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Al-Ahram Weekly

Not to be missed: From Angham, Amr Diab, to Hiba Tawaji, Gaby Bishara

Ahram Online highlights a selection of do-not-miss events this week, 14-21 May in Cairo. Cairo Photo Week Until 16 May – Cairo Design District, New Cairo Until 18 May – Several venues across Downtown Cairo Curated by the Photopia photography school, the 11-day Cairo Photo Week returns for its fourth edition under the theme Finding the View. The programme features 26 collective and solo exhibitions with more than 150 exhibitors. Alongside the exhibitions, over 70 talks, 25 masterclasses and workshops, and 25 discussion panels are taking place at venues across the capital. Additional highlights include artist talks, photowalks, art tours, live demos, book discussions, and portfolio reviews. For updates and full details, check the festival's Instagram or Facebook page. The National Ensemble for Arabic Music Thursday 15 May, 9 pm – Main Hall, Cairo Opera House, Zamalek Conducted by Mostafa Helmy, the National Ensemble for Arabic Music presents a night of songs by the legendary Lebanese singer Fairouz. The evening features guest vocalist Souma and soloists Ahmed Effat, Mai Hassan, and Ashraf Walid. Founded by the Cairo Opera House in 1989, the ensemble has performed with prominent Arab musicians including Wadih El Safi, Souad Mohammed, and Lotfy Boshnaq. The group has represented Egypt at major festivals such as Carthage in Tunisia, the Silk Road Festival in Japan, and Um Kulthoum's centennial celebration in Paris. Hiba Tawaji – Music Thursday 15 May, 8 pm – Hyde Park, New Cairo Lebanese singer, actress, and director Hiba Tawaji rose to fame in 2015 through The Voice France. She later made history as the first woman to perform publicly in Saudi Arabia (2017). With a career spanning over 120 performances, Tawaji has released multiple albums, including Baad Sneen (2023), Hiba Tawaji 30 (2017), and the Christmas-themed Hallelujah (2017). She recently participated alongside international stars in the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Angham – Music Friday 16 May, 9 pm – Fountain Theatre, Cairo Opera House, Zamalek A household name in Arab music, Angham began her career in the 1980s under the guidance of her father, composer Mohamed Ali Soliman. With over 25 albums to her name, including Shayfak (1992), Bahibbik Wahashteeny (2005), and Mazh (2020), she is known for her powerful voice and artistic versatility. A Cairo Conservatory graduate, Angham remains a dominant figure on the regional music scene. She is celebrated for her emotional depth and stage charisma. Amr Diab – Music Friday 16 May, 8 pm – AUC Campus, New Cairo Egyptian pop legend Amr Diab, widely known as El-Haddaba, continues to captivate fans with his dynamic performances. With a discography of more than 30 albums and a Guinness World Record, Diab remains one of the most streamed Arab artists globally. This concert will feature a selection of his most beloved hits, with thousands expected to attend. Abu Shaar Brothers – Music Friday 16 May, 8:30 pm – Wisdom Hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, Zamalek The Abu Shaar Brothers, formed in Syria in 1983, are renowned for their Islamic Nasheed repertoire praising the Prophet Muhammad. Beginning as a family quartet, the ensemble has grown across generations and now enjoys a strong following in Egypt and the Arab world. Currently based in Egypt, the group frequently performs to packed audiences and has a strong online presence, particularly on Facebook and Instagram. Reham Abdel-Hakim – Music Wednesday 14 May, 9 pm – Main Hall, Cairo Opera House, Zamalek Reham Abdel-Hakim first gained fame for portraying a young Um Kulthoum in the 1999 TV series Um Kulthoum. She has since built a career performing classics by the legendary diva and has become a beloved figure in contemporary Arabic music. Backed by an ensemble led by conductor Mohamed El-Mougy, Abdel-Hakim will present a selection of Um Kulthoum's masterpieces, joined by soloists Rehab Omar and Hanan El-Khouly. Alexers – Music Saturday 17 May, 8 pm – Room Art Space & Café, Garden City The Alexandria-based rock band Alexers brings together Omar Abouelsouad (vocals), Abdelrahman Selim (drums), Nader El-Gazairly (guitar), Omar Abdel-Fattah (keyboard), and Khaled Mohamed (bass). Known for their energetic style and local following, the band continues to perform original music across Egypt's indie scene. Gaby Bishara – Concert Wednesday 21 May, 9 pm – Boom Room, Open Air Mall, Madinaty Singer Gaby Bishara leads a jazz-influenced ensemble performing classic melodies and golden-era standards. The group features Mimi Ayad (drums), Basem Mamdouh (keyboards), Martin Yaacoub (saxophone), and Toni Habeeb (bass guitar). Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: