MARK YOUR CALENDAR-
Debuting her first release in 10 years, Lena Chamamyan will be pulling up to Cairo this June. Her latest album, Sohab — written in collaboration with a slew of Egyptian and Arab artists — will be debuting at Theatro Arkan on Thursday, 26 June, shining the spotlight on Middle Eastern folk music. A little birdie tells us that the Syrian-Armenian singer, songwriter, and soprano will be joined by a few special guests, but details remain under wraps. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarché.
HAPPENING THIS WEEK-
In the mood for a movie marathon? Manassat Film Festival is back for its 9th edition at Downtown Cairo’s Zawya Cinema this May. Running from Thursday, 29 May to Saturday, 31 May, the festival will be spotlighting a slew of Egyptian short films, and — alongside screening the films in the running for funding — will include a masterclass on costume and character design by Reem El Adl, and a few special presentations. Tickets can be purchased in person at Zawya.
Dust off those boogie shoes of yours, because Disco Misr will be launching their new album at Sheikh Zayed’s Zed Park on Friday, 30 May. Kicking off their 9th remix album, the Egyptian “funk and disco” trio will be taking over Zed Park with their signature wild energy. Rumor has it that the day’s itinerary will also include stand-up comedy performances, live sets, and “surprise collabs.” Intrigued? Secure your tickets through Ticketsmarché.
Dalida may have once found her love in Portofino, but this May we’ll be feeling her love right here in Cairo. On Friday, 30 May and Saturday, 31 May at The Theater in 6th of October, Dalida: Bint Shoubra — a musical production honoring the iconic vocalist’s life and musical legacy — will shine the spotlight on the Shoubra-born megastar. The production will be led by Lebanese singer Mirva Kadi, with a special appearance by Egyptian singer Haidy Moussa. You can book your tickets for both days through Ticketsmarché.
Feel like running through all the colors of the wind? On Saturday, 31 May, O West will be hosting The Color Run marathon — a 5km foray through the decades, complete with “‘70s disco fever, ‘80s arcade vibes, and ‘90s street culture,” — and naturally, a whole lot of color. So be ready to get a little messy. The marathon will kick off at 8am, and the tickets are available through Ticketsmarché.
HAPPENING LATER-
Life may sometimes feel like a joke, and Alaa El Sheikh always knows when to deliver its punchlines. On Tuesday, 3 June, El Sheikh will be joined by Mahmoud El Naggar, Ahmed Hassan, and Kamtcho at CJC 610 as they take to the stage to turn life’s sour lemons into uncensored comedic lemonade — and no joke is off limits. If you’re ready to roll on the floor laughing, roll your way to Ticketsmarché.
Ready to “Techno and Chill”? On Friday, 6 June at the New Administrative Capital’s Tolip Hotel, Egypt’s Orijins will be throwing quite the global techno gala. Malta-hailing techno pioneer The Element, London-based EDM artist Kasia, Italian DJ Toto Chiavetta, and Amsterdam-based DJ Vomee — alongside other local and regional talents — will be joining forces for a night you likely won’t be forgetting any time soon. You can secure your spot through Techno & Chill.
Free up your schedule on Saturday, 7 June and Sunday, 8 June for the second installment of the Makadi Heights Music Festival, taking place at The Haus in Hurghada. Cairokee will inaugurate the summer staple on the first day, while rap icons Marwan Moussa and Afroto wrap up the second. You can book your tickets for either or both days through Ticketsmarché.
The Cairokee Empire rises once more, this time at the Cairo International Stadium. On Saturday, 28 June, the band promises over a decade’s worth of iconic music at the largest venue in Africa. You can grab your tickets through Tazkarti.