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

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Some live performances are iconic events that define our music scene, from the fusion of traditional and modern sounds to electrifying collaborations that unite generations. This article revisits some of the most iconic live performances that have left an indelible mark on the music scene. From the legendary 1989 Raï concert in Paris to recent groundbreaking mash-ups and medleys, these moments showcase Arabic music’s dynamic and evolving nature.

1- Rachid Taha, Faudel, & Cheb Khaled – Abdel Kader (Paris 1989)

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The 1989 live performance in Paris featuring Rachid Taha, Faudel, and Cheb Khaled stands as a landmark event in the realm of Raï music. This iconic concert, particularly Abdel Kader’s performance with the accompaniment of a full orchestra, is celebrated for its unmatched energy and the seamless blending of traditional and contemporary sounds. Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage in a memorable performance.

2- Amr Diab – Ana Ayesh (Marina 2004)

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Amr Diab is known for being the ultimate summer icon, yet his concert at Marina’s Roman Theatre in 2004 remains a beacon in his career. Remixing some of our favourite classics to the electrifying energy of the crowd, the concert is still remembered by his fans to this day, 20 years later. One song particularly stood out, Ana Ayesh, which was reproduced to a tabla and drums beat instead of the original slow version.  

3- Wegz & Angham – Kol Ma Narab & Al Bakht Mash up (Riydah 2023)

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In an unexpected surprise, Angham invited Wegz as a guest singer to her concert during the Riydah season in 2023. The musical duo truly startled the crowd with a mash-up of the 2000 masterpiece Kol Ma Narab and the beloved Gen Z hit Al Bakht. Not only bringing two genres together, Angham and Wegz brought two generations together in a performance that left both millennials and Gen Z speechless and in agreement for once.

4- Aziz Maraka – Gany (Red Bull Soundclash 2019)

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Aziz Maraka and Sharmoofers’ Red Bull Soundclash edition remains one of the most memorable from the concert series. The 2019 edition, in fact, didn’t clash and brought us some of our favourite tracks revamped and reimagined, one of which is Hakim’s Gany performed by Aziz Maraka.

5- Wama & Tamer Hosny – Ba’eesh & Dah Kalam Mash up (Alexandria 2015)

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In the heart of Alexandria, in Smouha Club, Tamer Hosny invited Wama to the stage in a heart-touching performance, mashing up his hit Ba’eesh with their signature track, Dah Kalam. The performance went viral and was posted as a recorded track across all musical platforms for fans to enjoy.

6- Sherine Abdel Wahab – Medley (Joy Awards 2024)

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Preparing for her anticipated comeback, Sherine took the Joy Awards stage by storm with our favourite songs reproduced and brought together in a medley that proceeded to be viral for days.