An undated photo of George Wassouf and his son, Wadih. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Syrian vocalist George Wassouf and his family were in mourning Saturday after their eldest son, Wadih, passed away Friday night as a result of complications arising from surgery a few days before, the National News Agency reported Saturday, without further details. According to some local media, the surgery in question was a gastric bypass operation.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at 11 A.M., at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Ashrafieh, Beirut.
Wadih Wassouf's body will then be transferred to his home town of Kafroun, where prayers for him can be said at St Elias Church from 5P.M. He will then be laid to rest in the family crypt.
Condolences will be accepted Saturday, in the hall of St Nicholas Church, 12-6PM, and on Sunday, after the burial at St Elias church hall. Condolences will also be accepted Monday and Tuesday, at St Elias Church hall, until 7PM, and Saturday 14, at the hall of St. Nicholas, 12-6PM.
#وديع_جورج_وسوف pic.twitter.com/caRWHtpU5c
— Georges Wassouf (@wassouf) January 7, 2023
Several Lebanese singers, such as Najwa Karam, Nawal Zoghbi, Wael Kfoury, Nancy Ajram and Assi Halani, paid tribute to Wadih Wassouf on social media.
'Sultan el-Tarab'
Dubbed "Sultan al-Tarab" after his hit "Al Hawa Sultan," George Wassouf , 62, was born in Tartous, Syria. His singing career spans over four decades. He has released more than 30 albums, with a significantly large fan base throughout the Arab world. He is among the best-selling Arab vocalists, having sold over 60 million records worldwide.
Wassouf's emerged as a wedding singer, performing in hotels in Syria before moving to Lebanon where his fame grew.
He married his first wife, Shalimar, at 21 and the couple had three children: Hatem, George Jr., and Wadih. The couple separated in 2009, after 28 years.
