We are currently living in a virtual world were everything is controlled by technology, especially the media. With the advance progress of technology new applications started to emerge and give more chances to journalists to have control and manipulate the news.
Photo altered by Al-Ahram newspaper
Photo manipulation is term appeared with the development of technology through out the years. Simply, meaning changing the real picture to give another meaning. This concept was widely used in the summer 2006 in the war between Southern Lebanon and Israel and many images were being manipulated and send to users on the web. Today, the BBC found an interesting incident that happened in the Egyptian press as Al-Ahram one of the most oldest newspapers in the M.E altered an image http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11313738
Although it’s misunderstood in Egypt to have a governing body to monitor because the society and journalists think this is against democracy and freedom of speech.
The real photo was taken in Wash. D.C a week ago.
However, this incident shows that the press in Egypt needs ethics, regulations and monitoring to make sure that journalists are not playing around and faking news or images. With new technology emerging journalists ought to have more ethical standards and principles in order to be a role model in the society.
It’s a place beyond anyone’s imagination and a place that no one of us can live in; it’s the “Zabaleen” area near “Mookatm” in Cairo. The place is very interesting and exciting to visit. People should go there to see how these people are living because without them we would have a massive problem in getting rid of our garbage.
Therefore, people and the government ought to thank and help them in developing their area. The place was originally formed by Egyptian Copts coming from Upper Egypt to work in Cairo, internal immigration, but finding jobs wasn’t so easy for them; therefore, they started to work as garbage collectors for whole of Cairo and they took this area as their base. The place there is very small, squatter, and full of smells and diseases. In addition to that, the roads are very narrow and small and if you walked through them you will find piles and piles of garbage on both sides.
More than ten tons are collected from Cairo daily.
Also, there are buildings that have apartments for the garbage collectors to live in. what is special about that place is that there is a recycling factory where paper and plastics are recycled and used once again. Families there have a certain process in the recycling operation. Some families have machines that recycle on their own others go to the recycling factory. First the family takes the garbage they collected and start to separate each thing alone, where all the family members are helping each other. For example, they put all steal or metal objects on one side, papers and plastics on another side in order not to be mixed together. After separating the garbage the collectors take the precious and useful things and send the rest of garbage to the recycling factory.
In the “Zabaleen” area there is an association called the “Association for the Protection of the Environment” (P.V.E). This association was built in 1988 in order to help and solve the problems of this society. Problems like education and health problems were there main concern to solve. The association established many campaigns in the area in order to aware people on how to live in a healthy and clean environment.
The association also developed center for collecting, separating and recycling garbage at “katameya” because the place in the “Zabaleen” area is not that much. Also, they built nursery schools for young children in order to make them have education because children there help their parents in separating garbage and don’t go to schools.
Kids don't go to school and help their parents in collecting garbage.
Not only was it concerned with the people but also the society itself by paving the roads, developing water and sewage systems. Thus, the association made a great contribution by developing the area but still more in need to be done. Inside the “Zabaleen” area there is monastery called the “Sam’an monastery”. It’s all made of natural caves that are magnificent and full of tourists. Copts consider it a very holy and sacred place and going there is like pilgrim for Muslims. However, in my opinion, this area ought to be developed and supported by the government because if these people are neglected they will definitely die and we will live in places that are full of garbage’s and diseases. More recycling factories need to be established since the consumption of garbage is increasing that can be used in generating energy and electricity. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on such an area and try to improve and develop it.
Cairo, Egypt- Loud music, teenagers dancing and singing with the music but the hall of wisdom in Al-Saqia Culture Wheel is not full of fans.
This was the reaction of the fans towards “Yesterday Lied Band.”
In a society that doesn’t accept metal, rock music it was very difficult to the band to start. Metal music or bands in Egypt is not widely spread as many picture it as a sin or “devilish music” since anyone relates it to the devil because singers wear black clothes with weird slogans, sing loudly and use inappropriate words.
