The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Cairo’s harsh winter might be setting in, but it’s not all doom and gloom. With season of sun, sea and sand firmly behind us (sigh), the focus is back on the capital and, in terms of live music, the city’s  venues are not disappointing. Here are the top gigs this week.

Hassan Ramzy & The F.A.M. @ The Tap East (Monday 16th)

Referred to by some as Egypt’s answer to Boyce Avenue, Hassan Ramzy certainly doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves. The talented singer-songwriter and guitarist made his mark a few years ago with a catchy rendition of Uptown Funk and has since made a name for himself as one of the best on the scene. This year, Ramzy debuted his new formation – The F.A.M. – to plenty of screams and cheers and he’s never been hotter.

Living Too Late ft. Elle @ Cairo Jazz Club (Tuesday 17th)

Having first emerged on the scene some three years ago with well-received self-titled debut EP, local rock band, Living Too Late, possess one of the most unique sounds around. The terms shoegaze rock and lazy pop have been banded around in an attempt to define said sound and steady stream of original songs have kept the enigmatic band lingering, but 2017 has seen them recruit another vocalist in the form of Elle and be much more active on the gig circuit.

Praed @ Zigzag (Wednesday 18th)

In one of the most unique gigs of the week, Downtown Cairo’s Zigzag welcomes Beirut-based duo, Raed Yassin and Paed Conca, aka Praed. While they may not fit the typical mold of progressive, experimental musicians, the twosome’s use of shaabi music with hefty helping of jazz and a spicy serving of electronics has seen them perform as far and wide as Europe, Canada and even Japan.

The Gypsy Jazz Project @ ROOM Art Space (Thursday 19th)

2017 has been a huge year for what has emerged as one of the freshest jazz sounds in Egypt – but not a progressive, avant-garde jazz. Actually, it’s quite the opposite with The Gypsy Jazz Project who wind back the clock to 1920s an 30s Paris, where influential and prodigiously talented Belgian jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt, was laying the foundation of what came to be gypsy jazz of Europe.

Llegó La Banda @ The Tap Maadi (Friday 20th)

It’s very much an international affair at The Tap Maadi this weekend with the return of Llegó La Banda (which translates to something along the lines of the band has arrived). As you might have guessed by the name, this is a band that is very much rooted in Latin music, but what makes the group unique is that they’re made up of musicians from Zimbabwe, Columbia, Ecuador, Egypt , the US and the UK – something that certainly contributes to the nuances of their eclectic sound.

Maurice Louce & Maurizio Abate ft. Praed @ ROOM Art Space (Saturday 21st)

Speaking of international affairs, Praed are back in action after their midweek gig at Zigzag, but as guests of the his electronic excellence, Maurice Louca, and self-taught Italian guitarist, Maurizio Abate, for what is being touted as a live improv gig. Considering the four men involved, this could be everything and anything, with all parties possessing unique but fluid styles. 

For more concerts and events this week across Egypt’s capital, check out the Cairo 360 event calendar.