Q&A: Back 2 Basics’ Ismail Kassem

Back at the Katameya Heights Clubhouse on Jan. 23 and back for round two of its stimulating “50 Shades of Night” theme, Back 2 Basics has risen to be a shining staple of Cairo’s party circuit. We chatted with organizer Ismail Kassem about how he got started in the industry, what to expect tomorrow night (Shady Ezz is opening up for Russian duo Going Deeper) and what he has up his sleeve for the future.

How did you get started doing events?

I got started with events when I fell in love with partying when I was 16 when I went out to a proper club. Since that day, I got involved in everything you can think of in the industry, from managing the biggest accounts when it comes to events to party planning – I’ve worked in every aspect of event planning and partying in Egypt. At the end, I see my expertise in club life comes from the backstage.

Why the name “Back 2 Basics”?

Because it is Back 2 Basics. We’re only trying to do the simple things that people like and we want to move away from complicated stuff that don’t really matter and focus on four elements that create a fantastic night out: people, music, venue and the experience.

What can we expect tomorrow night?

You can expect a hand-selected group of crazy Egyptian party animals who are there just to have fun and knock themselves out.

Give us the scoop on your next big project.

We have on Valentine’s Day the official anti-Valentine’s Day party, it’s called “Kill Cupid”, and our anniversary coming up in March. All I can say now is our anniversary party is going to be all about the people who have been supporting us this last year – a tribute thanking the people who helped us expand.

WE SAID THIS: In case you missed it, check out our Q&A with one of Egypt’s favorite Viners, Sherif Fayed.