Yet, the metal scene in Egypt has always been present but there were always problems and debates facing them.
“With the new technology like YouTube and face book the society became more aware and accepting to the metal music,” said Rashid Wagih, guitarist, Yesterday Lied Band.
He added that groups on face book and up loaded videos on YouTube and MySpace helped people to understand metal and that’s not related to the devil groups that appeared in the 1990′s.
The band, formed 2006, is mainly influenced by old school heavy metal bands and that reflects heavily on their song writing and compositions.
“We get inspired by events happening in around us whether it’s political, cultural or anything,” said Wagih. “We composed a song called “first to decay” and it’s about the political situation in Gaza.”
Bands like “Yesterday lied” and other are still unknown for the public. Yet, other bands like “Wyvern” are going international and are producing albums.
WYVERN was the first heavy metal band to play in the SOS Music Festival in November 2006 in-front of 15,000 people. This concert gave Wyvern more popularity and the band became more than any underground band.
In an interview with Rock Era Online Magazine, Marwan Shaaban, Wyvern Vocalist, said that they have always been dreaming to produce a metal album. He added that it took the band a lot of effort and time to produce the album.
The album called “The Clown” produced in 2009 by Wave Studio and it features seven tracks and its available now in stores.
Wagih said that bands like Wyvern, Cairoke and others are taking the underground rock and metal music in Egypt to another level. These bands have participated and performed in international festivals in Russia, Italy and France.
"The Cultue Wheel" is now hosting metal bands to perform to the public.
Consequently, they are exposed to new cultures and music and bring it back here and this develops the status of the bands.
In the 1990′s heavy and trash metal bands appeared in Egypt and playing at illegal places and thus the society refused the idea of metal music and view it as a sin because they wore black clothes, had long hair, drank alcohol and smoked hash.
“1997 was the last time metal was publicly heard until 2004 when the metal bands started to reemerge under independent musical bands,” said Bassam Yacout, freelance sound engineer.
Shaaban said that Wyvern and others are changing the society’s perception and stereotypes about metal and it’s not necessary to wear black and have long hair.
“I always listen to metal music and all my friends don’t like but because I like the music itself I hear it,” said Ahmed Sherif, a metal fan. “Today it’s different than the past I can go to the Saqia or Town Hall and watch a metal band playing. It’s a normal thing now.”
“Today bands are playing legally in authorized venues,” said Wagih. “All venues are very strict in concerts about liquor and smoking especially with metal bands so people won’t get a negative impression about metal.”
The next concert for “Yesterday Lied” is on February 26th 2010 in Jesuit School. Be there!!!
Cairo, Egypt- When Ahmed Omar first started playing bass guitar he was sitting on an A’hwa or Egyptian café on Tahrir street with his friends sipping tea and coffee.
Now just ten years later, Omar has come a long way from his days of idly strumming guitar in a café. He is now a popular performer, busily recording songs in a studio or playing with his bands “Wust el Balad” or “El Dor El Awal” in live concerts.
When Independent bands started to appear they lacked support and encouragement in terms of production, venues to play at, and audience to hear them. Until recently, the society started to recognize. Production companies started to produce their music in albums and many places allover Cairo started to invite them to play.
“When we first met, we {the band} just wanted to play music and have fun,” said Ahmed Omar, bass guitarist of “Wust el Balad band” (Downtown).
It’s a dream many independent musicians share but it’s not always easy to accomplish in Cairo. Many production companies avoid signing on independent bands, preferring to stick to those that make more mainstream music. For that reason, many bands have to get creative in getting their music out.
In 2007, “Wust el Balad “the self-titled debut album recorded their first ever CD and cassettes. The album had ten tracks and all songs were composed and written by the band members and produced by Star Gate Company.
Omar said that the tape was the best seller in the independent music section.
“I’ve been listening to these bands for a couple of years and now I stopped and listening to house and trance instead,” said Ahemd Salah, 18, University student. “Most of the bands now are playing similar music and I can’t find something new in it.”
