Curated in Cairo by millenial3alakher, it captures the raw energy of Egypt’s streets, where echoes of the past are in sync with sounds of change.
Egyptians have long used music as a form of everyday activism, resistance, and identity reclamation. Whether through folk songs, revolutionary anthems, or underground hip-hop, music has been a tool to challenge authority, express dissent, and unite people. It has been a powerful tool of resistance, a voice for the oppressed, and a means of reclaiming identity. From the 1919 Revolution against British colonial occupation to the 2011 Revolution that led to the fall of Hosni Mubarak regime, songs have played an essential role in mobilizing people, spreading revolutionary messages, and fostering a sense of unity among Egyptians.
Here we explore how Egyptians use music in their struggle for change.
Street protests and public spaces
The 1919 Revolution was a nationwide movement against British colonial occupation, sparked by the exile of Independence leader Saad Zaghloul. It saw the participation of Egyptians from all walks of life, including workers, intellectuals, women, and students. Female-led chants and traditional zaghareet were a constant presence in 1919. Music became a central part of the resistance, helping to inspire and sustain the movement.
Sayyid Darwish: the voice of the 1919 Revolution
One of the most influential figures in the 1919 Revolution was Sayyid Darwish, often called the “Father of Modern Egyptian Music.” His songs were deeply political, addressing themes of national pride, resistance, and social justice.
Bilady, Bilady, Bilady (بلادي بلادي بلادي)
This song, inspired by nationalist leader Mustafa Kamel, became the rallying cry of the revolution. Its lyrics emphasized Egyptians emotional connection to their motherland and the rejection of foreign rule. Later, it was adopted as Egypt’s national anthem.
Oum Ya Masry (قوم يا مصري)
A call to action for Egyptians to rise against colonial rule, this song urged people to take pride in their nation and work toward independence.
Salma Ya Salama (سلمى يا سلامة)
Originally about the return of Egyptians from exile, this song took on revolutionary meaning as a symbol of resistance and resilience.
Nearly a century after the 1919 uprising, Egypt witnessed another historic revolution in 2011. On January 25, millions of Egyptians took to the streets, demanding the end of Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule. Just like in 1919, music played a central role in this revolution, energizing protesters and amplifying their calls for freedom and justice.
During the 2011 uprising, songs like “Irhal” by Ramy Essam and “Sout El Horeya” by Cairokee were sung in Tahrir Square to energize crowds and spread messages of resistance. Music artists often performed in front of graffiti murals of martyrs and revolutionary icons, keeping their memory alive through sound and visuals.
Ramy Essam: the soundtrack of tahrir square
One of the most iconic figures of the 2011 Revolution was Ramy Essam, known as ‘The Singer of the Revolution.’ With his guitar, he performed live in Tahrir Square, turning chants into songs that became instant anthems.
Irhal (إرحل – “Leave”)
Based on slogans chanted by protesters, this song directly called for Mubarak’s resignation. It quickly became one of the most powerful anthems of the revolution.
Ya Beladi (يا بلادي – “Oh My Country”)
A deeply emotional patriotic song that evoked the sacrifices of past and present generations in the fight for freedom.
Essam’s music was so influential that he was later arrested and tortured by the anti-revolution regime, highlighting the power of revolutionary music.
Cairokee: giving a voice to a generation
The Egyptian rock band Cairokee also emerged as a defining voice of the 2011 Revolution. Their fusion of rock, folk, and electronic music resonated with young Egyptians seeking change.
Sout El Horeya (صوت الحرية – “The Sound of Freedom”)
Released during the protests, this song became an anthem for those fighting for democracy. The music video, filmed in Tahrir Square, captured the true spirit of the uprising.
Ya El Medan (يا الميدان – “Oh, the Square”)
A tribute to Tahrir Square, celebrating it as a space of unity, resistance, and hope.
Folk and heritage music as resistance
Beyond Darwish, everyday Egyptians used folk music and street performances to spread revolutionary messages in 1919. Protesters adapted traditional zajal (rhymed spoken poetry) to create impromptu protest songs that ridiculed British authorities and encouraged defiance.
In 2011, working-class Egyptians use Shaabi music (like tracks by Ahmed Adaweya and later, electro-Shaabi artists like Islam Chipsy) to express everyday struggles and frustrations with social injustices. The politically charged songs of Sheikh Imam & Ahmed Fouad Negm remain relevant, often played at gatherings to remind people of past struggles and inspire new resistance.
Women, often excluded from direct political participation, used ululation (zaghareet) and revolutionary songs to contribute to protests. Street vendors and workers integrated revolutionary lyrics into their work songs, ensuring that resistance messages were heard even in daily routines.
