Egypt Celebrate Sheikh Imam

Even when was blind, he could see a lot more than the majority of the people of Egypt and he was the voice of the land for decades expressing their worries and struggle to live a decent life at their homeland. He grew up in poverty and lack of means which has affected his thinking.

This year is the 16th anniversary of his passing. Born in 1918 and lost his eye sight as a child due to an illness, grew up memorizing the holy book of Koran. In the 60s he was hanging out with a number of leftist poets whom he sang their poems. Most known collaborator with him is El Fajoomy Ahmad Foad Najim. In 1967 when Egypt was defeated by the Israelis, it was the turning point in his life and his career.

During the 18 days of the Egyptian revolution in 2011, his songs were a big hit and the youth were singing his songs as they waited for Mubarak to step aside. His work is focued on social injustice, corruption, Arab nationalism, and Palestine. His fame took him to Paris where he was invited by the ministry of culture to perform in the 80s. Needless to say his concerts were huge success. He went on and toured many Arab and European cities performing with his band.

As a little boy, he was known for his strong memory. His father was a bit harsh with him and had dreams for his son to become a religious Sheikh. Learning singing in the mosque, mostly religious hymns.

He was bold and he was the voice of the pulse of the street. For that the Sadat regime went after him once arresting him on charges of smoking marijuana, but he was later freed. Untimely arrest him and sentences him for live in prison. Thus Sheikh imam was the first Arab to be jailed for songs in history of the region. Once Sadat was assassinated Imam was freed and in 1995 he passed away leaving a lifetime of legacy and controversies.


أنا الشعب العربي - الشيخ امام



الشيخ امام، الفول واللحمة