Iraqi Women Mourn Iconic Singer Sajida Obaid
- Sajida Obaid, an iconic figure in Iraqi folk music, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 68.
- On April 10, 2026, family members and longtime fans gathered at her family home in the northern city of Irbil for a seventh-day mourning ceremony.
- The gathering in Irbil was marked by traditional mourning customs.
Sajida Obaid, an iconic figure in Iraqi folk music, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 68. A prominent voice in Iraqi popular music, Obaid was celebrated not only for her artistic contributions but for creating rare spaces of liberation for women within Iraq.
On April 10, 2026, family members and longtime fans gathered at her family home in the northern city of Irbil for a seventh-day mourning ceremony. In Iraqi tradition, the seventh day serves as a final gathering before the period of intense grief begins to transition into memory.
The gathering in Irbil was marked by traditional mourning customs. Women attended wrapped in abayas and black veils, while bitter black coffee, a staple of Iraqi mourning, was shared among the attendees. Outside the home, men gathered under a canvas tent where a traditional band played the daf drum and performed mourning songs.
A Legacy of Freedom for Iraqi Women
Obaid’s impact extended beyond her discography, as she provided a taste of freedom
for women navigating a restrictive public sphere. In Iraq, women often face significant social scrutiny regarding their dress, movement, and behavior when moving through public life.
To address these constraints, Obaid established parties exclusively for women. These events were designed to be entirely safe environments, ensuring that every staff member involved was a woman. This all-female workforce included the DJ, organizers, security personnel, and waiters.
To further protect the privacy of her guests and prevent the unauthorized recording of these gatherings, Obaid implemented a strict ban on mobile phones to prevent photography.
Career and Musical Contributions
Obaid began her career in music at a young age and quickly became one of the most recognized female voices in the genre. She achieved wide fame in the late 1970s with the release of her song Yateema
.
Throughout her career, she produced several other successful works that cemented her status as a folk legend, including:
Hatha Al-Hilu Katelni
Khala Waya Khala
Ana Arid A’uf Kul Hali
Circumstances of Death
Reports regarding the cause of Obaid’s death on April 4, 2026, vary. Some accounts indicate she passed away following a battle with lung cancer. Other reports suggest she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while hospitalized for a health issue.
According to details provided by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate, Obaid had been receiving treatment in a major Iraqi hospital. In her final hours, medical staff utilized electric shocks in an attempt to revive her heart after the cardiac arrest; while her pulse returned briefly, her condition deteriorated critically until her passing.
The news of her death occurred during a period of regional instability, as the Iran war had spilled over into neighboring Iraq, which some reports suggest overshadowed the initial announcement of her passing.
Industry Reaction
The Iraqi artistic community expressed deep grief over the loss of the singer. The Iraqi Artists Syndicate issued an official statement mourning her passing and offering condolences to her family and loved ones.
With deep sorrow, the Iraqi Artists Syndicate mourns the passing of the artist Sajida Obaid, who passed away today. We ask God Almighty to grant her His vast mercy and to give her family and loved ones patience, and comfort.
Iraqi Artists Syndicate
The Syndicate concluded its statement by calling on the public to pray for the singer’s mercy and forgiveness.