Musicians performed in coffeehouses and public squares, turning these spaces into hubs of revolutionary thought and discussion. The use of music in the 1919 and 2011 Revolution was so effective that the British and Egyptian authorities attempted to ban certain songs and arrest performers, but the music continued to spread underground, proving that censorship could not silence the people’s voice.
Underground and rap music as protest
Unlike in 1919, when folk music was the dominant form of resistance, hip-hop and rap became the revolutionary soundscape for Egypt’s youth in 2011. Rappers addressed police brutality, social injustice, and government corruption. Arabian Knightz released “Rebel,” one of the first Egyptian hip-hop songs to go viral during the protests. El Deeb and other underground artists used rap to express frustrations with dictatorship and economic inequality.
The influence of hip-hop symbolized a shift—youth were reclaiming global music styles and adapting them to their local struggle.
Rap is also used as a tool for social critique. Egyptian rappers like Wegz, Abyusif, and Marwan Pablo tackle themes of police brutality, poverty, and political oppression. Rap has become the new voice of the disillusioned youth.
Digital activism and music
Social Media as a Platform: Protest songs are often uploaded to YouTube and TikTok, reaching millions instantly. This was crucial during and after the 2011 Revolution when state-controlled media suppressed dissenting voices. Young artists remix classic revolutionary songs into new styles (trap, electro-Shaabi), making them relevant to new generations.
Religious and sufi songs as spiritual resistance
Many Egyptians turn to Sufi chants and dhikr (remembrance) as a way to reclaim cultural and spiritual identity, resisting authorities control over religious expression. Coptic Egyptians use hymns and religious songs to strengthen their community and presence.
Women resistance through music
Egyptian women have long used music as a powerful tool of resistance, self-expression, and social change. From ancient times to the present, they have challenged patriarchal norms, oppressive regimes, and societal restrictions through their voices, lyrics, and performances. Here are some key moments and figures in Egyptian women’s musical resistance:
Early 20th Century: Pioneers of Feminist Music
During Egypt’s nationalist movements in the early 20th century, women musicians played a vital role in shaping public discourse.
Umm Kulthum (1898–1975): Known as the “Star of the East,” Umm Kulthum’s music was deeply nationalistic and often supported anti-colonial struggles. While she was not overtly feminist in her lyrics, her rise to prominence as a woman in a male-dominated society was itself an act of defiance.
Mounira El Mahdeya (1885–1965): The first Egyptian woman to perform on stage publicly, she broke significant barriers in music and theatre.
Post-Revolutionary Music & Social Change
After the 1952 revolution, music remained a space for subtle resistance against political oppression and gender discrimination.
Shadia (1931–2017): Famous for her nationalist songs, she also advocated for women’s empowerment through her film and music choices.
Dalida (1933–1987): Though more associated with international pop, her music often reflected themes of love and personal struggle, echoing the challenges faced by women.
Protest Music in the 21st Century
With the rise of political turmoil and feminist activism, Egyptian women have increasingly used music as an explicit form of protest.
Maryam Saleh: A contemporary artist blending rock, folk, and protest music, often addressing themes of oppression and resistance.
Dina El Wedidi: A folk musician whose work reflects the resilience and strength of Egyptian women.
Youssra El Hawary: A singer-songwriter known for satirical and socially conscious songs that challenge gender norms.
Underground & Alternative Music Scenes
Women in Egypt’s underground and independent music scenes use various genres—rap, electronic, folk—to address gender violence, harassment, and political repression.
Nouran Abutaleb & Fatma Said: Classical and fusion artists who bring global attention to Arab women’s voices.
Mennatullah Yehia (Rap/Trap Scene): One of the few female rappers in Egypt’s male-dominated hip-hop industry.
Modern Feminist & Revolutionary Songs
Music videos and performances by Egyptian women increasingly address topics like sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and political oppression. Songs such as “Meen El Sabab” by Youssra El Hawary and feminist rap tracks have become anthems for young Egyptian women.
Everyday soundscapes of resistance
Whether it’s taxi drivers blasting anti-government songs, street vendors singing improvised protest lyrics, or weddings featuring defiant Shaabi tracks, music is embedded in Egyptian daily life as a form of resistance.
Hey Jukebox
Listen to a playlist of the songs discussed in this blog on Spotify, or in the Museum on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm.
Image: All Eyes on Her! display wallpaper graphic by Egyptian designer Dina Zaitoun. The graphics captures the converstaions, sounds, sights, and WhatsApp stickers which made the project.