The debut album of artist and musician Abdullah Miniawy will be released at Zawya on 19 April. Titled Attempts of the Middle – A Riot, A Fall, A Shrine, the album and performance combines cinema with music to create an audiovisual experience.

With music and lyrics composed by Miniawy, the project involves a collection of texts; philosophical, realistic and classical.

The project discusses various political, social and philosophical concepts.

According to Zawya’s description, the work is “a vigilant variation of minimal compositions combining the different elements of Jazz, Hip Hop, and the art of slamming and chants.”

Musicians joining Miniawy in the performance include bassist Youssef Hassan, violinist and vocalist Grasa Cravelio, and vocalist Kholoud Adel.

Visual artist Dina Shohdy and sculptor Haitham Sherif also collaborate on the project to introduce a live, interactive experience to the audience.

On his personal Facebook page, Miniaway stated that the timing of the event “at 3pm is very important, as it is outside of the ordinary in all aspects,” urging students and employees to plan ahead for attending the show: “don’t work, don’t study.”

He also described his choice of Zawya as a venue for the album release “as a new station for lighting up the alternative art scene that is described as 'below the line of professionals', after being disappointed with many festivals in many places, and their lack of support for the alternative music scene.”

A poet, composer and chanter from Fayoum, Miniawy has performed across multiple theatres in Egypt and internationally.

This album comes after a one-year hiatus from the music scene, before which he was touring with musician Ahmed Saleh for three years.

His repertoire includes many distinct compositions for film and contemporary dance.

Programme:
Tuesday, 19 April at 3pm
Zawya, Cinema Odeon, 4 Abdel-Hamid Said Street, off Talaat Harb Street, Downtown, Cairo

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