From Brazilian samba to Sufi chants, best acts to discover at Cairo Jazz Festival
Cairo Jazz Festival is set to return with another celebration of the country’s rich independent music scene. Running for a week from Friday, November 13, and taking place on multiple stages across the American University in Cairo’s Tahrir Campus, the event will feature dozens of acts playing everything from progressive rock to bossa nova.
But, naturally, jazz will be at the musical forefront, with the festival offering a strong line-up featuring seasoned local acts, such as Grammy Award winner Fathy Salama and exciting international talent like Sweden’s Claudia Campagnol.
All performances will follow safety guidelines and regulations designed by the Egyptian health authorities.
The National looks at five major acts that are part of the festival’s programme. For details about the full programe, go to the event’s official Facebook page.
Sara Moullablad
Friday, November 13
A regular performer on Cairo’s jazz music scene, the Moroccan singer has built a loyal following for her colourful repertoire, which spans English and French jazz standards as well as Brazilian samba and bossa nova.
In addition to performing her recent single Ya Denia,
Moullablad’s festival performance will showcase some new tunes from her upcoming debut album.
Sufism vs Modernism
Friday, November 13
Pioneering Egyptian composer and jazz star Fathy Salama and spiritual singer and compatriot Sheikh Mahmoud El Tohamy will bring their popular Sufism vs Modernism concert to the festival.
The concept, which resulted in a sold-out show at NYU Abu Dhabi last September, features both artists melding the otherworldly harmonies of Sufi chanting with contemporary Arabian jazz in a unique harmony.
Samer George
Tuesday, November 17
This is a night when the Egyptian bassist will shine solo. Working as a music instructor at the American University in Cairo, George has also performed with many leading acts from Egypt’s jazz scene, including Eftekasat, Nagham Masry, The Riff Band, Cairo Big Band Society and Nouran Abou Taleb. Not only will he lead his own band, he will use the occasion to launch his new album 2020.
Claudia Campagnol
Friday, November 20
The Swedish singer/songwriter and former Stevie Wonder backing vocalist arrives in Cairo from Copenhagen to perform songs from her 2019 debut album I’m Strong. In addition to sensual torch songs, the album is home to a sultry version of Charlie Chaplin’s classic Smile.
Eftekasat
Friday, November 20
Closing the festival is one of the leading lights of the Egyptian jazz scene. In their 19th year now, they found success on stage and screen with two acclaimed albums and a gig as the house band for TV comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live Arabia. Led by Amro Salah on the keyboards, the seven-piece is regionally known for their 2006 debut album Mouled Sidi El-Latini, which fuses jazz with Levant folk sounds and progressive rock.
More information at facebook.com/cairojazzfest