Latest news with #AhmedFouadNegm
CairoScene
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Ahmed Fouad Negm Prize for Colloquial Poetry Opens for Submissions
Ahmed Fouad Negm Prize for Colloquial Poetry Opens for Submissions Submissions are open for the 2025 Ahmed Fouad Negm Prize, spotlighting Egypt's best young talents in colloquial Arabic poetry. The Ahmed Fouad Negm Prize for Egyptian Colloquial Poetry has officially opened submissions for its 12th edition, continuing its mission to honour Egypt's spoken-word legacy and spotlight new poetic voices. Named after the iconic poet and revolutionary Ahmed Fouad Negm, the annual award is one of the country's most significant literary honours dedicated to colloquial Arabic. Applications are open from May 22nd through July 22nd, 2025. Eligible participants must submit a poetry collection written in Egyptian colloquial Arabic. The competition is open to living poets under 40, and each may submit only one collection. Submissions can be made directly by the poet or through nominations by publishers, universities, or cultural institutions, with the poet's written consent. The top poetry prize is valued at EGP 150,000, while an additional EGP 400,000 will be distributed among the 10 finalists. The award is presented to the poet, rather than any affiliated publisher, emphasising personal recognition. Alongside the poetry prize, a separate category is dedicated to critical studies on colloquial Egyptian poetry. This includes published books or academic theses—master's or doctoral—completed between January 2020 and July 22nd, 2025. There is no age limit for this category, and one winner will receive EGP 50,000. Submissions must include the poet's collection, a completed nomination form, and a copy of their national ID. Applications can be delivered in person to the prize's headquarters in Agouza, Giza, or mailed by post, provided they arrive by the final deadline. Winners will be announced on December 3rd, 2025, marking 11 years since Ahmed Fouad Negm's passing.
CairoScene
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Hawas Charts a New Course on ‘Seka Gedida' EP
The Egyptian group is shedding old skin and forging a new way of being a rock band in today's age, after being residents of the alternative music scene for over 10 years now. May 07, 2025 Shortly after releasing 'Sindbad', a politically-charged tune inspired by the words of the late Egyptian poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, Hawas have released their latest EP, 'Seka Gedida' - and as the name suggests, it's taking them on a new path. The three-track EP, penned entirely by the band's frontman and lead vocalist Mohamoud Khateeb, delves into themes of longing, relationships, self-reflection and inner turmoil through introspective lyricism and emotive melodies. While the band's distinguished sound remains intact, particularly in the production of tracks like 'El Saqya' and 'Berahty', there's a noticeable maturity as they experiment with a wider range of oriental instruments, sounds and arrangements. 'Bashawer' is a standout track on the record, fully embodying the eponymous new direction that the band has taken. They step away from their established funky approach for a more stripped-down and hauntingly melancholic production, carried out by intricate blues-scented oud arrangements that launch you straight into the pain in Khateeb's heart-wrenching vocals, as he reflects on his heartbreak and struggle with depression.
CairoScene
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Egyptian Indie-Rock Band Hawas Returns With ‘Sindbad'
The track's politically-charged lyricism is based on the words of the late legendary Egyptian vernacular poet Ahmed Fouad Negm. Feb 28, 2025 Since coming together in 2014, Egyptian band Hawas has made a lot of noise with their funky approach to alternative and indie music, combining sounds from jazz and blues with local artistic heritage by using instruments such as the oud. After going off grid for nearly a year, the eight rock rousers are now returning with a new single, titled 'Sinbad'. The track's politically-charged lyricism is based on the words of Elfagumi, aka the late legendary Egyptian vernacular poet and activist Ahmed Fouad Negm. With their penchant for always reinventing their musical style, the band takes a decidedly different approach in 'Sindbad', one that is firmly rooted in the intersection of alternative rock and blues. The song kicks off with a mellow, hypnotic hush accompanied by a soulful piano melody, before swiftly turning into a cacophony of pulsing percussion and growling guitar while the lead singer's voice sits just atop, mirroring the illustrative driving force of Fouad Negm's words.
