Wagdi Francis passed away on 12 April after life that he dedicated to Les Petits Chats, an Egyptian band singing covers, which he founded in 1967 and managed throughout the years.

Francis was considered a musical child and he sang in a choir formed at the Jesuits College which he attended. He also joined the church choir and became the youngest solo singer.

Following his gradation, he founded Les Petits Chats, first asthe band's bass guitarist, soon becoming its vocalist.

Les Petits Chat saw the peak of its success in the 1960s and the 1970s and brought together many renowned musicians and artists together, with the lineup including names such as tenor Sobhi Bidair, actor Ezzat Abo Auf, composer and pianist Omar Khairat, among others.

Francis was a strong backbone of the band managing its repertoire and concerts, drawing in new musicians and ensuring that they all remained at the highest artistic level.

Even when the years of glory have passed, and the band members’ artistic and personal paths took different turns, Francis continued to initiate or joined many concerts bringing the band together and performing on many occasions, even if in a smaller and/or modified line-up until date.

Les Petits Chats were scheduled to give one of the concerts including Francis, Sobhi Bidair, Ezzat Abu Auf, Pino Phares and Sadek Gallini, on 21 April at the Cairo Opera House.

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