Sawt al-Qahira, or Sono Cairo, a historic record company, is betting on the internet despite financial setbacks and legal battles over the copyright to Umm Kulthum songs. Music production companies are seeking to preserve the country's music heritage through younger generations.

They are beautiful voices that have an audience among the youth,' said Morsi. 'I bring (pop stars like) Angham, Saber Rebai and Wael Jassar. To soar above Cairo's 24-hour cacophony, she doesn't just look to golden oldies. 'These events are very successful,' said Jihan Morsi, the director of the opera's Oriental Music department. Torn between stage fright and joy, Adel performs regularly at the Arab Music Institute, paying tribute to his music idols.ĭuring events such as the 'Khulthumiat' (the music of Umm Kulthum) or 'Wahabiyat' (the music of Abdel Wahab), organised by the 100-year-old institute, Adel is often the lead singer with an entire troupe from the Cairo Opera House accompanying his powerful vocals. Yet the Egyptian metropolis remains alive with the sound of music.Įvery day, in local cafes and homes the melancholic songs of Syrian-born star Asmahan and the tender rhythmic melodies of Egyptian singer Najat al-Saghira mix with animated conversations, modern pop music and Islamic chants.

The 2011 uprising in Egypt that plunged the country into political and economic chaos also saw a downturn in the domestic music industry. The company is owned by Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. In the 1990s, Gulf countries vying for cultural dominance emerged as rivals to Egypt's music industry and Rotana, the Arab world's largest record label, was formed in 1987. The rise of revered singers, such as Umm Kulthum, Abdel Wahab and Abdel Halim Hafez among others, saw Cairo billed as the Hollywood of Arab song, attracting talent from across the region. 'Modern songs are a hit for a day or two, a month or maybe a year, then we do not hear about them anymore but Abdel Wahab and (Egyptian diva) Umm Kulthum have lasted until today,' said Adel, before his performance in the tiny Mamluk-era hall at the Arab Music Institute.Įgypt, a cultural powerhouse in the Arab world, has long enjoyed a booming music industry. With cheers of 'Allah!” the mesmerised audience shows its appreciation. 'Ya leil' ('O night'), he sings, with the dreamy languor of the original performer, Egyptian legend Mohamed Abdel Wahab. CAIRO - Standing before a rapt crowd, Ahmed Adel oozes charm with his passionate performance of an Egyptian classic, evoking a romantic nostalgia for Arabic songs of the past.Īfter a melodious introduction on the oud, the famed oriental lute, Adel croons his way through a 'Mawwal,' a traditional melody boasting long vowels.

Traditional arab music