Abu Bakr Salem

Abu Bakr Salem Balfaqih (; 17 March 1939 – 10 December 2017), also known by his kunya Abu Aseel , was a Yemeni-Saudi singer, poet, and composer of Hadhrami origins. He was nicknamed "The Father of Khaliji Music" and "The one with the golden larynx" . Abu Bakr is known in the Arab world for his unique voice.

Some of Abu Bakr's patriotic odes to Yemen celebrated historical events such as the abolition of the monarchy in the north in 1962, the independence of the south in 1967, and the unification of both the South and North Yemen in 1990, as well as songs in honour of his home region, Hadhramaut. His last release was a duet with young Yemeni singer and winner of the "Khaleeji Star" (a singing competition on the television) Fouad Abdulwahed.

Early life and education

Abu Bakr was born on 17 March 1939, in Tarim, a town situated in Wadi Hadhramaut in eastern Yemen. His family was from the Ba 'Alawi sada. After his father died he was raised by his mother, grandfather, and uncles. His grandfather Abdel Rahman Bilfaqih was a poet in Hadhramaut.

While he was a teenager he was asked to perform the Adhan (the call to prayer) in mosques in Tarim. 2003 - The University of Hadhramout awarded Abu Bakr an honorary doctorate degree.

His son Aseel Abu Bakr Salem followed his steps and he made a strong entrance to the world of Khaleeji music when he joined his father in the song "A Sun Between You and Me." The song immediately became a hit and remained at the top of charts for a time. He also went at intermittent periods to King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His last public appearance was on the Saudi National Day celebration at the Red Sea city of Jeddah in September 2017. He was not able to continue singing, however, due to his long-term illness. He died three months later on 10 December 2017, at the age of 78 years.