Latest news with #UmmKulthum
Identity
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Why Can't Egypt Throw a Proper Music Festival — Like, Ever?
With Morocco's Mawazine Festival kicking off — 24 years strong since its birth in 2001 — a nagging question echoes louder than ever: Why doesn't Egypt, the country that gave the planet Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim, and Amr Diab, have a single proper music festival that represents us? And no, it's not about talent. That excuse expired long ago. We have range. The fans are here. The artists are here. The sound is here. So what's missing? Simple answer: the platform. Sandbox in Gouna is the only festival with consistency, but let's be real. It's niche, expensive, and curated for a very specific crowd. It doesn't represent the larger Egyptian music culture or reach the wider audience that's craving it. Other concerts happen occasionally, but they're scattered and usually brand-led. No identity. No community. No long-term vision. Just noise. And while Egypt fumbles through one-off concerts and disconnected sponsor activations, Saudi Arabia went from zero to MDLBEAST, a multi-stage EDM empire that doesn't just pull global headliners but also exports a whole new Saudi cultural identity through music. Tunisia has been hosting the Carthage International Festival since the 1960s. That's decades of investing in music as national pride. And Morocco? Morocco has Mawazine, a festival so massive it regularly attracts both Arab legends and global icons. What's Egypt's excuse? Let's be honest: Bureaucracy is a nightmare. Organizing a live music event in Egypt feels less like planning a cultural experience and more like navigating a minefield of paperwork, paranoia, and unpredictable shutdowns. You're more likely to get a 'no' than a permit. There's no infrastructure to build on. No designated festival grounds. No streamlined logistics. No real investment in stage design, safety, or long-term systems. The music scene itself operates in silos. Artists are blowing up online, selling out shows, making noise, but they're disconnected. It feels like almost no one is staying to build something here, collectively. Then there's the sponsorship problem: brands jump in for a product drop, a hashtag, or a flashy Instagram moment, and disappear the second the campaign ends. No one's sticking around to nurture the scene or invest in the long run. And looming over it all is cultural fear. Anything too 'Western' or unpredictable? Shut it down. Need proof? Let's talk about Travis Scott's cancelled 2023 concert at the Pyramids. It was set to be a global moment, the kind that brings international attention, tourism, and cash. But Egypt's Musicians Syndicate shut it down before it even happened, citing 'moral concerns' and 'threats to Egyptian traditions.' A once-in-a-lifetime event, gone. Out of fear. We're not just lacking festivals, we're blocking them. And at the same time, Egypt still doesn't have publishing royalties or proper collection systems. Music that plays in cafes, concerts, or clubs barely translates into revenue for artists. But let's imagine, just for a second, what a real Egyptian music festival could look like. Picture this: stages across the desert or the Nile, each one dedicated to a different sound — trap, shaabi, indie, electro, jazz — all coexisting without apology. Local legends, rising stars, regional collabs, and international names, all in one lineup. We're talking real Egyptian energy: food, art, dialect, movement. The sounds of the street and the pulse of the underground on full display. Brands that actually care about the scene — not just their billboard presence. And no, it's not just about the music. It's about jobs. Stylists, sound engineers, stage designers, filmmakers, vendors, photographers, editors, transport, tourism, the whole creative economy gets a boost. A festival is infrastructure. A festival is storytelling. A festival is soft power. That could be Egypt. That should be Egypt. So what exactly are we waiting for?
See - Sada Elbalad
01-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Turkish Ambassador Highlights 'Deep', 'Strong' Ties with Egypt
Nada Mustafa The Turkish Embassy in Cairo organized an event on the occasion of World Breakfast Day, featuring a rich array of traditional Turkish breakfast flavors. During the event, Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, told Egyptian journalists that two Turkish ministers are expected to visit Egypt this month. The World Breakfast Day celebration, observed annually on the first Sunday of June, was held at the Turkish Embassy in Cairo and attended by a select group of Egyptian journalists and distinguished guests. In his remarks, Şen emphasized that breakfast is a cornerstone of Turkish culture, and Turkey places great importance on promoting tourism and culinary arts. He noted that events like Turkish Cuisine Week and World Breakfast Day are organized in response to Egyptians' passion for Turkish food. The breakfast featured staple Turkish items such as cheeses, olives, jams, cucumbers, tomatoes, baguette bread, as well as hearty components like sujuk (Turkish sausage), pastrami, eggs, butter, honey, cream, yogurt, börek, and simit. Fruits, cakes, and biscuits were served as dessert after the meal. The sujuk served at the event was specially brought from Eskişehir, Ambassador Şen's hometown and one of the best-known regions in Turkey for sujuk production. Moreover, Turkish Ambassador highlighted the cultural and social value of breakfast in Turkish households, where families often enjoy breakfast together at home, in cafés, or in public parks on weekends. He also provided an overview of the recent developments in Turkish-Egyptian relations, stressing the growing depth of bilateral ties grounded in mutual love, respect, friendship, and shared interests, especially in areas such as economy and security. Furthermore, Şen mentioned that the Chief of Staff of Egypt recently visited Turkey, where he held meetings with Turkey's Minister of National Defense, the Chief of the General Staff, and various defense industry organizations. He added that the Turkish frigate TCG Gökçeada also visited the Port of Alexandria from May 27 to 29, and its commander met with the Commander of the Egyptian Navy, Admiral Ashraf Atwa. Şen also noted that two Turkish ministers are expected to visit Egypt in June, adding that Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, visited Cairo on May 6 to attend the D-8 Tourism Ministers' Meeting and met with Egyptian Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Heno, marking the