Egyptian Classical and Pop Musicians Guide
Last Updated on January 28, 2024
Understanding and learning about Egyptian music is a great way to improve your belly dance because you will gain an understanding of the rhythms and get a better feel for the music and dance. Below are some Egyptian music artists you might want to consider.
Classical Musicians
There are several classical Egyptian musicians who have written and played music for belly dance and some of the very best are listed below.
Lower down you can also find our thoughts on the best Egyptian pop music and musicians.
1. Hossam Ramzy
Hossam Ramzy is one of the most famous Egyptian tabla players and composers among belly dancers.
Hossam Ramzy was born in Cairo and has been playing music since an early age.
He then moved to UK in the 1970s, and he performed with famous artists such as Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page.
During his time in London, he composed composing music, performed, and ran workshops with his belly dancer wife Serena Ramzy.
Hossam and Serena traveled the world teaching and performing and they have also made some dance instructional DVDs. He very sadly passed away in 2019.
2. Hassam Abou El Seoud
Hassam Abou El Seoud is one of the greatest Egyptian composers and musicians of all time.
Hassam is especially appreciated for his accordion skills, has co-operated with many Egyptian stars and legends, including Farid Al Atrash.
One of his most famous compositions for belly dance is Shik Shak Shok, whose most famous performance is that by Soheir Zaki in 1979, in the Egyptian movie ‘Yomhel w la yohmel’
3. Essam Rashad
Essam Rashad was born in Cairo he began writing music at a very early age and has co-operated with the Egyptian national Classical Orchestra.
Essam Rashad is particularly skilled in playing the oud and the violin.
4. Mohamed Abdel Wahab
Mohamed Abdel Wahab was one of the most prolific Egyptian composers, singers and oud players and is one of the most popular Classical Egyptian musicians.
Mohamed was born in Cairo in 1907 and he wrote and sung hundreds of songs.
He was also influenced by Western music, especially in the second half of his career. A famous belly dance song by Mohamed Abdel Wahab is Leyle Hob (Night of love).
Egyptian Pop Music and Musicians
Egyptian pop music has developed Since the 1970s, with its roots in traditional rhythms but with a modern twist.
Some of the most popular Egyptian pop musicians are listed below.
Amr Diab
Amr Diab is one of the most know Egyptian pop musicians in the world, with at least 16 top-selling albums and worldwide tours.
Amr Diab’s repertoire includes several songs loved by belly dancers all over the world, such as the famous Habibi.
Shereen
Shereen is an Egyptian singer and actress, who graduated from a prominent Egyptian Music Academy.
Her first hit, famous among belly dancers, is Ah YaLeil.
Mohamed Hamaki
Mohamed Hamaki is an Egyptian singer. His first album was called “Khallena N’eesh” (Let’s Live!) and was released in 2003.
It features 10 songs all arranged by the famous arranger Tarek Madkour.
Hakim
Hakim, nicknamed the ‘Lion of Egypt’ is famous worldwide and has toured many countries in the world.
His music is close to the roots of Egyptian music, but it has a modern edge at the same time.
Hakim is very famous among belly dancers, with albums such as ‘Lela’, which includes the songs Aamelna Ele Aalena, Ha Boussou, Eda Baa among others. His style is Shaabi.
Ruby
Ruby started her career as a model and she is now a famous Egyptian actress and singer.
Her two albums are Eba’a Abelni and Meshit Wara Ehsasy.
Ruby’s first music video was Enta Aref Leih, in which she appears as a belly dancer. Another hit by Ruby is Leih Bedari Keda.
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Dr Valeria Lo Iacono is a belly dancer and a dance researcher with a PhD in dance and heritage. Valeria also teaches and performs as a belly dance but also enjoys learning ballet, jazz dance and other dance genres.
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