Tunisian singer Thekra passed away Friday November 28, 2003, after her Egyptian husband, businessman Aiman Al Swaidi, shot her four times in their home in Cairo. Aiman had also shot Thikra’s secretary, business manager and then shot himself and committed suicide.
According to the Saudi based daily, Okaz, the only eyewitness at the murder scene was Thikra’s made who stated that she had overheard the couple get into a massive fight and once she ran to see what was going on she was in shock to see the four dead bodies laying in the living room. Thikra’s had been married to Aiman, who is also her business sponsor, for some time. Four years ago, Aiman attempted to kill Thikra, but was only able to cause her blood to shed over disputes that remain a mystery and had filed a complaint against her forbidding her from entering Egypt.
Two days before her death, Thikra had released her latest album “Youm Alaik” (A Day On You), which consisted of a collection of Egyptian songs, which had been her style to perform in the recent period. A few months ago, the singer had for unknown reasons cancelled her tour around Tunisia and her participation in the Carthage Festival as was previously scheduled. The singer had already given her final approval to take part in the festival and July 26th was the scheduled date for her performance, but she pulled out at last minute without giving any justification.
Thekra had also cancelled all other concerts in Tunisia, making people wonder what may be the cause behind her sudden decision. It was added that this is the second time the singer pulls out of the festival after giving her final approval/agreement for unknown reasons.
Throughout her career Thekra released three Khaliji (Gulf) style albums with songs sung soley in the Gulf accent. The singer had worked extensively with a number of prominent Gulf poets and composers in order to choose the most appropriate songs for her releases. –Albawaba.com