“We never sung a cover and all our songs we make them up,” said Omar. “People hear us because our songs are different from other bands.”
He said that he always been seeing the band as professional because they play and don’t work in another place.
“El Door El Awal” (The First Floor) is the only independent band to recorded two albums “Qarar Izala” (Eviction Notice), and “Aa’tareeq” (The Road) in 2006 and 2009, respectively and produced as part of the Oriental Sounds Project
“It’s now becoming very difficult to practice and rehearse every day,” said Ihab Abdel Hamid “El Door El Awal” percussionist. Bob, as his fans call him, added that sometimes he has to sacrifice outings or important events from his day in order to meet with the band so they can compose new songs.
Part of the problem is getting the right marketing and interest from fans. Salah added that he wouldn’t consider buying an album for any of these bands and he would download the album from the Internet to save money.
“I would pay 20 L.E for Amr Diab but not these bands since they are armatures and not professionals,” said Salah.
To help market their music, many bands are turning to the film industry to spotlight their work.
Video clips, for instance, are a popular tool.
“Video clips are now very important because they help bands to expand audience,” said Bassam Yacout, a freelance sound engineer. “It’s also an advertising tool that is used to make the audience and fans aware of the new songs.”
In the beginning of 2008, “Wust el Balad” launched their first video clip and it was a huge success. The song “Arabily” (come closer) became one of the hits that year and fans went crazy about because of its music.
El Dor El Awal are one of the very few bands to produce two albums.
Abdel Hamid who plays in “Wust el Balad” beside “El Door El Awal said that if the clip is done in a new and unique idea people will like it and buy the tape. He also, added that clips became a necessary part of doing an album that can’t be removed.
Yacout said that it’s becoming essential to independent bands to produce video clips beside their tapes because they are reaching many segments of audiences that probably won’t go to Azhar Park or Cairo Jazz club.
The media blitz seems to be working for Wust el Balad. The band is working on their second album that would be in the markets by summer 2010. They also, recently, won the best musical band in 2009 awarded by Arabic Radio & Television (ART).
Cairo, Egypt- The night club was crowded with foreigners and filled the smell of cigarette smoke. The sound of Latin music filled the air as dancing bodies gyrated to the mixture of Oriental and jazz melodies.
But this wasn’t a Latin show in Brazil. It was “Resala Band” playing at Cairo Jazz Club in Egypt.
“Resala” meaning “The Message” is one of the first bands to use such a new approach and musical technique in mixing melodies and tunes from different cultures. The band sings their own lyrics but with a Latin and oriental flavor to expand their audience and fans.
“The kind of music we play is very different from what others play or listen,” said Mohamed Gamal El Din, 22, the band drummer. “We compose our own music with its own lyrics and rhythm and this gives it our taste and style.”
El Din said that nowadays new bands pop up every month. But they lack in originality as most of them perform cover songs of famous singers like James Brown and Michael Jackson. But Egyptian music lovers demand more than just the mainstream music.
And that’s where bands like “The Roll up Sleeves” have found their niche.
The band converts house and trance tracks to rock songs. But they are still not widely known because most of their fan base is among university students who appreciate their original music.
“Of course I like to listen to house tracks rather than oriental music,” said Ahmed Salah, university student. He added that house and trance are getting popular these days and they appeal to teenagers.
“Bands are still afraid to stick to their own music because they want to succeed quickly,” said Mounir Ghassan, 25, The Roll up Sleeves guitarist. “We play in few places like Ethos café and several private shows.”
Putting his electric guitar beside him, wearing a French cap, black shirt and jeans Ghassan said that when he hears a house track he visualizes it in his head as a rock song. His main target is to show people “a different view of music.”
Some bands, however, are turning to the international music scene to broaden their audience.
El Din said that his band met a South African band, Freshly Ground, in an international musical event in South Africa. They are now collaborating on a project called Trance Project, which enables the bands to play in each other countries.
