Wassouf in stable condition following stroke

21 October 2011

BEIRUT: Syrian singer George Wassouf is in a stable condition after suffering a small stroke Wednesday evening, his son Wadih told The Daily Star Thursday.

Initial reports suggested the iconic performer was in a coma following a brain hemorrhage, but Wadih said his father was awake but resting.

After first being treated at Al-Shami hospital in Damascus Wednesday night, Wassouf, 49, was transferred to the American University of Beirut Medical Center Thursday morning.

Doctors have said the stroke was caused by high blood pressure, for which Wassouf is now receiving treatment. They also said that he needs rest now, but should be able to leave the hospital in a few days.

The AUBMC entrance was teeming with friends, family, fans and media Thursday, after various rumors had spread earlier in the day about his condition and even the possibility that the singer, had died.

Wassouf was born in Kafroun in the Syrian coastal province of Tartous, and began singing at the age of 10.

He is well known throughout the region for his unique singing style and has the nickname “Sultan al-Tarab,” (Sultan of Music).