The enduring mystique surrounding the personal life of Egyptian singing legend Abdel Halim Hafez continues to captivate fans decades after his death. Recent comments from veteran actress Nagwa Fouad have reignited discussion about his relationship with fellow icon Souad Hosny, specifically addressing long-held rumors of a secret marriage.
A Confidante’s Perspective
Fouad, in a recent interview, described herself as being exceptionally close to Hafez, privy to the details of his daily life. “I was Abdel Halim Hafez’s black box,” she stated, indicating a level of trust and intimacy that allowed him to share his innermost thoughts and experiences. “He would come and sit with me and tell me everything that was happening with him and I knew everything about him.”
Dismissing the Marriage Claims
Regarding the persistent speculation about a marriage between Hafez and Hosny, Fouad unequivocally stated that it did not occur. “He didn’t marry her,” she asserted. “His illness didn’t allow him to marry, but he adored Souad Hosny.” This statement directly addresses a recent surge in interest fueled by the circulation of what was claimed to be a marriage contract between the two stars. However, as reported in May 2025, Nour El-Shennawy, grandson of Hafez’s uncle, dismissed the contract as a forgery, citing errors in the document, including a misspelling of the country’s name and the absence of Hafez’s authentic signature. El-Shennawy emphasized the family’s desire to protect Hafez’s reputation and respect Hosny’s legacy.
A Heartfelt Letter and Exploitation Concerns
The release of a handwritten letter from Hosny to Hafez further complicated the narrative. The letter, expressing deep sadness over his absence, was published by Hafez’s family 63 years after it was written and nearly 48 years after his death. However, art critic Tarek El-Shennawy criticized the timing of the release, labeling it an exploitative attempt to garner media attention. He pointed out that Hafez consistently shielded his private life, valuing his dignity and privacy. El-Shennawy also noted that the letter, while emotionally charged, neither confirmed nor denied a marriage, suggesting their relationship, though passionate, was characterized by the typical ups and downs of any romantic connection.
A Brush with a Performance Conflict
Fouad also recounted a poignant anecdote illustrating the depth of Hafez’s dedication and the lengths she went to avoid conflicting with his plans. She described being scheduled to perform at the Spring Festival with Farid Al-Atrash when she received a call from Hafez informing her he would be headlining the same event. He requested her presence at rehearsals. Rather than directly refuse, Fouad feigned illness, even undergoing a planned hospital stay for nine days to avoid disrupting his performance. This story highlights the complex dynamics and unspoken understanding between the artists.
The Enduring Legacy of a Complex Relationship
The relationship between Abdel Halim Hafez and Souad Hosny remains a subject of intense fascination for fans and historians alike. While the question of marriage appears definitively answered – with multiple sources, including family members and close confidantes, denying its validity – the emotional connection between the two stars is undeniable. The published letter, despite criticism surrounding its release, serves as a testament to the depth of their feelings. Born in 1929, Hafez left an indelible mark on Arab music, while Hosny, born in 1942, became a celebrated actress known as “The Cinderella of Egyptian Cinema.”
Nagwa Fouad’s recent revelations offer a valuable glimpse into the inner circle of one of the Arab world’s most beloved performers, providing further context to a relationship that continues to inspire speculation and admiration. The story, remains one of a profound love that, while deeply felt, never culminated in marriage, a detail consistently reinforced by those closest to the legendary singer.
