Mohamed Mounir
Number of albums: 3Age: 55
Egypt
Albums (3):
Video Clips:
Short Bio:
Mohamed Mounir (born October 10, 1954) is a Nubian-Egyptian singer who was born in Aswan, Egypt. His pop-oriented music has its roots in the various genres of traditional Egyptian and African music. His lyrics are often social and political, with which Mounir sees himself as a mouthpiece for the cultural and religious togetherness of the Orient and Occident. Mounir is considered the darling of Egyptian youth.
From the beginning, he was something different. His music drew rhythms and folk melodies from the culture of Nubia, the region where the Mediterranean and Sub-saharan Africa meet, in contrast to much Egyptian pop music, which was dominated by traditional Egyptian sounds.
At first, Mounir's casual outfits and performance style drew scorn at a time when singers often wore suits and appeared with orchestras. He would sway, jump and dance in a way unfamiliar to Egyptian audiences. But they saw him as genuine, and he soon became a respected star, paving the way for other Nubian musicians.
Over the years, he became known for finding lyrics that reflected his politics and philosophy; his music has become synonymous for many Egyptians with liberal thought, hope and a desire for reform. He sometimes works closely with lyricists and co-writes songs.
A pot of traditional Nubian incense burned during a recent interview in his Cairo apartment. The singer appeared relaxed in casual clothes - a creme baggy shirt, linen trousers and trademark bead necklace - but also displayed the reserve he is known for.
Mounir, who rarely gives interviews, would not discuss the fate of his home region, a sensitive issue in Egypt. Nubians were forced to leave the area when Egypt built the Aswan High Dam in 1971.
He would, however, speak on other issues.
"I have a dream of a better human being, of better living standards," Mounir said, adding, "I hate corruption, I hate fear and I love dreams that are based on logic."
Mounir has come under criticism from the Sudanese media and various prominent musicians in Sudan for his use of Sudanese songs and lyrics, such as Algamar boba by Muhammad Wardi without obtaining intellectual property rights or properly referencing the origin of the music.
From the beginning, he was something different. His music drew rhythms and folk melodies from the culture of Nubia, the region where the Mediterranean and Sub-saharan Africa meet, in contrast to much Egyptian pop music, which was dominated by traditional Egyptian sounds.
At first, Mounir's casual outfits and performance style drew scorn at a time when singers often wore suits and appeared with orchestras. He would sway, jump and dance in a way unfamiliar to Egyptian audiences. But they saw him as genuine, and he soon became a respected star, paving the way for other Nubian musicians.
Over the years, he became known for finding lyrics that reflected his politics and philosophy; his music has become synonymous for many Egyptians with liberal thought, hope and a desire for reform. He sometimes works closely with lyricists and co-writes songs.
A pot of traditional Nubian incense burned during a recent interview in his Cairo apartment. The singer appeared relaxed in casual clothes - a creme baggy shirt, linen trousers and trademark bead necklace - but also displayed the reserve he is known for.
Mounir, who rarely gives interviews, would not discuss the fate of his home region, a sensitive issue in Egypt. Nubians were forced to leave the area when Egypt built the Aswan High Dam in 1971.
He would, however, speak on other issues.
"I have a dream of a better human being, of better living standards," Mounir said, adding, "I hate corruption, I hate fear and I love dreams that are based on logic."
Mounir has come under criticism from the Sudanese media and various prominent musicians in Sudan for his use of Sudanese songs and lyrics, such as Algamar boba by Muhammad Wardi without obtaining intellectual property rights or properly referencing the origin of the music.
