Backstage: ZIAD ZAZA at Nawafiz Festival
Jun 13, 2025
Just after his debut performance in the Netherlands at this year's Nawafiz Festival in Utrecht, co-curated by SceneNoise, Egyptian rapper ZIAD ZAZA took a moment to step back and reflect. The night wasn't just a milestone in his career. It felt like something deeper—a moment of shared presence with a crowd that felt strangely familiar.
For ZAZA, it's never been about performing 'at' people. The energy he draws comes from a sense of closeness, even in places he's never been. Whether it's faces he recognizes from past shows or new ones that seem instantly in sync, it's the connection that stays with him.
That sense of community felt especially strong at Nawafiz. In a city far from home, the festival created a space where Arabic music didn't feel like an export or a novelty. It felt local and rooted. For members of the diaspora who rarely get to experience this music live, it was a long-awaited moment.
The show also happened to land right around his 25th birthday—a milestone that brought with it a wave of mixed emotions. Backstage there was celebration, cake, and chaos, but underneath it all was a quiet awareness of time passing.
Turning 25 made him reflect on where he stands and where he's headed. He spoke candidly about the fear of time slipping away, of growing older in a world that moves fast. In the face of that, he's focused on making it count.
For him, making music isn't just about success or recognition. It's about surviving, finding joy, honoring his faith, and giving his craft the attention it deserves.
Watch the full video here:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Falak 369's gallery miscellaneous group exhibition is not to be missed
Aisha Fahmy Palace 1 Aziz Abaza St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2735 8211 The Complex of Arts 'Egypt's Voice' exhibition showcases the works of 25 Egyptian artists from different generations, influenced by the voice of the Umm Kolthoum, who created works of art that spanned photography and sculpture. It also explores the life of Umm Kolthoum through Egyptian journalism spanning nearly 100 years, and includes original newspaper and magazine pages from throughout her artistic career. In collaboration between the Fine Arts Sector and the Cultural Development Fund, the exhibition showcases many of Umm Kolthoum's belongings from her museum in El Manial (18 August- 15 November). Falak 369 7 Gamal El-Din Abou El-Mahasen St, ground floor, Garden City, Cairo, Tel 0155 7861779 'Summer Collection' miscellaneous group exhibition by the likes of Bassam El-Zoghby, Mervat Shazly, Shaimaa Kamel, and Rasha Suleiman (closing 1 September). Italian/Egyptian Centre for Restoration and Antiquities (CIERA) 31 Al Suyuffeya St, Al Helmeya, Cairo, visitors are welcomed by appointments so contact the manager Mr. Salah Ramadan 0100 8716067 Architectural complex of the Mevlevi Dervish 'Samaa Khana, Restorations and Restorers' permanent exhibition of the activities of the working/formation sites for the restoration and recovery of the monuments. Visitors are welcomed during the opening hours determined by the Ministry of Antiquities. Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art 15 Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Downtown, Cairo, Tel 02 2578 4494, open daily from 11am to 8pm except Fridays 'Echoes and Currents: 35 Years of Contemporary Art' exhibition is stressing the gallery's pioneering role in Cairo's contemporary art scene, the exhibition opens a dialogue between established and emerging artists who have shaped its journey. Since its founding, Mashrabia has supported young talent, amplified women's voices, and fostered connections between local and international art communities. Rather than a retrospective, this exhibition offers an open, evolving archive formed by memory, conversations, and the relationships that continue to grow around the gallery (29 June - 11 September, closed in August). Safarkhan 6 Brazil St, Zamalek, Tel 012 70169291 The second edition of the gallery's 'Anthology' series. Anthology 2025 is as usual headlined by some of the gallery's marquee resident talents, as well as some of its familiar guest names and features a pair of new ones that are being unveiled to the art loving community here in Egypt for the very first time. This collection sees an impressive assortment of mediums too, with the inclusion of various artforms spanning; sculpture, photography, fabric appliqué, mosaics, and various forms of painting. This year's anthology gathers new works