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Renowned Algerian Rai Singer Rachid Taha Passes Away

Rachid Taha. (AFP)
Rachid Taha. (AFP)
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Renowned Algerian Rai Singer Rachid Taha Passes Away

Rachid Taha. (AFP)
Rachid Taha. (AFP)

Renowned Algerian singer Rachid Taha passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59. He suffered a heart attack at his France residence.

“It is with regret and immense sadness that his son Lyes, his family and relatives, his friends and his record label Naïve, announce the death of artist Rachid Taha, following a heart attack overnight at his home in the Lilas [near Paris],” read the statement sent to AFP.

Taha was one of Algeria’s most famous Rai singers.

Born in Algeria, he immigrated with his family to France when he was ten years old.

He gained fame in France in 1980s, fronting the Carte de Sejour band with its unique blend of Western punk rock and Algerian Maghrebi music.

As a solo artist, Taha shot to international stardom with the remixed version of “Ya Rayah”.

He was preparing to launch a new album in 2019.

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Survivor of Rare Rapid-ageing Disease Progeria Dies at 28

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are - (Photo by AFP)
Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are - (Photo by AFP)
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Survivor of Rare Rapid-ageing Disease Progeria Dies at 28

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are - (Photo by AFP)
Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are - (Photo by AFP)

Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (HGPS), causes people to age rapidly, leading them to appear older than they are, with a reduced quality of life and a life expectancy of only 13.5 years without treatment, the association's website said.

It affects one in every eight million people born, and has a worldwide incidence of one in every 20 million, Reuters reported.

Born in 1995 in Schio, in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Basso was diagnosed with progeria at the age of two. In 2005, he and his parents founded the Italian Progeria Association.

He became famous through the National Geographic documentary "Sammy's Journey," which recounts his journey along Route 66 in the United States, from Chicago to Los Angeles, with his parents and one of his best friends, Riccardo.

"Today our light, our guide, has gone out. Thank you Sammy for making us part of this wonderful life," the association wrote on its Instagram page.

There are only 130 recognised cases of classic progeria worldwide, of which four are in Italy.

However, the Italian Progeria Association estimated there could be as many as 350 cases as they can be difficult to trace especially in developing countries.