Sheikha Al Hamounia is an Aïta artist like no other. She did not accept to perform at weddings, private parties or other ordinary ceremonies. Rather, she was the star of parties reserved for high dignitaries, high personalities and political leaders, just as she was the most requested star to lead national events.
She had no interest in recording her songs and concerts in the form of cassettes or CDs; she only began to do so in the last years of her career.
Al Hamounia was distinguished by her melodious voice and captivating beauty, as well as by the originality of her style of dress.
Her real name is Fatima Al-Kout. She was nicknamed Al Hamounia in reference to the village Hamoune, where she was born in 1937, in the Essaouira region. She left her native village to settle in Safi with her cousin whom she married at an early age under pressure from her family. After her divorce, she took her first steps towards fame.
Al Hamounia got introduced to the art of Aïta by Sheikha Abouch Al Hadawiya, an undisputed star in Safi and nearby, at that time; however, her talent was only further developed thanks to Jilali Rahmani, her new husband, with whom she formed the musical group in which she was active for more than 40 years.
Al Hamounia mastered all the styles of the Aïta: the Marssawiya, the Hasbawiya, the Braouls, etc. She was nicknamed an ambassador of Aita because she represented this popular musical genre in various parts of the world before deciding to retire following her pilgrimage and the death of her husband.
She died on 2 July 2013 in Casablanca and was buried in Safi.
Be the first to comment