Renowned Erbil artist, musician, Jamal Hidayat, passes away

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The cultural community in Erbil mourns the loss of Jamal Hidayat, a celebrated artist and musician, as confirmed by Farhang Ghafoor, the Director General of Culture in Erbil.

Hidayat, who had dedicated over fifty years to the enrichment of Kurdish music, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Born and raised in Erbil, Jamal Hidayat immersed himself in the world of music from a young age. His passion for Kurdish music drove him to become a prominent figure in the local artistic scene, earning him respect and admiration from both colleagues and fans alike.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hidayat's talent and dedication left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Kurdistan.

Farhang Ghafoor expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Jamal Hidayat, highlighting his significant contributions to the artistic landscape of Erbil.

Hidayat's legacy in Kurdish music resonates profoundly within the city and beyond, marking him as a prominent figure in the cultural heritage of Kurdistan.

He pioneered oud performance in Erbil, graduating from the Baghdad Institute of Fine Arts in the 1950s. Upon returning, he established the Dersim band with fellow artists and served as president of the Erbil Arts Group.

His funeral will be held on April 24, 2024, at Jalil Khayat Mosque.