Cairo music occupies a significant part in the life and the culture of the people. Music in its various forms was also important in ancient Egyptian life. Music in Cairo was used for worship, during processions and social gatherings, in festivals and important events.
Traditional forms of folk music in Cairo are Coptic, Bedouin, Saidi and Nubian. Coptic is the religious music, which is mainly chanting of hymns. Musical instruments like cymbals and triangle are played with this kind of music. The origin of Bedouin music can be traced to the deserts of the west, near Libya. Saidi is the folk music of upper Egypt. Nubian a traditional form of folk music can still be heard in Cairo.
Shaabi and El Gil are popular music forms of Cairo. These songs emerged as the first modern light songs in Egyptian tradition. They were humorous and often
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nationalist in tone. Shaabi was greatly influenced by western music. Musical instruments like electric guitars, synthesizers and beat boxes were used in this type of music. El Gil is the rock and roll pop music, which is popular among the natives.
Musical instruments of Cairo are varied and well developed. Wind instruments, string instruments and percussion instruments were commonly used. Harps, lyres and lutes are the popular wind instruments, drums rattles and tambourines are frequently used percussion instruments. Wind instruments like different types of flutes, clarinets, double pipes and trumpets were common in Cairo music.
Cairo music has passed different phases and has evolved by incorporating and fusing with other forms. Music in Cairo is an essential source of recreation from the boredom and drudgery of the daily monotonous life.
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