Introduction

Egyptian folk music is an essential part of the country’s cultural identity. It tells people’s stories, expressing their joys, sorrows and aspirations, while celebrating ancestral traditions. In this article, we explore the importance of folk music in Egypt, its different styles, and some examples of contemporary folk singers and groups who carry on this rich tradition.

The roots of Egyptian folk music

Egyptian folk music is deeply rooted in the country’s thousand-year-old history and culture. Traditional instruments such as the oud (a plucked lute), the ney (a reed flute), and the tabla (a cup-shaped drum) are used to create melodies that evoke the sounds of the desert, the Nile, and the bustling markets of Cairo.

Folk songs vary considerably from region to region. In the Nile Delta, for example, songs are often cheerful and rhythmic, accompanied by lively dancing. In southern Egypt, the songs are more melancholy, often influenced by Nubian and Sudanese cultures. 

Types of folk music in Egypt

Egyptian folk music can be divided into several genres, each with its own meaning and style:

Sufi music

Sufi music is a form of spiritual music linked to Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. Accompanied by percussion and sometimes the ney, these songs create a mystical and meditative atmosphere. The Mawlawiya, a Sufi dance practised by whirling dervishes, is often accompanied by this music.

The Zār

The Zār is an ancient musical and ritual tradition practised to exorcise malevolent spirits. The songs and rhythms of the Zār are hypnotic, using powerful drums to induce a trance-like state in participants. Although less practised today, the Zār remains an important part of Egypt’s musical heritage.

Epic songs

One of the most famous folk singers of the 1960s was El-Rayess Metqal from Upper Egypt. He is known for his role as ‘Rayess’ (a chief or leader) in epic songs and folk poems. He is best known for his performances of ‘Al-Sirah al-Hilaliyyah’, an Arab epic recounting the heroic exploits of the Hilal tribe.

Shaabi

Shaabi is a style of popular music that emerged in the 1970s in the working-class districts of Cairo. The genre is a modern evolution of traditional folk music, combining lively rhythms, simple lyrics and contemporary social themes. Shaabi is particularly appreciated for its energy and ability to captivate crowds. Among the most gifted singers in this style are Hassan Al-Assmar and Ahmad Adaweya. 

Contemporary folk music groups in Egypt

A number of contemporary groups are working to preserve and revitalise Egyptian folk music, bringing it to a modern audience while remaining true to its roots.

El-Tanbura

Founded in the 1980s, El-Tanbura is a musical group from Port Said that has played a key role in the revival of Egyptian folk music. The group is famous for its use of the traditional simsimiyya instrument (a lyre harp) and for its songs that tell the stories and struggles of local people. Their performances include music, song and dance. 

Mazaher

Mazaher is one of the last groups in Egypt to carry on the Zār tradition. The group, made up mainly of women, uses drums, tambourines, and powerful vocals to recreate the ancient rituals of the Zār. 

Nass Makan

Nass Makan is a Cairo-based collective of musicians dedicated to preserving and disseminating traditional Egyptian music. Their repertoire includes Sufi songs, Nubian songs, and other forms of regional folk music.

Egyptian El-Hadhra

El-Hadhra is a musical group specialising in traditional Sufi music. The group is renowned for its performances of ‘hadhra’ (presence), meaning the presence of the heart with Allah, a form of collective spiritual chanting. It combines dhikr (invocation or remembrance of Allah) and praise of the Prophet Mohamed. The members of El-Hadhra, dressed in traditional costumes, create a mystical atmosphere with their harmonious voices and the accompaniment of traditional instruments. 

Conclusion

Egyptian folk music is a cultural treasure that continues to vibrate through the ages. It serves as a link between past and present, between ancestors and future generations. Thanks to popular singers and contemporary groups such as El Tanbura, Mazaher, Nass Makan and El-Hadhra, this musical heritage remains alive and accessible, offering listeners a gateway to the soul of Egypt.