From El Maestro to the New Generation: Backstage with Al Massrieen’s at CJF 2024
On the evening of Nov. 7, 2024, Al Massrieen graced the stage at the Cairo Jazz Festival 2024, captivating a packed crowd at the American University in Cairo’s Tahrir campus.
The concert, a sold-out spectacle, set the stage for a night overflowing with energy, talent, and music that transcends time. Leading the charge was Al Massrieen, the genre-blending band fronted by the legendary Hany Shenouda, affectionately known as “El Maestro.”
After their electrifying performance, we had the privilege of sitting down with the band to uncover the magic behind their sound and the deep bond they share.
From the unique dynamics that drive their collaboration to the powerful musical influences that shape their work, this intimate conversation offered a rare glimpse into what fuels the band’s creativity and their undeniable stage presence.
Al Massrieen’s Timeless Sound at Cairo Jazz Festival 2024
Since its formation in the 1970s, Al Massrieen has been at the forefront of blending Egyptian pop, disco, and funk, creating a unique sound that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. The band is known for pioneering the use of modern electronic instruments and synthesizers in Egyptian music.
Their performance at the Cairo Jazz Festival was a testament to the cultural diversity and cross-genre influences that characterize their music. It was not only a showcase of their musical excellence but also a glimpse into the deep respect and camaraderie among the band members, who share a mutual passion for music.
The New Faces of Al Massrieen: A Fresh Generation of Talent
While Hany Shenouda remains the iconic face of Al Massrieen, the band has evolved with the addition of a new generation of talented musicians who bring their own flair to the group’s rich sound.
Saif Montasser: Rhythm and Precision
Saif Nasser, the band’s drummer since September 2024, is a self-taught musician who balances his passion for music with a career in finance.
Inspired by icons like Mohamed Mounir and Ziad Rahbani, alongside jazz legends Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone, Nasser brings rhythmic precision and boundless energy to the band’s performances.
Band conflicts? Nasser reveals they’re often smoothed over with playful jokes and good-natured roasts. His advice to aspiring musicians is simple but profound: “Keep discovering yourself—it’s a never-ending journey.”
He envisions the band’s track “El Shawarea Hawadeet” as the ideal soundtrack for a gripping psychological thriller.
For those looking to hone their craft, Nasser suggests workshops at Bandmakers Music Academy, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the AUC Tahrir Cultural Center.
Jika: A Diverse Musical Landscape
Jika, the band’s bass guitarist, adds even more depth to the band’s musical landscape with his eclectic tastes, spanning gospel, Latin jazz, and beyond.
Known for his appreciation of artists like Lynn Adeeb, Jika’s musical journey includes his involvement in tribute bands dedicated to legends such as Michael Jackson, Nirvana, and, previously, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His diverse influences and experience with various musical genres give Al Massrieen its rich, layered sound.
Vocal Trio: The Heartbeat of Al Massrieen
The vocal section of Al Massrieen is a powerhouse trio made up of Mona El Attar, Tina Adly, and Saif Khaled Mohamed. Together, they form the band’s emotional heartbeat, bringing a unique energy and flavor to every performance.
These three singers joined the band about three to four years ago, bringing exciting energy and unique styles to the group.
Saif Khaled Mohamed, a young vocalist who also plays violin, offers a fresh, youthful perspective. His style adds a dynamic twist to the group’s sound.
Mona El Attar’s eclectic taste spans Shaabi, jazz, and rap, showcasing her broad musical influences. A lifelong Orange Blossom fan, she’s as versatile as she is passionate about music. Mona also shared how she and Seif, the drummer, bonded over their mutual love for Mohamed Mounir.
In addition to being a band member, Mona is a singer-songwriter through her own projects, and she dreams of a film about the band—saying she’d love to act in it. She encourages young artists to “be out there” and stresses the importance of consistency of craft in their journey!
Meanwhile, Tina Adly, trained at the Higher Institute of Arabic Music, brings authenticity to the group’s sound that really resonates with the audience. Her singing experience spans from her school years to attending church choir, and her voice is raw and heartfelt.
