Latest news with #Asmahan
Al-Ahram Weekly
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Autostrad band gives a concert in El Sawy Culturewheel's Nile University branch - Music and dance - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Singing House (Amir Bashtak Palace) Al-Muaaz St, Tel 02 2787 9187 Wed 16, 8pm: Honoring the memory of late Syrian singer Asmahan, Alfan Alsadek band gives a concert, in cooperation with Musician Farid Alatrash Lovers Society. Thurs 17, 8pm: Babyion band. Arab Oud House (Beit Al-Harrawi) Mohamed Abdu St, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Tel 02 2510 4174 Every Sunday, 8pm (Free entry): The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, founded by artist Zakariya El-Hagawy, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Amir Taz Palace 27 Al-Syoufiya St, off Al-Saliba St, Al-Khalifa District, Tel 02 2514 2581 Thurs 10, 8pm: Voice band, led by artist Islam Gad. Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Moez St, Al-Darb Al Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Friday, 8pm (Free entry): 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Karakouz and The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat. Thurs 17, 8pm: Alshakmagia troupe, led by artist Ashraf Khamis, in a repertoire of classical Arab songs. Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Thurs 10, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre concert. Small Hall Thurs 17, 9pm: The Egyptian-American Festival for Cinema and Arts concert. Al-Ghouri Dome 111 Al-Azhar St, Al-Ghouriya, Tel 02 2506 0227 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7pm). Fri 11, 8pm: Al-Khan band, led by artist Fady Elmaghraby. Thurs 17, 8pm: Alsohbagia band, led by artist Wael Sobhy. Makan 1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878 Every Tuesday, 8pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band. Every Wednesday, 8pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah. Rawabet Art Space 5 Hussien Pasha El-Meaamar St. ext. of Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Maarouf, Qasr El Nil, Downtown Fri 11, 8pm: Sohba Semsemeya, a musical and singing show featuring traditional Semsemeya arts and Port-Saidi bambutiya dances. Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159 Thurs 10, 8pm: Jeff Buckley's Grace remains a singular work of art haunting, intricate and emotionally explosive. On this special night, Ahmed Tawfik and Youssef Amarey come together for an intimate, unplugged performance of the album, in quiet tribute to its emotional and musical depth. Fri 11, 8pm: 90'z interactive stand-up comedy show. Tues 15, 8pm: Karaoke night. Wed 16, 8pm: Articaria is unique entertainment show that satisfies audience with tunes and laughs featuring Ezz Shahwan, bassist, guitarist and music composer, Gilan Alaa, an actress who is one of the popular content creators on the social media and is known for her comedy content, and Bakri Khaled, a Syrian - Cairo based actor, scriptwriter and voiceover. Thurs 17, 8pm: The Hounds is a rock-'n'-roll/rockabilly and classic rock cover band that was formed back in 2015. The band will be performing a not-to-be-missed, handpicked setlist of classics and oldies, ranging from legends like the King Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and The Kinks to Queen, The Rolling Stones, Stray Cats, and Cream. The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo Thurs 10, 9pm: Karaoke night. Sat 12, 9pm: The Comedy Bunch stand-up comedy show Mon 14, 9pm: Cassette 90 band nostalgia 90's. Wed 16 and Thurs 17, 9pm: Karaoke night. El Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 River Hall Thurs 10, 8pm: Sufi chanting by El-Hadra troupe. Thurs 17, 8pm: Jordanian band Autostrad gives a concert in El Sawy Culturewheel branch in Nile University, El-Sheikh Zayed. Wisdom Hall Thurs 10, 6.30pm and 8.30pm: El Sawy Culturewheel Puppet Theatre show revives the concerts of diva Umm Kolthoum performing two of her much-loved songs. Fri 11, 8pm: A stand-up comedy show by Comedy Gang. Teatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt Thurs 10, 8pm: A concert of dancing, singing, and music straight from the heart of Egyptian folklore with Tablet El Sitt band. Fri 11, 8pm: Ain Gamal Vol 42 stand-up comedy show. * A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Middle East's (Rumoured) Superstar Spies
They sang. They danced. They dazzled. And—maybe—they knew a little too much. In the golden decades of Arab pop culture—when borders shifted, alliances blurred, and cafés buzzed with more than just gossip—fame didn't always come with just fan mail and flowers. Sometimes, it came with surveillance, suspicion, and the occasional whisper of a double life. Whether courted by kings, followed by colonisers, working with intelligence—or simply brushing up against it—these iconic women remain the subject of speculation, admiration, and (possibly) a few very classified files. Were they spies? Not quite. But were they close enough to secrets to make the question irresistible? Absolutely. Asmahan With a voice that could command silence and a lineage rooted in Druze nobility, Asmahan was