Egypt’s musical history stretches from ancient traditions through Arabic classical music, regional folk styles, devotional performance, and modern popular song. These examples provide a broad introduction before focusing on the country’s Sufi singing tradition.
The music of Egypt has been an integral part of Egyptian culture since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians credited one of their gods Hathor with the invention of music, which Osiris in turn used as part of his effort to civilize the world. The earliest material and representational evidence of Egyptian musical instruments dates to the Predynastic period, but the evidence is more securely attested in the Old Kingdom when harps, flutes anddouble clarinets were played.[1] Percussion instruments, lyres and lutes were added to orchestras by the Middle Kingdom. Cymbals[2] frequently accompanied music and dance, much as they still do in Egypt today. Egyptian folk music, including the traditional Sufidhikr rituals, are the closest contemporary music genre to ancient Egyptian music, having preserved many of its features, rhythms and instruments.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Egypt” article
This overview introduces sounds and imagery associated with Egypt’s broad musical heritage.
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tuni represents Egypt’s devotional Sufi singing tradition.