http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Presidency of Republic mourns Yemen's great singer, Abu-Baker Salim [The Source: SABA News Online \ Saleh Ahmed - Sunday 10 / Dec. / 2017]           The Presidency of the Republic mourned Sunday the great Yemeni singer Abdu Baker Salim Balfaqeeh. In its obituary statement, the presidency heaped praised upon the late singer, describing him as a leading artistic figure, played a key role in developing Yemeni singing and promoting it abroad.           The very popular and much-respected Yemeni singer Abu Baker Salim Balfaqeeh passed way on Sunday aged 78. The legendary artist had long been struggling with illness.           Balfaqeeh had been one of the most prolific and influential Yemeni singers. His artistic career spanned throughout more than 50 years. He started his artistic career in Aden as early as the 60s of the previous century. Then, traveled abroad to Beirut, Cairo and Jeddah where he lived most of his life in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.           Balfaqeeh had distinguished himself as a genius singer characterized by his unique melodious singing voice and original artistic talent. He had produced dozens of albums included hundreds of hits.           Abu Baker Salim had largely contributed toward modernizing Yemeni singing and music. He also succeeded in introducing Yemeni singing and music to Arab audience, mainly in Arabian Peninsula.