Egypt
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Sheikh Imam
Abu El Numros, Giza, Egypt
Archival Overview
Blind Egyptian folk singer and oud virtuoso whose acoustic songs of defiance, performed alongside poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, formed the musical soundtrack to popular rebellions and democratic movements across the Arab world.
Biographical Record
Blinded in infancy and expelled from religious school in his youth, Imam Issa lived in poverty in the medieval quarter of Al-Hosh Qadam in Cairo. In 1962, his fateful meeting with poet Ahmed Fouad Negm launched an indomitable artistic and political partnership.
Armed solely with his oud and gravelly, passionate voice, Imam composed electrifying satirical songs like 'Guevara Mat' (Guevara Has Died) and 'Sharaft Ya Nixon Baba'. Repeatedly imprisoned by state authorities, his acoustic concerts drew tens of thousands of students and laborers.
Key Life Milestones
Launch of Dissident Underground Songs
Began performing acoustic songs with Ahmed Fouad Negm exposing state corruption in the wake of the 1967 defeat.
Launch of Dissident Underground Songs
Began performing acoustic songs with Ahmed Fouad Negm exposing state corruption in the wake of the 1967 defeat.
Launch of Dissident Underground Songs
Began performing acoustic songs with Ahmed Fouad Negm exposing state corruption in the wake of the 1967 defeat.
International Triumphal Tours
Performed historic international concerts in Paris, London, and Tunis, celebrated as the premier voice of Arab popular resistance.
International Triumphal Tours
Performed historic international concerts in Paris, London, and Tunis, celebrated as the premier voice of Arab popular resistance.
International Triumphal Tours
Performed historic international concerts in Paris, London, and Tunis, celebrated as the premier voice of Arab popular resistance.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialGiza, Egypt