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

The weekend begins with a very special day for all the city’s lovebirds, who probably already have their own plans for Valentine’s Day. If you’re not into the usual Valentine’s shenanigans, or simply free as a bird, Cairo still has something for you, not just on Valentine’s Day, but on every single day of the weekend. Here’s the deal:

Thursday begins with two tribute nights; the first is at ROOM Art Space, where Nour Khan takes to the stage to cover a round of Evanescence classics, the second is at Darb 1718, where Valentine’s edition of MazzikaXElSat7 sees The Sinatras taking to the stage for a round of covers by Mr. Blue Eyes.  

Elsewhere, it’s a folk night at El Dammah Theatre, where Darawish Abou El Gheit are on the menu, while it’s a rap night at Goethe Institute in Cairo, where Asphalt take to the stage before choreographer Nagham Othman takes over with a solo performance called Ana – Homma (myself-them).

Fouad & Mounib take to the stage this Thursday for a round of classical originals at El Sawy Culturewheel
(Photo: Fouad & Mounib / Facebook)

While River Hall at El Sawy Culturewheel welcomes Ali El Helbawy to the stage for a round of Arabic contemporary tunes, Wisdom Hall hosts a classical music night, where local duo, Fouad & Mounib, takes to the stage for a round of original pieces.

When the night grows older, DJ Feedo spins some R & B and hip-hop tunes at The Tap Maadi, Armen V plays some house tunes at The Tap East, which also sees DJ Teddy serving some pop tunes, while Ahmed Kilic is on the menu with his deep house beats at The Tap West.

As for Valentine’s Day special nights, Mahmoud El Esseily takes to the stage at Andiamo Pizza Bar, Maya Diab hits Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s stage, while 24K’s Valentine’s celebration sees Essam Karika taking to the stage alongside belly dancer Oxana.

Zap Tharwat and Sary Hany take to the stage at El Sawy Culturewheel this Friday for a round of rap tunes
(Photo: Zap Tharwat / Facebook)

Friday brims with music events; Zap Tharwat and Hany Sary take to River Hall’s stage for a rap night, Do’aa & Michael take to the stage at ROOM Art Space for a round of  R & B and soul numbers, while Yehia Khalil plays some jazz tunes at Cairo Opera House’s Small Hall.

Local band Janan play the same genre at Darb 1718, Heba Tawaji and Osama El Rahbani take to the Marquee’s stage for a round of tunes, while Transistor sing some Arabic contemporary tunes at El Sawy Culturewheel’s Wisdom Hall.

Alternatively, DJ Feedo spins  R & B and hip-hop tunes at Cairo Jazz Club 610’s Block Party, Mr. Arafa, and Ayman Nageeb play some house at The Tap East, while Mohasseb and Ashmawy play some hot beats back to back at Cairo Jazz Club. It’s a massive night at The Tap West, where Dubzy & Gaser play a round of tunes before DJ Mobbz takes over, and at El Manara International Conference Centre too, where pianist Richard Clayderman takes to the stage for a round of classics.

As for Saturday, Ragheb Daoud leads the orchestra at Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall for a round of classical originals, Asyad El Zar play some folk tunes at El Dammah Theatre, while Rana & Jazzophronics play some jazz at ROOM Art Space.

More jazz to come with Spade of Hearts taking to the stage at The Tap West, while it’s a pop night at The Tap East, where DJ Kashouty takes to decks. Purplpitch play various genres at The Tap Maadi, while Africairo closes the weekend at Cairo Jazz Club with a round of oriental tunes that merge African beats.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, check the Cairo 360 Events page for more things to do and places to go this weekend.