The Iraqi Artists Syndicate announced on Wednesday the death of the great Iraqi artist, Maqsoud Al-Hilli, at the age of 71, after a long struggle with a terminal throat disease, bringing to a close an artistic career full of contributions that enriched the Iraqi conscience for decades.

In a moving official statement published on its Facebook page, the Iraqi Artists Syndicate mourned the late artist with profound words: “With deep sorrow and grief, the Iraqi Artists Syndicate mourns the passing of the artist Maqsoud Al-Hilli.” The Syndicate prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness for the deceased, and that He grant his family, loved ones, and colleagues patience and solace in this great loss that has befallen the Iraqi artistic community.

The health condition of the late artist had deteriorated significantly in his last days, which necessitated his urgent transfer to Baghdad Medical City Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit to receive the necessary treatment, but God’s will prevailed.

Context and History: A Voice from the Land of Babylon

The singer Maqsoud Al-Hilli was born in the village of Anana in the province of Hilla (Babylon), a city steeped in history and civilization, and known as a wellspring of poets, intellectuals, and artists. Al-Hilli grew up in a traditional rural environment, immersing himself from a young age in its rich musical heritage, which later shaped his artistic identity. He rose to prominence in the 1970s, considered the golden age of Iraqi song, appearing alongside giants of rural music such as Yass Khader, Hussein Neama, and Saadoun Jaber, and carving out a unique niche for himself thanks to his powerful voice and distinctive performance style.

Artistic significance and cultural impact

Maksad al-Hilli is considered one of the pillars of Iraqi rural singing, an art form characterized by its profound emotion and close connection to the land, its people, and the southern and Euphrates environment. Al-Hilli was renowned for his powerful and unique voice, which enabled him to perform the most challenging rural singing styles and authentic Iraqi mawwals such as the "Abudhiya." He was not merely a singer, but a faithful custodian of the heritage, contributing significantly to documenting this musical genre and protecting it from extinction in the face of modern musical trends.

The passing of Maqsoud Al-Hilli is not only a loss for his family and fans, but a profound loss for Iraqi culture as a whole. With his departure, Iraq loses a truly authentic national voice that served as a living memory of a significant part of its artistic and popular history. Al-Hilli left behind a rich artistic legacy of songs that will remain etched in the hearts of Iraqis, and he established an artistic school that inspired many young artists who sought to follow in his footsteps in preserving authentic Iraqi musical identity.

Menna Fadali reveals a shock that changed her life

In a poignant statement, prominent Egyptian actress Menna Fadali revealed details of a shocking incident she experienced years ago, when she narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt by armed men. Fadali, known for her diverse roles in Egyptian cinema and television, confirmed that the incident left a profound psychological impact that continues to haunt her, noting that it radically altered her perspective on life and safety.

During a television interview, she explained that she was surprised to find armed individuals attempting to overpower her, which terrified her and caused her immense psychological distress. She described the details of that night as still haunting her whenever she recalls them, reflecting the profound trauma she experienced. This incident highlights the security challenges faced by celebrities and public figures, whose increased public profile makes them more vulnerable to such risks, thus sparking a broader discussion about privacy and personal safety in the age of fame.

From fear to strength: Kickboxing as a means of self-defense

Menna Fadali didn't let the fear instilled in her by the experience stop her; instead, she decided to transform this negative feeling into a positive motivator. She indicated that this incident was the direct reason behind her decision to learn kickboxing. She emphasized that mastering self-defense wasn't just a hobby, but a means to enhance her sense of security and self-confidence, and to empower her to protect herself in difficult situations. This transformation reflects a powerful message about women's empowerment and the importance of possessing the necessary tools for self-defense, a topic that resonates widely both locally and regionally, as calls increase to raise women's awareness of their rights and their ability to confront violence.

A philosophical view of aging and the concept of nursing homes

In another part of her interview, Menna Fadali addressed her perspective on aging, emphasizing that she does not fear this natural stage of life. She believes that changes in appearance and the appearance of wrinkles are signs that reflect a person's journey and experiences. Regarding the idea of ​​living in a nursing home in the future, she explained that she is not considering this option, justifying this by saying that she is accustomed to solitude and feels self-sufficient and emotionally fulfilled. This opinion touches on an important social and cultural issue in the Arab world, where the idea of ​​nursing homes is still associated negatively in the minds of many, while others see it as a choice for independence in old age. Fadali's remarks open the door to a societal discussion about the changing family and social values ​​with the evolution of lifestyles.

She concluded her speech with a calm, philosophical view of life and death, stressing that the idea of ​​death does not frighten her, and that what concerns her most is achieving inner peace, living with purity and a clear heart, and being careful not to harm others, which reflects a depth in her personality that transcends the spotlight and fame.