He was born on 21st of June 1928 in El halwat village in Sharkia. His real name Abd Elhalim ali Shabana who was the youngest son among four brothers. he used to play with his cousins in canal of the village therefore He was infected by Schistosomiasis which destroyed his life and led to his death eventually. In 1943, he joined the institute of Arabic music, composing section, when he met the artist Kamal El-taweel and the great broadcaster Hafez Abdul wahab who allowed him to use his name (Hafez) instead of (Shbana)
He had more than 230 songs. His emotional songs are about 16 songs while his patriotic songs are about 16 songs and his religious prayers are about 11. He had about 16 films as the leader actor.
He died on Wednesday in 30 March 1977in London at the age of forty –eight years. His songs were so compassionate and sensational and his funeral was attended by almost all the Egyptians.