Libyan art lost one of its towering figures today, with the passing of the esteemed artist Hamida Al-Khouja, who died at the age of 69, after a rich artistic career spanning more than half a century.
Al-Khouja’s departure represents a significant loss to the Libyan artistic scene, as she left an indelible mark in the fields of theater, radio, and television.
Promising Beginnings and a Rich Artistic Journey:
Hamida Al-Khouja’s artistic journey began in the late fifties, when she discovered her passion for acting from a young age in the alleys of the Old City of Tripoli. Al-Nasr cinema was her sole window into the world of art at that time, being exclusively reserved for women’s screenings.
She was quickly captivated by this enchanting world, immersing herself in the works of leading artists, and her aspirations were realized with the support and encouragement of her neighbor, Hajja Manoubia, who worked in the music department of Libyan Radio.
Queen of Theater and Icon of Libyan Art:
Al-Khouja is considered one of the pillars of Libyan theater, where she excelled in numerous timeless works. She played a prominent role in the renowned television series “Al-Hariba” (The Runaway), which garnered her widespread acclaim in the seventies, alongside her memorable participation in the drama series “Al-Kanna” (The Daughter-in-Law) in 1998, and the film “Al-Tariq” (The Road) in 1972.
She also achieved international presence through her participation in the film “Tagreft,” which received critical acclaim and enjoyed considerable success at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 1977.
From Acting to Singing:
Hamida Al-Khouja’s creativity was not limited to acting alone, but also extended to the realm of singing, where she collaborated with the late artists Mohammed Al-Kaabazi and Mohammed Sidqi, delivering a memorable performance in two songs as part of the musical trio “Al-Nagham Trio.”
However, despite her deep-rooted passion for art, Al-Khouja made the difficult decision to step away from artistic activity at one point to pursue a career at Al-Brega Oil Marketing Company, leading to her departure from the world of acting and music.
Recognition and Artistic Legacy:
The late artist’s connection to art remained strong until the final years of her life, culminating in a well-deserved tribute at the Tripoli Short Film Festival in 2024, in recognition of her invaluable artistic contributions.
An Irreplaceable Artistic Loss and a Legacy Etched in Libyan Memory:
With the passing of the esteemed artist Hamida Al-Khouja, Libyan art loses one of its brightest stars, but her artistic legacy will endure in the memory of generations to come. Rest in Peace.