Renowned Moroccan Artist Safia Al-Zayani Passes Away at Age 91
Today, Saturday, January 31, 2026, the esteemed Moroccan artist Safia Al-Zayani has passed away at the age of 91 following a sudden heart crisis, as reported by multiple media sources. She died at the Moulay Youssef hospital in Rabat.
Al-Zayani was part of the pioneering generation of theater and acting in Morocco, being one of the first Moroccan women to pursue a professional acting career at a time when opportunities were limited. Her artistic journey began in the 1950s through theatrical competitions organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and in 1960, she joined the National School of Theater, where she received training from both Moroccan and European instructors.
In 1962, she became a professional actress with the national troupe and continued her artistic journey by joining the National Broadcasting Company in 1967, participating in numerous radio and television works. Her contributions extended to cinema, where she appeared in works directed by Jilali Ferhati and several international productions, making her a recognizable face to a broad audience.
Safia Al-Zayani was known for her ability to portray popular characters that reflected everyday life, earning her the love of the audience and the respect of her peers. She participated in diverse works across theater, television, radio, and film, and was considered a prominent voice in shaping the modern Moroccan artistic scene.
Following the announcement of her death, many artists expressed their condolences through social media posts, affirming that she left behind an unforgettable artistic legacy and that Morocco has lost a significant cultural figure.
