Renowned Egyptian artist Hani Shaker passes away at 73

Egyptian artist Hani Shaker has passed away at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness that led him to seek treatment in France.  Hani Shaker passed away at a medical center in Paris on Sunday (May 3, 2026).

The news was confirmed by Khader Aknan, Shaker’s manager, who shared his deep sorrow in an emotional post on Instagram.

Aknan expressed his grief, saying he mourns not only the loss of a legendary figure in Arab music but also someone deeply personal to him.

He described Shaker as his father, friend, support system, and brother, highlighting the profound connection they shared.

He asked for prayers for Shaker's mercy and eternal peace, calling him the "Prince of Arab Song" and an irreplaceable icon of the Arab world.

In recent months, Shaker endured a critical health crisis that severely affected his digestive system. The issues started with complications in his colon, which escalated into internal bleeding, requiring emergency care at a specialised hospital in Cairo.

Doctors successfully carried out a complex and critical operation to remove part of his colon in an effort to halt the bleeding and stabilise his declining health.

Afterward, Hani Shaker was admitted to the intensive care unit for continuous observation and monitoring of his vital functions.

Following the procedure, the late artist spent nearly three weeks in intensive care due to several complications. These included extreme exhaustion and a significant loss of physical strength, which hindered his recovery process.

Hani Shaker later travelled to France to pursue further treatment and participate in an intensive rehabilitation programme. This programme involved thorough health assessments and efforts to help him regain physical stability after his prolonged illness.

In the final stage of his health battle, a steep decline ensued, marked by severe respiratory complications that ultimately led to acute respiratory failure.