Dina El-Wedidi at Greek Campus (Photo: Ahram Online)
Dina El-Wedidi's album launch Tedawar w Tergaa (“Turing Back”) took place on 24 October at 8pm at the Greek Campus in downtown Cairo.
El-Wedidi has been working on the album for two years alongside bassist Miles Jay and violinist Nancy Mounir, both of whom played a pivotal role in its production. The album includes 11 songs ranging between old and new productions, all infused with novel arrangements.
Almost 10 days before the release, El-Wedidi announced that the new album presents a range of Egyptian traditional and folklore sounds, and that she has been working on the album for over six years.
The album tackles a number of sociopolitical themes, some of which are personal, and others more general. Being a Cairo-based musician, El-Wedidi finds inspirations Egypt’ streets, which she later quotes in her songs through lyrics and compositions.
El-Wedidi also features world-renowned Brazilian musician, Gilberto Gil, who mentored her in “The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative” and called her “a new born-star.” El-Wedidi joined the legendary Gilberto Gil in 2012, on stage in the UK, USA, Brazil, Switzerland and Egypt at the Cairo Jazz Festival in 2013. Their collaboration had a big influence on El-Wedidi, and led her to feature Gil on the album’s song, “The Night”.
El-Wedidi has also collaborated with the traditional Mazaher ensemble, once again meeting on stage in a fusion between the traditional and modern worlds.
Track-list:
1. In Wonderland
2. Sin
3. Circles
4. Homeland
5. El Sira
6. Trees Address Me
7. The Night featuring Gilberto Gil
8. The Grief Of The South
9. Turning Back
10. The Ardor Of Love
11. Stillness
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