Egyptian folk artist Abdel Baset Hamouda and independent band Hawas will perform on 5 June at Darb 1718, as part of the Layalina Ramadan festival.

Independent Egyptian band Hawas was founded in 2014 by five former members of Maghna Khan. The band’s lineup now includes eight musicians: lead vocalist Mahmoud Khateeb, accordionist Marwan Fawzi, keyboardist Amir Rasmy, oudis Hisham Anas, drummer Ahmed Tito, and percussionist Bouda Abu El-Yazeed.

Hawas’ alternative music aims to explore new and varied musical directions, blending genres. Their lyrics, meanwhile, aim to express the drama, pain, and joy of the human condition. The band released two self-produced EPs in 2015, the self-titled Hawas and Like Winter.

Egyptian folk artist Abdel Baset Hamouda, the other big musical attraction at the festival, was born in 1960 in the town of Abu Qir, Alexandria. Hamouda’s passion for music springs from a childhood spent listening to music in the sidewalk cafes of his underprivileged neighborhood, memorizing songs, which he then performed during local festivities.

The singer went on to create music of his own, recording two albums, Kolak Aagebny (I Like all of You), and Bedoon Montage (Without Montage). Then in 1996 he went back to performing at weddings and other events. It was not until 2008 that Hammouda returned to the music scene with another album, Darbet Mo’alem, which translates roughly as "the clever one strikes".

The Layalina festival, held during the month of Ramadan, will include a variety of musical acts and performances, as well as art exhibitions.

Programme:
Thursday, 15 June, 9pm-11:30pm
Darb 1718

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