start of a new era in cultural cooperation. Moreover, Şen revealed that joint musical performances between the two countries are planned for this year. In this regard, he expressed admiration for Egypt's legendary singer Umm Kulthum and shared his vision for a concert celebrating her legacy. Given Egypt's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Umm Kulthum,' a concert featuring music by Umm Kulthum and Mohamed Abdel Wahab is scheduled to be held. Şen also congratulated Turkish-Egyptian gymnast Adem Asil, who won two gold medals in the individual all-around and rings events at the European Gymnastics Championships in Germany, describing his achievements as a source of shared pride for both nations. In addition, he spoke about his recent cordial meeting with Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, expressing hope for an upcoming cooperation agreement between the two countries in the fields of youth and sports. On the economic front, Turkish ambassador discussed the advanced progress in restarting the Ro-Ro shipping line to boost trade cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, expressing eagerness for its resumption. He shared details of his meetings with representatives of Turkish company DeFacto, which has numerous stores in Egypt. Şen noted their confidence in Egypt's economic reform model and desire to expand their investments. Additionally, he highlighted his meeting with officials from Turkish company Penti Socks, which is investing in sock production in the 10th of Ramadan industrial zone. The company has reached the final phase of its investment, and Turkish investments in Egypt are expected to exceed $500 million this year. In conclusion, Şen announced a significant upcoming inauguration in the Suez Canal Economic Zone this month, to which he will invite key members of the press. He reaffirmed the importance of Turkish-Egyptian relations in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region, stating that both nations are making confident strides toward a promising future. Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador Turkish Ambassador read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Qasr el-Nil theater set to host ‘Sound and Image' Umm Kulthum show on Thursday
The 'Sound and Image' music show is preparing to present its first night in Cairo, following its huge success during the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia. Taking take place on Thursday at the iconic stage of the Qasr el-Nil Cinema, massive preparations are underway to transform the theater into a 'time machine' back to the golden age of Arabic music. The show will embody the life and career of the Star of the East, Umm Kulthum, through a live performance by Marwa Nagy, who will perform a selection of Umm Kulthum's timeless songs. This blends powerful vocals with dramatic narration and visual effects, bringing the spirit of the popular singer back to life on stage. The show is written by Mohamed Zaki and directed by Mostafa Abdel-Salam, with Marwa Nagy co-presenting the show with a group of artists. In statements reported by the Egyptian newspaper al-Shorouk, Zaki said that the reason the show was called 'Sound and Image' is because it combines live singing and acting. He explained that the audience will see Nagy transform into Umm Kulthum through makeup and costume work, as if the audience were experiencing a night with the Star of the East and her band, but with Nagy's voice and performance. Nagy said, 'The show is not just a tribute to the icon of Arab singing, but rather a visual musical experience that blends voice, story, and amazement, recounting the details of her artistic journey.' The audience will witness an unprecedented performance that evokes the fragrance of the past and recreates the features of that beautiful era, she said. Nagy, as Umm Kulthum, will perform a new song, composed specifically for the show on the same stage where Kalthum last performed in 1973: the venerable Qasr el-Nil Theater. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Rotterdam Arab Film Festival to Honour Umm Kulthum in 2025 Edition
Running from May 28th to June 1st, the 25th Rotterdam Arab Film Festival will honour singer Umm Kulthum as part of its 'Year of Women' initiative, featuring over 37 films and a female-majority jury. May 23, 2025 The Rotterdam Arab Film Festival is set to celebrate its 25th edition from May 28th to June 1st with a special tribute to Umm Kulthum, one of the Arab world's most influential cultural figures. This year's programme falls under the theme 'Year of Women', placing a spotlight on women's contributions to Arab cinema—past and present. As part of the tribute, the festival will honour Umm Kulthum's enduring artistic legacy through film and conversation, recognising her as a pioneering figure whose work transcended music to shape the cultural imagination of the region. This edition will feature over 37 films and will be judged by a predominantly female jury of directors, producers, editors and actors. Among the prominent names taking part are Syrian actress Amal Arafa, Egyptian star Salwa Mohamed Ali, Saudi actress Fatima AlBanawi, and Saudi director-producer Razan Al-Sagheer.
See - Sada Elbalad
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Asser Yassin to Guest Star Umm Kulthum Biopic "El Set"
Yara Sameh Egyptian actor Asser Yassin will guest star in Mona Zaki's upcoming Umm Kulthum biopic "El Set". Mohamed Farag, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Tamer Nabil, and Sayed Ragab are also set to star in the pic. "El Set" also features a slew of guest stars, including Ahmed Helmy, Amr Saad, Karim Abdel Aziz, Nelly Karim, and Amina Khalil. Marwan Hamed is directing the pic from a script by Ahmed Mourad. The film comes as part of the "Big Time" Investment Fund that aims to raise the quality of Arabic content and filmmaking. The fund is sponsored by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. It invests in the most important Saudi, Gulf, and Arab films by the biggest stars of the Arab world. Born on December 31, 1898, Umm Kulthum has no equivalent among singers in the world and represented the soul of the pan-Arab world for decades. Her potent contralto, which could blur gender in its lower register, conveyed breathtaking emotional range in complex songs that, across theme and wildly-ornamented variations, could easily last an hour. Her death on February 3, 1975, brought millions into the Cairo streets to mourn, and while her influence among Arab singers is incalculable, it extended far beyond it. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