Freshly Ground came to Egypt in 2009 and played in the Cairo Opera House and in Camel Bar in Sharm-El-Sheik.
“The purpose of such exchanging events is to get the Egyptian audience exposed to different cultures and have a chance to hear original music,” said El Din.
A common problem the independent bands face is the lack of support from the music community in Egypt. Many mainstream concert venues don’t allow the bands to hold concerts. That’s why independent musicians have created their own venues just to be able to play underground music.
“Bands don’t want to sing their own songs because there is no support for creativity,” said, Youssef El Ouri, 23, guitarist for The Roll up Sleeves. “Organizers always tell us to sing covers because they want people to sing with us so we don’t get a chance to prove ourselves.”
In Cairo there are very few places that allow unknown bands to play their own music such as El Sawy Culture Wheel, Ethos Café in Maadi, and Al-Azhar Park. In addition, only Nile F.M permits bands to send in their music and is played on the radio.
“Although independent music has been for a while we still need a lot support,” said Ghassan.
Cairo, Egypt- Film festivals have always been a mean to bridge the gap between countries from different continents. They help people to learn about each others culture, traditions and customs through the films. One of the most famous and respected film festivals in the world is the Venice Film Festival. This year the 66th Venice Film festival, oldest festival in world, has many Arab films shown in and out of the competition from Egypt, Tunisia and Lebanon. The festival that takes place in Venice, Italy from 2nd -12th September 2009 has 24 films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion prize.
There are three Egyptian movies, two of which Al Mosafer (The Travaller) and Wahed-Sefr (ONE-ZERO) are shown in the competition. On the other hand, Ehky Ya Scharazad (Scheherazade, Tell Me A Story) is shown out of the competition. The participation of three Egyptian movies illustrates that the cinema industry in Egypt is walking on the right path and started to get international recognition.
The three movies are from different directors and actors but they all show high quality cinematography, script and story writing, professionalism of actors and the message of each film. From watching the three films you can understand the current situation of the Egyptian society as each movie discuses a different issue and problem like political talk shows, media, sports and political changes that are happening in the country.
Politics is always present in any global event. This time the president of Venezuela Hugo Chavez surprisingly was attending the world premier of Oliver Stone’s film “South of The Border” which is a documentary about Chavez’s revolution and his role and influence on South America. Furthermore, the Iranian director of “Women without Men”Shirin Neshat made a strong political statement with her cast by wearing green dresses and scarves as to show their opposition of the re-election of their president. Hence, film festivals are always a way to know and learn about other countries and people through the actors and films.
Of course he’s a phenomena that will not repeat it self again. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25th 2009 leaving behind his musical legacy to the world that will never be forgotten. Definitely, Jackson’s music was heard all over the world and it was expected that people would feel sad because of his sudden death In Egypt he was an icon for not only music but also fashion. His clothes were very remarkable especially his gloves that he was famous for. Although he never performed in Egypt his music is highly listened to in discos and night clubs in Cairo. Also, he’s dancing movements on stage like moonwalk that is trademark of MJ is imitated all over the world; however, it wasn’t expected that many young Egyptian people would be affected of his death and this can be observed from the internet. Internet applications like Face book was notably affected from his death and had immediate impact on it. Many Facebook members in Egypt dedicated their own status to morn Jackson’s death and his music. Also, many groups like “RIP Michael Jackson” and “In the memory of King of Pop” started to be created by Egyptians to show a sign of respect and morn to Jackson. Not only did Jackson death have an immediate effect on facebook but also on internet search engines.
Michael Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and collected 750 Billion from selling his albums.
On Friday 26th 2009 he topped the search list on Yahoo.com as many users started to search for his life, albums, images and music. Furthermore, many websites and forums we created specifically for his death. For instance, michaeljackson.com was created so people from all over the world can share their feelings and emotions for his death. I don’t know the effect of his death, in Egypt, is good or bad. Is it good because it shows how Egyptians are being opened to the world and are trying to interact with global events “globalization”? Or is it bad because it’s a sign of how young Egyptians are being westernized and easily affected by incidents like Michael’s death. Or they just love his music and will miss him!!
