Mariem Hassan (1958–2015) was a renowned Sahrawi singer and lyricist, celebrated for her powerful voice and emotive performances that brought the traditional music of Western Sahara to the global stage. Born into a nomadic family near Smara in the Spanish Sahara, she began her musical journey in the 1970s with the group El Wali, using her art to support the Sahrawi people's struggle for self-determination. Hassan's music, primarily sung in Hassaniya Arabic, seamlessly blended traditional Sahrawi rhythms with influences from blues and jazz, creating a unique and compelling sound. Her solo albums, including "Deseos" (2005), "Shouka" (2010), and "El Aaiun Egdat" (2012), received international acclaim, solidifying her status as the "Voice of the Sahara." Beyond her musical achievements, Hassan's life and work were the subject of the 2007 documentary "Mariem Hassan, la voz del Sáhara," highlighting her role as a cultural ambassador and symbol of resilience for the Sahrawi people. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariem_Hassan?utm_source=openai))