The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Egyptian cinema has long been celebrated for its rich storytelling, vibrant characters, and captivating visuals. Among the many elements contributing to the success of Egyptian films is the use of iconic music and background tracks. The mixture of cinematic narratives with carefully curated musical compositions has given rise to some unforgettable moments in Egyptian cinema, all of which we can recognise in a heartbeat. These eight iconic soundtracks have become inseparable from the emotional fabric of the films they accompany, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences.

Taymour & Shafika 

With music that reminds us of Eid mornings, the soundtrack of Taymour & Shafika weaves a soul-touching tune that elevates the on-screen fairy tale. Composed by Omar Khairat, this cinematic masterpiece, released in 2007, swiftly established itself as a timeless tune in celebration of love. The music celebrates love and reminds us of the duo that instantly became one of Egypt’s most popular cinematic couples.

Tito 

Preceding the unmatched tunes he curated for Ibrahim El Abyad in 2009, the iconic Hesham Nazih had already left an indelible mark on Egyptian cinema in 2004 with his exceptional work in Tito. The background track from this film is a masterpiece, resonating with a one-of-a-kind vibe that etches itself into our memory. This musical composition, a testament to Nazih’s brilliance, holds a distinct quality that synchronises every scene with the music seamlessly.

Voy Voy Voy 

Crafted by Sary Hany, everyone left movie theatres blown away by the background tracks of Voy Voy Voy. The movie was released early in 2023 and starred Mohamed Faraag, Bayoumy Fouad, Nelly Karim, and Taha Desouky. It achieved incredible success and global recognition.

Hassan & Marcus  

With the musical composition of Yasser Abdelrahamn, Hassan & Marcus has tunes that undeniably stand out, mixing the feelings of unity with soft, soul-touching melodies, perfectly blending in with the movie’s plot. Being one of Egypt’s comedy-drama masterpieces, Hassan & Marcus is one of Egypt’s most recognised cinematic pieces, starring the renowned actor Adel Emam and the legendary Omar El Sherif. The background tunes were nothing short of beautiful.

Hob El Banat 

With a light plot and a soundtrack to match, the music from Hob El Banat brings us back to the good old days with tunes that remind us of a teenage crush. Produced in 2009, this timeless film has found new life in the digital era, recently trending on TikTok, proving the enduring charm of its soundtrack. This incredible score was composed by Omar Khairat.

Ely Baly Balk 

Composed by Khaled Hamed in 2003, Ely Baly Balk, starring Mohamed Saad, had a soundtrack as iconic as the film itself, adding humour to comedic scenes and emotion to the more soul-touching moments. The music was performed on Esaad Younis’ Sahbet el Saada in 2021.

El Ghawas

Starring the renowned late singer and actor Amer Mounib, the expectations were high for El Ghawas in terms of both plot and music. With the iconic song Ayamna, composed by Tarek Tawakkol, going viral, the movie’s background music got its fair share of recognition.

Fi Mahatet Masr 

In 2006, the collaboration of talented minds came to life in the form of Fi Mahtet Masr, where the acclaimed Belal Fadl penned the engaging plot. Adding another layer of brilliance to this cinematic creation was the musical expertise of Amr Ismail, whose compositions brought the narrative to life with dynamic resonance. Under the skilful direction of Ahmed Nader Galal, the film seamlessly weaves together a compelling storyline and a captivating score.