CAIRO: Shaabi singer Shaaban Abdel Rehim has been admitted to the intensive care unit of Al-Haram hospital and is currently hooked up to a life support system.
Abdel Rehim was brought in after midnight on Sunday. Local press reported that he had overdosed on hashish, according to hospital sources.
He was diagnosed as having difficulties breathing.
A toxicology report indicated that he had consumed large quantities of the drug, and that his condition demanded hospitalization.
Abdel Rehim is one of Egypt’s most iconic singers, and by far its most popular folk singer. Lyrically divisive, he was interview by CNN for his song, “I hate Israel and I love Amr Moussa . He is, however, often mocked and ridiculed by his peers.
His popularity stems from the fact that he tackles numerous social and political issues with a populist slant.
