End-of-year celebrations at many schools across Egypt highlight how culture, music, and childhood creativity come together to mark the end of the academic year. These showcases draw on a wide spectrum of influences, historical, regional, and contemporary, to demonstrate how music can illuminate identity, foster cultural understanding, and inspire young people.
The Kawmeya Language Schools in Alexandria marked the end of the academic year with a vibrant concert and theatre programme that celebrated student talent across different periods and cultures. Under the direction of Laila Mahdi, head of the English Department at the schools, the celebration closed the year with performances that spanned Pharaonic heritage to contemporary styles using a mix of Oriental and Western music.
“Though the school year is always packed with study and exams, we are always keen to show the cultural and musical talents of our students,” Mahdi said. She added that this would not be possible without the exceptional teamwork of teachers from all departments, especially that of music.
“The celebration to mark the end of the school year is a total symphony of colours, featuring contributions from all our teachers to produce the best results,” she added.
From the first through the fifth grade, all the pupils took part, dazzling the audience with a dance and choir performance.
Malak Ahmed, a fifth‑grade IGCSE student, said she looks forward to this day every year. “I always look forward to the opportunity to perform on stage. From pre-school to grade five, I have never missed a show,” she said.
Even though the fifth grade has a heavy syllabus, these activities are a welcome break for students to listen to music, rehearse dances, and choose their outfits.
Malak spoke about her Pharaoh‑inspired outfit, describing it as “a beautiful dress with beautiful accessories. I am proud to wear it this year,” she said after the performance.
Fareeda Fouad, a third‑year student, delighted the audience with a hip‑hop solo in the children’s choir while wearing a colourful jumpsuit. “I cannot imagine my life without singing or dancing. It’s part of my soul,” Fareeda said.
She also sings with the Alexandria Sporting Club Choir, showing how musical experiences weave through different strands of her life.
“ Malak and I try to memorise songs on YouTube to get the lyrics and see how stars perform them. It makes us more aware of Arabic and Egyptian culture,” she added.
Alyaa Wageeh, the mother of six‑year‑old Selim, observed that the end-of-year celebrations and concerts throughout the year make school more enjoyable for pupils. “They love music, dancing, and singing like any other children,” she said. “Today Selim did a jungle dance and was already very excited about the show.”
Many parents said that music should be valued as much as core subjects like maths and science. It nourishes the soul, they said, and makes their children look forward to school, while also introducing them to different cultures and fostering pride in their own musical history and heritage.
Hoda Khattab, a musician who works at the Spanish Cultural Centre in Alexandria, described music as a lifelong companion. “Music can change the personality and motivate you to be a better person in life,” she said. “I cannot imagine life without the cultural aspects.”
Khattab began singing in the choir at school, where she participated in activities throughout her education and quickly earned recognition for her talent. She said that her teachers had often selected her and two other pupils to perform at school events.
One of her earliest memories is of performing a solo rendition of “Those Were the Days,” a 1969 hit made famous by UK singer Mary Hopkin. “I remember I did my first solo with the school. It remains one of my favourite memories,” she said.
Her university years deepened her understanding of Arabic music and vocal technique. She later joined a group called Gwana for the Arts, a move she describes as a turning point that broadened her musical and cultural horizons.
“It taught me everything when it comes to music, culture, and theatrical performance. It also taught me how to stand tall on stage and be fearless and confident,” Khattab said. She performed in major productions and shared the stage with prominent Egyptian artists, including Mohamed Hamaki and Hesham Al-Gakh.
The group also served as an official musical group of the Alexandria Governorate for three years, a role Khattab says helped transform her professionally and personally.
Reflecting on her journey, Khattab said that her experiences had helped her realise the richness of cultural diversity and taught her how deeply people can enjoy life through music.
“I came to realise how rich our culture is and how much one can enjoy life through it,” she said, adding that music is more than just an art form since it is also a gateway to greater cultural understanding and personal growth.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 11 June, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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