Renowned singer passes away

Renowned Moroccan singer Houcein Toulali passed away on Monday in Meknes (central Morocco) at the age of 74.

Toulali, who was suffering from a liver tumor, was one of the landmarks of the typically traditional Moroccan "Melhoun," inherited from Muslim Spain (Andalucia).

Toulali interpreted more than 100 kassidats (songs), written by poets in the dialectal Arabic of the Moroccan imperial cities.

Toulali also set up in Meknes a school of Malhun music to contribute to preserving this Moroccan heritage.

Sham'a (the candle) and Fatma will remain as Toulali's masterpieces, appreciated by all Moroccans.