Ahmed Alshaiba dies in New York - in pictures

Ahmed Alshaiba, the oud player best known for his arrangements of popular international songs, has died following a traffic accident in New York. All photos: Getty
Ahmed Alshaiba, the oud player best known for his arrangements of popular international songs, has died following a traffic accident in New York. All photos: Getty
Alshaiba, who was in his early thirties, was renowned for his oud renditions of hit songs such as Michael Jackson’s 'Smooth Criminal' and the theme songs of 'Game of Thrones' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
Alshaiba, who was in his early thirties, was renowned for his oud renditions of hit songs such as Michael Jackson’s 'Smooth Criminal' and the theme songs of 'Game of Thrones' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
After his first public performance in Cairo in 2007, Alshaiba rapidly shot to fame, eventually performing for the likes of Hillary Clinton and the presidents of Turkey and Yemen.
After his first public performance in Cairo in 2007, Alshaiba rapidly shot to fame, eventually performing for the likes of Hillary Clinton and the presidents of Turkey and Yemen.
A self-taught musician, he demonstrated remarkable technical ability, drawing upon a broad range of influences, with an uncanny ability to blend them seamlessly into his own unique style.
A self-taught musician, he demonstrated remarkable technical ability, drawing upon a broad range of influences, with an uncanny ability to blend them seamlessly into his own unique style.
Following the news of his death, several people took to social media to express their sorrow. One user described him as 'a legend and one of the kindest guys you could ever meet'.
Following the news of his death, several people took to social media to express their sorrow. One user described him as 'a legend and one of the kindest guys you could ever meet'.
At the time of his death, Alshaiba had amassed almost 800,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, performing what he called 'a mix between the eastern-style and western-style' on a Turkish-made oud.
At the time of his death, Alshaiba had amassed almost 800,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, performing what he called 'a mix between the eastern-style and western-style' on a Turkish-made oud.