a 1930s and 40s star who seemed destined for more than just the stage. In 1941, she allegedly took on a mission for British intelligence to sway Syria's Druze community towards the Allies—a rumour that followed her through hotel corridors and colonial backrooms alike. Her sudden death in a 1944 car crash—after surviving both a shooting and a suspected sabotage—left behind more questions than answers, sealing her legacy as one of the Arab world's most haunting enigmas. Hind Rostom The ultimate golden-age bombshell and often dubbed the 'Marilyn Monroe of the Arab World', Hind Rostom reigned as Egyptian cinema's queen of the 1950s and 60s—equal parts charisma and controversy. Though she always denied any involvement, gossip columns and declassified documents have long suggested that Egyptian operatives may have tried to recruit her—or used her image to get closer to businessmen and diplomats across the region. Whether myth or misplaced fascination, the whispers clung to her long after the cameras stopped rolling. Warda Al-Jazairia Known for her powerful voice and revolutionary Algerian anthems, Warda often found herself in rooms where history was being made. Her proximity to political leaders during the Nasser and Boumediene years led to speculation that she may have played a behind-the-scenes role in communication—though her focus, by all official accounts, remained music. Fayza Ahmed A voice that floated across borders, Fayza Ahmed was known not only for her rich vocals but for her effortless grace on stage and off. Though she was never linked directly to espionage, whispers from biographers suggest she may have been quietly monitored—her elegant presence at high-society gatherings and frequent travels catching the eye of Syrian and Egyptian intelligence. Some say she was occasionally nudged into passing along a word here or there. If she ever did, she made it look like part of the performance. Samia Gamal The glittering queen of belly dance, Samia Gamal didn't just dazzle on stage—she shimmered through the ballrooms of diplomacy and the corridors of Cairo's elite. Her high-profile relationships with powerful men and regular appearances at official state functions turned her into a favourite subject of intelligence-era whisper campaigns. Some speculated her grace and access made her an ideal 'listener' in the right rooms. Nothing was ever confirmed—but as with all icons, the mystique only deepened with the rumour. Ragaa Al-Geddawy A crowned beauty queen turned fashion icon, Ragaa Al-Geddawy carried herself with the polish of someone who knew what to say—and when to say nothing at all. Long before she became a TV darling, she moved through the elite circles of Cairo, Beirut and Paris, where whispers claimed she occasionally helped certain 'friends of the state' pick up chatter at chic soirées and embassy balls, where style and soft power often shared the same runway. Nothing on paper, of course—just perfectly timed glances and the kind of silence that speaks volumes. Sabah A dazzling icon of Lebanese stage and screen, Sabah's life was a swirl of marriages, world tours, and encounters with presidents and princes. She was famously described in gossip magazines as having 'more intel than the CIA,' a tongue-in-cheek nod to her deep reach into political and social circles. There's no evidence she was ever involved in any spycraft—but with a life that colourful, who could resist the speculation?
CairoScene
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
New West End Musical Revives Asmahan's Story on London Stage
Set in 1940s Cairo, 'Asmahan' aims to introduce the legendary singer's untold story to international audiences. Jun 02, 2025 A new musical celebrating the life of Arab music icon Asmahan is set to premiere in London's West End. The production, titled 'Asmahan', will be staged at the Peacock Theatre on June 16th and the 17th, 2025, and aims to introduce the legendary singer's untold story to international audiences. Set in 1940s Cairo, the musical is structured in two acts: the first unfolds during a backstage interview at the Opera House, while the second recreates a live concert. The show explores the personal and professional complexities of Asmahan's life, tracing her rise to stardom and the cultural significance she held in the Arab world. Themes of identity, fame, and artistry are central to the narrative, as the production seeks to capture the spirit of a figure who challenged expectations during a transformative period in Arab music history. The cast includes Syrian-Armenian soprano Lena Chamamyan in the titular role, with Egyptian jazz vocalist Ahmed Harfoush portraying her brother, the celebrated composer Farid Al Atrash. Live renditions of Asmahan's songs form the heart of the performance, accompanied by choreography and projections that evoke the atmosphere of mid-century Cairo. Produced by AM Management and Productions and Beyond, the musical combines Arabic musical heritage with Western theatrical sensibilities to create a cross-cultural experience that reflects Asmahan's own multifaceted identity. Tickets for the musical start at GBP 28, with both performances scheduled for 8:00 PM.