Cairo, Egypt- Its rare to find a subject, event or a person who can unite every person in a place or country. There will always be some one who is against the others; however, Egyptian football in the last week succeeded in uniting the Egyptian society for the first. Football in Egypt is the most popular sport and it’s the peoples dream to qualify for the world cup 2010 in Africa and as the African champions for two successive times we have the right live the dream and qualify. Last week on June the 14th the FIFA Confederations Cup started in South Africa with Egypt representing the Arab and African football. Before entering this tournament Egypt draw with Zambia and lost for Algeria in the qualifying matches for 2010. As a result, Egyptians had no motivation, spirit or enthusiasm to watch the national team playing against the best teams in the world Brazil, Italy and USA (Group B). Football experts in Egypt started to demand the resignation of the Hassan Sheahta, Egypt Head Coach and people started to say that Egypt will face big defeats from these teams.
On the other hand, our first match was with Brazil Egypt played a great seven goal match. It was the first time that the Brazilians receive by two goals in minute in 45 years. Also, Mohamed Zidan was the only player to score two goals against Brazil in ten years. Egypt lost 4-3 gaining respect and pride from the whole world especially the Egyptians. The second game was historic as Egypt beat the world champions (Italy) 1-0 in a magnificent game. After this match Egyptians went down the streets celebrating the victory. And for a long time, Egyptians didn’t felt united, proud, and respected. If Egypt lost from USA, it will not qualify for the second round but at least we showed the world the high level of the African and especially the Egyptian football.
For the first time ever, Egypt defeated Italy (1-0).
Football succeeded in doing what politics, economics and culture failed to do which is uniting the Egyptian people. People in Egypt are facing everyday problems and obstacles in their lives and lack of support from the government and only the national team was able to let them feel joy and happiness.
Many young Egyptians started to form musical bands and perform their own original music and songs creating “independent or underground music”.
Cairo, Egypt- Loud music, applauses, whistling, and singing, this was the reaction of the kids, teenagers and families to “Bilando band” who were singing in the River Hall in Sawy Culture Wheel.
“Seems that not only kids liked the music, but also the adults, ” said Mohamed Abaza, leading guitarist in Bilando, after singing the lion sleeps tonight- from Lion King.
Many of the upcoming bands sing their original songs meaning that they compose their own lyrics and music like Wust El Balad and El Door el Awal. Others like to sing English and Arabic cover songs that are well-known like Bilando and Vybe.
“The kind of music we play is very different from what others play or listen,” said Mohamed Arkan, drummer of the Percussion Show band. “We compose our own music with its own lyrics and rhythm and this gives it our taste and style.”
Evolution of Independent Music
Arkan said that during the 1970′s and 1980′s in Egypt underground music started by Fathy Salama, a Grammy award winner and Yehia Khalil a pioneer in jazz music in Egypt. Moving to the 1990′s the independent music began to be well-known and around 10-15 bands were playing in clubs in Cairo.
Since 2000 the independent music took a new form and audience. Many teenagers and youth started to hear some independent bands and gain they gained more popularity like Wust el Balad El Door el Awal and Nagham masry. This resulted in having concerts sponsored by multinational cooperation.
Mohamed Lofty, known as Ousso, guitarist who plays in many bands came with the idea of SOS Music Festival. It attracted 30,000 people who are fans of the different bands that took part in the last festival. In an interview with BBC News, Ousso describes how he is amazed that 15,000 attended the first SOS concert.
Big companies like Vodafone sponsor the SOS Festival
Vodafone, Opel and Virgin Mega Store are the sponsors of the SOS Music with the slogan “SOS: let’s go original”. The aim of these concerts is to encourage and support independent music bands and also to save the status of Egyptian music after the appearance of private music channels like Melody and Mazzika who are commercial channels.