from established Safarkhan artists: Ibrahim Khattab, Ahmed Saber, Karim Abd Elmalak, Katherine Bakhoum, Neama El-Sanhoury, Omar Abdel-Zaher and Tasneem El-Meshad (1 June and running throughout summer). Swailam 14 El-Saleh Ayoub St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2735 8900/0111232 4002 'Summer Radiance' exhibition showcases more than 30 captivating artworks by artists from Egypt, the Middle East, and Europe. This diverse collection celebrates a fusion of cultures, styles, and creative expressions (10 August - 18 September). Yassin art gallery 159, 26th July St, Behind Diwan Bookstore, Zamalek, Tel 01271170035 'Different Space 4th Edition' is a contemporary group visual art exhibition that celebrates the experiences of a select group of contemporary sculptors and painters. Their works reflect modern visual perspectives rooted deeply in the aesthetic and cultural references of ancient Egyptian art (17 June - 31 August). ALEXANDRIA Bibliotheca Alexandrina Port Said St, Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999 Archeological Museum A permanent exhibition on the results of the Archaeological Mission of the University of Turin in Nelson Island. * A version of this article appears in print in the 21 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Don't miss the AUC's virtual discussion on the first-ever book-length history of Arab graphic design - Lectures - Al-Ahram Weekly
American University in Cairo Tues 26, 7pm, (Cairo Time): Join a special virtual discussion of A History of Arab Graphic Design (Arabic edition), the first-ever book-length history of Arab graphic design, now available in Arabic, co-authored by Bahia Shehab and Haytham Nawar. Nawar, associate professor of design at the American University in Cairo, will be in conversation with Huda Smitshuijzen Abi Farès, Founder of the Khatt Foundation; Yasmine Nachabe Taan, associate professor of Art and Design History and Director of the Institute of Art in the Arab World at the Lebanese American University; and Mahmoud El-Hosseiny, designer, writer, and researcher. The event will be moderated by Al-Ahram nwespaper journalist Sayed Mahmoud. The conversation will be conducted in Arabic. Watch on the AUC Press Facebook page. Diwan Bookstore 159, 26th of July St, Zamalek, Tel 01222 40 7084 Tues 26, 7pm: August book discussion about the Japanese bestseller What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama. The discussion will be moderated by Ohoud Saad. Diwan Magara, El-Sheikh Zayed Wed 27, 7pm: August book discussion presents Little Women book by Louisa May Alcott. It will be moderated by Noha Bassiouny. Misr Al-Gedida Public Library 42 Al-Oroba St, off Beirut St, Misr Al-Gedida, Tel 011 42464426 Mon 25, 5.30pm: To mark the birth anniversary of poet Wessam El-Dewek, professor of philosophy Emad El-Adly will present a reading in the entire works of El-Dewek. * A version of this article appears in print in the 21 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Not to be missed: Canaan Palestinian troupe in Cairo, JadaL, Fouad & Mounib in Alexandria - Music - Arts & Culture
Ahram Online highlights a selection of do-not-miss events this week 20-26 August in Cairo, Alexandria and North Coast New films across cinemas starting 20 August - Witchboard, starring Madison Iseman, Aaron Dominguez, Mel Jarnson - Pets on Train, starring Kaycie Chase, Damien Ferrette, Herve Jolly - Afterburn, starring Dave Bautista, Samuel L. Jackson, Olga Kurylenko Final days of 33rd Citadel Festival for Music and Singing Among the festival's highlights this week are Canaan Palestinian Troupe for Dancing and Singing (20 August), Ehab Tawfik (20 August), Ali El-Haggar (21 August), Nesma Abdel-Aziz (22 August), Medhat Saleh (22 August), among many other soloists, bands and orchestras. Check the Cairo Opera House's Facebook page for more info. Folklorita - music Wednesday 20 August, 8:30pm Open air theatre (Plaza), Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria Folklorita presents covers of the songs from the Egyptian heritage. The group consisting of two dozen performers relies mainly on voices, percussive instruments, tabla, doholla, daff in addition to other musicians. Since its founding in early 2024, Folklorita has performed across many venues in Egypt, and participated in many important festivals and other cultural events. The concert is part of the ongoing 22nd Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Summer Festival. Read more about the festival here Cassette 90s band - music Thursday 21 August, 8pm Wisdom hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, 26th of July street, Zamalek, Cairo & Monday 25 August, 9pm Room Art Space, The Spot Mall, New Cairo The band consists of 8 musicians who revive the songs of the 1990s, including songs by Egyptian singer Mostafa Amar, Hisham Abbas, Alaa Abdelkhalek, and Ehab Tafwik. Hamada Helal - music Thursday 21 August Masrah Sokseeh, Porto Golf Alamein Hamada Helal made his professional debut in 1996 with the album Al‑Ayyam, released when he was just 16. The record was a major hit, selling over 150,000 copies and establishing him as a rising star in the Arab music scene. He continued to release a series of successful albums, including Dar El‑Zaman (1998), Domoaa (2000), Bakhaf (2002), Waheshni (2004), Eial Habiba (2005), Bahebak Akher Haja (2008), Matkoulahash (2012), and Eish Basha (2017). Night of electronic and house music Thursday 21 August, 10 pm Dopamine: The Club, Almaza Bay, Marsa Matrouh, North Coast The evening will feature several DJs working with electronic and house music: Denis Sulta, MOUN, Aly Goede, and A-Drop Denis Sulta (Hector Barbour) is a boundary-pushing Glaswegian DJ/producer widely revered for his explosive energy, eclectic taste, and emotionally resonant performances. Aly Goede is a Cairo-based DJ and producer celebrated for his dynamic versatility and skill across electronic music genres such as deep house, techno, and minimal house. Evening with the Stars - music Friday 22 August Tiatro Romano, Marina 2, Al-Alamein The concert will feature several well known musicians - WAMA band, Loai, Haitham Shaker, Nicole Saba, Mohamed Adawia, Hamada Helal - creating one of a kind evening. Looperia Project - music Saturday 23 August, 9pm Cairo Jazz Club. 197, 26 of July street, Agouza, Cairo Looperia brings sounds from the depths of Africa, mixed with oriental tunes. It is a journey through Sufi atmosphere, African flavor with spiritual lyrics, Gnawa sensibility, and beats. The result expresses the band's thoughts toward God, love, peace, and, the mother Africa. Tamer Hosny and Shamy - music Saturday 23 August, 11pm Beach Resort, Marassi One of the biggest pop celebrities in Egypt and the Arab region, Tamer Hosny released over 13 top-selling albums. His songs appeared in several television series. Apart from his solo performances across the Arab region, Hosny also collaborated with international artists such as Snoop Dogg and Shaggy and Arab musicians like Rim Banna, Latifa, Souad Massi, and Ramy Sabry. Al-Shami (also known as Abdul Rahman Fawaz) is a Syrian singer and musician known for blending Western and Eastern musical styles. The concert is part of the Layali Marassi, a summer series providing performances of best-known singers at the Beach Resort, Marassi. The concerts take place on each Saturday, until the end of August. JadaL band - music Sunday 24 August, 8:30pm Open air theatre (Plaza), Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria Jordanian band JadaL has played alternative rock since the early 2000s, a time when the Jordanian music scene was filled with pop, commercial tunes, and love songs. Among first successes of the band was its founder, Mahmoud Radaideh's new arrangement of El-Toba, a well-known song by the legendary Abdel-Halim Hafez. Radaideh then released the single Salma, a song he wrote and dedicated to his niece. Played on the radio, the song helped JadaL move to the front lines of the local music scene. JadaL's themes are rooted in the life of Arab youth such as the race against time and working hard to earn one's bread. They also dissect difficult situations in the country and the many problems that youth face. The concert is part of the ongoing 22nd Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Summer Festival. Read more about the festival here Fouad & Mounib - music Monday 25 August, 8pm Great Hall, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria The story of Fouad and Mounib goes back to 2015 when the two musicians met on Facebook and began sharing their music. After a few months, the duo performed in their first concert at Alexandria's Creativity Centre. The duo's popularity increased, taking them to numerous renowned halls across Egypt, and tours to Morocco and Austria. With time, the musicians started pursuing more ambitious creative endeavours, with Mounib creating arrangements for various ensembles and an orchestra. The concert is part of the ongoing 22nd Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Summer Festival. Read more about the festival here Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