CairoScene
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Styled Archives: Asmahan's Most Memorable Moments
Asmahan's style reflected both the glamour of Hollywood and the regal heritage of the Levant. Few figures in Arabic music and cinema embody mystery, elegance, and tragedy like Asmahan. With an ethereal voice, a captivating presence, and a life marked by intrigue and rumor, she remains one of the most enigmatic artists of the 20th century. Born Amal Al-Atrash in 1912 into a prominent Syrian Druze family, Asmahan was raised between nobility and exile. Her family's relocation to Egypt set the stage for a remarkable musical journey, as her natural vocal talent was cultivated in Cairo's thriving artistic scene. Her rise was meteoric. With a voice that could rival Umm Kulthum's, Asmahan's haunting melodies, infused with both Western classical influence and Levantine tradition, secured her a place among the musical greats. Yet, her life offstage was anything but harmonious. Her associations with intelligence agencies during World War II, combined with a turbulent personal life, along with her mysterious death made her a subject of endless speculation. Asmahan's public presence was synonymous with refinement. She channelled the elegance of the 1930s and 1940s with her signature structured gowns, delicate lace details, and luxurious silk fabrics. Whether in a floor-length velvet dress for an evening performance or a tailored suit with a cinched waist for a Parisian outing, her style reflected both the glamour of Hollywood and the regal heritage of the Levant. Her voluminous waves, deep side parts, and bold, dark lips became a hallmark of her image, a timeless beauty captured in monochrome stills that endure to this day. Childhood | 1920s Born as Amal Al-Atrash aboard a ship fleeing the Ottoman Empire, Asmahan's early years were shaped by displacement and nobility. In these photos, she wears a modest dark dress, typical of elite Levantine families in the early 20th century. The neatly cut wavy bob (second photo) vs the straight hair style at her childhood (first photo) hints at the growing influence of Western styles, which would later dominate her aesthetic. Growing Up in Jabal Al-Arab | 1920s Asmahan, seen here with a relative in Syria's mountainous Druze region, wearing traditional Bedouin headscarf in contrast to the more structured European styles she would later adopt. With Her Mother, Alia Al-Munther | late 1920s After her father's death, Asmahan's mother, Alia, moved the family to Egypt. Dressed in black with pearls and a cloche hat, Alia's look is pure 1920s Art Deco elegance. Meanwhile, young Asmahan's lace-trimmed dress and sleek hair reflect an aristocratic girlhood. Rising Star with Farid Al-Atrash | 1930s Asmahan's ascent in Egyptian music paralleled the rise of Hollywood glamour. Here, she wears a fur-trimmed coat and deep waves, mirroring 1930s film icons like Greta Garbo. Her brother Farid's bow tie and sleek suit signal the Westernization of Egyptian entertainment fashion, with directly influences from French couture. Wedding to Hassan Al-Atrash | 1933 Marrying her cousin, Prince Hassan Al-Atrash, Asmahan moved to Syria's Sweida province. Her wedding gown is understated yet elegant, reflecting the 1930s' shift toward fluid, less-structured bridal designs. The headpiece maintains an air of nobility, while her husband's fitted suit echoes Western formalwear's rise in Middle Eastern aristocracy. Return to Egypt and Motherhood | 1938 Following her divorce, Asmahan returned to Egypt and resumed her career. This photo with her daughter Camelia captures her in a structured, button-up dress with lace embroidery—hallmarks of 1940s wartime fashion. The neat tailoring and soft puffed sleeves reflect a post-debutante maturity. Close Friendship with Journalist Ahmed Al-Tabi'i | Early 1940s Asmahan's sharp white suit and dramatic black hat in this image reflect the femme fatale aesthetic of the early 1940s. Her structured shoulders and cinched waist align with the power dressing of wartime fashion, projecting an independent and enigmatic persona. This look contrasts with her earlier soft, romantic styles. Cinematic Debut in The Triumph of Youth | 1941 In her first film, The Triumph of Youth, Asmahan embodies 1940s Hollywood elegance with a glamorous, fur-accented lapel. Her glossy, side-parted curls and bold lips mirror the golden age of cinema. She wears a draped gown with a cinched waist, emphasizing a sophisticated silhouette. The deep V-neckline and soft, flowing fabric, likely silk or satin, add a touch of luxury. Her bold accessories—statement necklace, earrings, and a belt—enhance the regal look. Final Film Love and Revenge | 1944 Asmahan's last movie poster immortalizes her in a classic 1940s cinematic style—structured waves, dramatic brows. Her co-star Youssef Wahbi's formal attire mirrors her polished elegance. Tragically, she died in a mysterious car accident before completing the film. Asmahan in Cairo 1942 In this striking portrait, Asmahan embodies 1930s and 1940s high fashion with a bold, almost cinematic presence. She wears a structured, tailored coat with decorative buttons. A fur stole draped over her shoulder enhances the luxurious feel of her outfit, a symbol of status in that era. The pointed hat, tilted stylishly, adds a dramatic, almost theatrical flair, reminiscent of classic femme fatales.
