Latest news with #MahmoudHafez
CairoScene
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
90s Arabic Pop Meets Alt-Rock on Pink Seasalt's ‘Matgily Tany'
As a whole, 'Matgily Tany' feels like the Arabic version of The Strokes but with a twist that's inherently Pink Seasalt's. Aug 06, 2025 I first came across Mahmoud Hafez, aka Pink Seasalt, at Memphis Records' first iteration of Tidal Dream Festival. Right there on the Nile side stage, he was belting out his debut record 'Out of Luck' with a quintessential guitar fingerpicking technique like a veritable rockstar, drawing Beatlemania-esque fangirl screams from the crowd. Back then, he was exclusively singing in English, yet he managed to carve out a distinct sound for himself, borrowing influences from the likes of Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and colouring them with his bedroom production and poignant songwriting that felt like something outside of the 70s psychedelic rock era. Recently, Pink Seasalt has been exploring Arabic music more, both lyrically and sonically, through a string of frequent releases such as 'Shreet Kharban' and '3ala Toul'. He has recently released his third single in 2025, 'Matgily Tany', a refreshing summer tune that showcases his signature mellow fuzz in a whole new shape. Drawing inspiration from 90s and 2000s Arabic pop and alternative rock, the singer-songwriter combines the distorted drum patterns of rock with funky basslines and shimmering synthwork of nostalgic pop. In the vocalisations, however, there are hints of R&B elements, akin to the work of and Dijon. As a whole, 'Matgily Tany' feels like the Arabic version of The Strokes but with a twist that's inherently his own.
CairoScene
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Pink Seasalt, Kazdoura & Tusmørke to Play CJC Agouza April 17th
Pink Seasalt, Kazdoura & Tusmørke to Play CJC Agouza April 17th An eclectic collision of 70s prog-psych, alt rock, and Levantine music all in one night. Cairo-born indie rock rouser Pink Seasalt, Toronto-based Arabic duo Kazdoura, and Norwegian psychedelic prog-rock outfit, Tusmørke, will be taking over Cairo Jazz Club, Agouza, with a Thursday night live show on April 17th. A guitarist, music producer and songwriter, Mahmoud Hafez, aka Pink Seasalt, is a one-man band known for crafting soulful and carefree jams, a sweet blend of 60s psychedelic, alt rock, neo soul and folk, all wrapped in groovy funky basslines. Think Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala and Unknown Orchestra in one. Pink Seasalt will be joined on stage by Kazdoura, who will be showcasing their debut album 'Ghoyoum', a contemplative 10-track project rooted in Levantine music, exploring themes of displacement and mental illness through a fusion of Arabic maqams with psychedelia, jazz and dream pop elements. The night will also feature Tusmørke, a psychedelic, progressive folk-rock outfit hailing from Skien, Norway, making their Cairo debut. Regarded as one of the most mysterious bands in the Norwegian alternative scene, Tusmørke is known for its dark, intense, and almost primeval, cauldron of musical potions. It takes its sonic cues from 60s and 70s prog-psych luminaries such as Gong and Caravan, and acid-leaning folksters like The Incredible String band with a generous dose of nordic folk music and influences from the golden age of Egyptian and Lebanese music. Doors open at 8 PM. To book your tickets, head to Cairo Jazz Club's official website.
