grew up with. Wadis you will be missed dearly. Rest in peace and you are forever in our minds and hearts.
11 October 2013, 22:56
35
Goodby Mr Lebanon and thank you for all what you have done for Lebanon you remain in our hearts & Minds
Lets all in one voice ask the Lebanese government to name Beirut Port as Wadieh El Safi Port.
Rest in peace Mr Lebanon
Joe Zeitouni
Atlanta Georgia USA
11 October 2013, 23:06
59
Allah yera7mak ah Wadih, you have given us Lebanese Folklore songs for as long as I can remember , you united the " Lebanese " with your music during our darkest days ( Civil War) & still do through your voice to our grandchildren ......you were one of a kind ! God bless .....
Signed Wolf ...
11 October 2013, 23:32
54
may his blessed soul rest in peace. He was indeed a proud Cedar!! will never forget when he came to one of the Institute's for disabled children in Broumana on mother's day to sing for the handicapped kids and their parents in such a simple way. Amaizing person Lebanon will miss you Great man !
12 October 2013, 00:13
15
Libnan ya Ot3itil Sama. Thats all that can be said after reading this article. What a huge loss, but an even bigger impact left.
12 October 2013, 07:08
33
I hope that the so called Lebanese govt hold a state funeral for this legend of Lebanese folk music..
12 October 2013, 16:13
24
I loved the guy. He will be missed, but his music and love for Lebanon are as eternal as the cedars themselves.
12 October 2013, 16:48
23
It is time to commemorate Mr. Al-Safi's legacy by re-building Lebanon as celebrated by one of his songs. Aamer ya Mouaalem....
12 October 2013, 20:00
00
Wadih al-Safi The Voice of Lebanon ...He will sing in heaven and save Lebanon from all the madness..God Bless his soul.