These concerts are held on regular basis. Tickets are for free and the sponsors take care of everything including the financial part like renting fees, technicians, sound and lighting systems.
“We had our first concert in June 2007 in El Sawy Culture Wheel,” said Sherif Magdy, percussionist in Bilando Band. “We told our friends and families and we were shocked by the 200 people who attended.”
“Underground Vs Commercial”
According to Moe, as his band calls him, underground music is different to mainstream music because it was founded by individuals spending from their own money not depending on music production companies.
For example, Wust el Balad started in 1999 by playing in the streets and cafes of Cairo and even sometimes in the Metro stations.
On the other hand, commercial music and singers depend on production companies in financing their career unlike independent bands. For a musician like Arkan, he thinks that independent bands represent the real music not singers like Amr Diab and Tamer Hosny. Arkan elaborates that Underground music like theirs, focuses on the quality of the music they play and not on gaining money.
“Bands start by spending from their own money until they find a sponsor,” Moe said. “Bands that play in SOS are paid ranging from 400-600 L.E per-members in band.”
He also mentioned that the number of band members differ from one to another. For example, Percussion Show has 7 members, Wust el Balad has 8 members, and Wyvern has 5 members. They are all getting the same amount of money no matter how many they are in the band.
There is no support from the Ministry of Culture or the government. However, many places like El- Sawy Culture Center, Cairo Jazz Club and Al-Azhar Park started to give an opportunity to young Egyptian talents to be famous and produce their own music.
Magdy said that they’re not thinking of being very professional because they have their main jobs and income, so they taking it as amateurs or hobby.
Westernized Vs Oriental
Although the message of all independent bands is to save and enhance the Egyptian music status, most of them are using western names, instruments and genres. For example, Black Bulletz, Brain Candy and Davinci are all Egyptian bands that sing and play rock, electronic or metal songs which is unusual in the Arab world.
“We wanted to have a name that reflects our music and at the same time catchy so we chose Bilando which is dancing in Spanish,” said Abaza.
On the contrary, there are artists and bands that are showing the Arab or Egyptian identity in their instruments, names and music. For example, Naseer Shamma plays Oud and instrumental Arabic music. Also, Sahra, an Egyptian band sings Ray music and uses instruments like tabla and qanon, both Egyptian instruments.
Eftekasat one of the most popular Arabic bands recently produced an album.
Is it Successful?
Arkan said underground music in Egypt started to be very successful and people want to listen to new music and that’s why many bands like Wust el Balad, Eftekasat and Sahra produced their first albums and are gaining more success.
Abaza also thinks “ at a certain point, independent bands will turn commercial because if they are successful people will want to hear them all the time and this is when an album is produced.”
“ Concerts like SOS make the band very successful because thousands of people watch and listen to you, so of course it’s successful,” shared Magdy.
The first SOS concert was held on September 15th 2006 at the Chinese garden and the next concert will be in July 2009.
Women in the Arab world have always been seen as deprived, for ages, from their rights and are not taking their full status in society. Many argue that the Arab world is conservative and a male-dominated society. However, recently Arab countries like Kuwait and other Gulf countries started to renforce women’s status by giving them the right to vote in elections, drive and work. In some conservative Arab countries, untill now, women are not permitted to drive or work. I think that women should start have better positions, engagment and interactivity with the society as it helps to be better. For example, Egypt started to change status of women by giving chances to prove themselves in many fields as Judge, and Minister.
In kuwait yesterday four women won seats in the parliamenty elections. Its considered to be historic because for men have been dominating the parliament for five decades. A couple of years ago Kuwait gave the women the right to vote in elections but they didnt reach the parliament but this year they made it and won!!
Personally, women are nowadays taking better positions and opportunities to prove themsleves and this helps the society to improve as to have a different prespective to help it enhance. Also, by empowering women stereotypes will vanish and a better image of Arab women and society is transmitted to the world and seen as more developed countries.