Mona also praised her emergency hair-braiding skills, which was a lighthearted reminder of the bond the band shares both on and off stage.
Rowida Ibrahim Abo Zaid: Adding Rhythmic Depth
Rowida Ibrahim Abo Zaid, the oriental drum player and percussionist, joined Al Massrieen after a serendipitous meeting with Shenouda, who was impressed with the playing that he invited her to join the band.
For the past two years, Rowida has contributed her distinct sound, adding a rhythmic layer that sets Al Massrieen apart from other bands.
Together, the band has taken their performances to new heights, including their contribution to the early 2024 series “Hala Khassa,” which helped elevate their presence and connect with a wider audience.
Tina noted that after their appearance in the series, the band decided to adopt more of a band-oriented approach to their performances, blending orchestral and band settings to create something uniquely their own. They had previously performed mainly in orchestral settings.
And, of course, no band is complete without its eclectic mix of characters. Tawfik, affectionately known as “Toufy,” the electric guitarist, adds a touch of humor to the group, according to Mona.
The Maestro’s Influence: Hany Shenouda’s Artistic Philosophy
Hany Shenouda’s influence on Al Massrieen is immeasurable, and his artistic philosophy continues to guide the band. Shenouda blends discipline, emotion, and expressive phrasing in his work.
He effortlessly created a space filled with camaraderie during the interview, sharing captivating stories and making everyone laugh with his sharp wit.
Shenouda’s Tribute to Egyptian Musical and Cultural Icons
Shenouda shared stories from his career, including his collaboration with the legendary singer Ali El Haggar in the 1970s, which produced the two songs “Akhabbi Leh” and “Mehtaglik.”
He revealed that his wife encouraged him to work with El Haggar, who he first knew through his vocals for the children’s show “Abla Fadeela.” Shenouda described El Haggar as a versatile artist, a sentiment echoed by Jika, and praised him for his incredible vocal range and depth.
Shenouda also honored other Egyptian icons. He fondly remembered Taheyya Kariokka, the legendary belly dancer and actress, as a woman of integrity and courage who stood up for those in need.
He also praised the icon Ahmed Adaweya and expressed deep respect for the great Fifi Abdou, praising her immense charity work.
While Shenouda’s admiration for older musicians was evident, he also had great respect for younger talent. He praised Mohamed Adaweya, son of Ahmed Adaweya, calling him extremely talented with an impressive vocal range.
Shenouda noted that each of Mohamed’s performances brought something fresh, with one song sounding completely different from the next. Jika echoed this sentiment, recalling his experience performing with Adaweya.
He also praised Egyptian singers and songwriters Nouran Abou Taleb and Ahmed El Haggar, son of Ali El Haggar and a Berklee College of Music alumnus. He also lauded their collaborative cover of the song “Bahlam Maak.”
Shenouda’s Philosophy: Emotional Expression Over Technique
Shenouda’s mentorship approach is equally heartfelt. He spent three years perfecting the vocal techniques of El Massrieen’s singers, gradually building their vocal strength before focusing on ornamentation like trills and grace notes, emphasizing emotional expression over rigid timing.
“So people can feel you,” he said, describing this as part of the “school” of Ali El Haggar.
Shenouda’s band members, Jika and drummer Seif Montasser, both expressed their long-standing admiration for the Maestro. They praised his keyboard skills, especially his solo, during their performance at the CJF.
Shenouda, in turn, shared how much he enjoyed working with them. Jika called it a privilege to collaborate with the Maestro, a sentiment Shenouda echoed.
The band members spoke of their close bond with Shenouda, noting that despite the significant age differences, they communicated seamlessly.
The Future of Al Massrieen
Rich with cultural diversity and cross-genre influences, Al Massrieen’s music takes listeners on a nostalgic journey. Their festival performance highlighted not only their musical excellence but also the bond shared among the members, rooted in a mutual passion for music and respect for one another.
The band’s journey is far from over. With their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, Al Massrieen’s music will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future talents in Egypt and beyond.
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