Omar Gharzawi

Regardless of the kudos which has accrued towards the folk music referred to as Saiyidi due to Les Musiciens du Nile’s appointment as Egypt’s official folk touring band, Saiyidi music and culture continues to be, as ever, the perpetual butt of Egyptian jokes and put-downs. Saiyidi performer Omar Gharzawi isn’t only an excellent musician, but also his culture’s most capable and articulate defender, known for his lengthy monologs in compliment from the Saiyidi life-style.