The Japanese Embassy in Cairo, in collaboration with the Egyptian Centre for Culture and Arts “Makan,” orchestrated a cultural extravaganza at Ambassador Oka Hiroshi’s residence in Cairo. The theme of the evening was “Musical Dialogue between Egypt and Japan,” setting the stage for a captivating exploration of traditional Egyptian and Japanese music.
The stage was set for a cross-cultural extravaganza as the event showcased an extraordinary blend of traditional Egyptian and Japanese music, revealing the artistic richness of both nations. The audience was treated to a mesmerising performance that transported them on a journey of musical discovery.
The show opened with the soul-stirring melodies of Japanese musician Suzuki Nobuyuki, known as Shinko, who mesmerised all present with a selection of Japanese classical pieces and contemporary popular songs. Using the delicate notes of the Japanese flute, known as the “Shinobue,” Shinko painted a musical tapestry that captivated hearts and minds alike.
What truly set this event apart was the harmonious collaboration between two seemingly distinct musical worlds. Egyptian musicians Amin Shaheen and Saeed El-Sharqawi seamlessly intertwined their traditional instruments, the Arghul and Kawala, with Shinko’s Shinobue. The result was a breathtaking performance that showcased the beauty of shared musical traditions and the universal language of music.
Audience members were enraptured as the artists performed a series of Japanese classical pieces, each note resonating with the cultural heritage of both Egypt and Japan. The highlight of the evening came when Shinko and the Egyptian musicians united their talents to present a rendition of Arabic classic songs, including the iconic piece “El Helwa Di” by Sayed Darwish.
Shinko, a Shinobue virtuoso with a wealth of international experience, has been a cultural ambassador, spreading the magic of traditional Japanese music to audiences around the globe. His passion for cultural exchange has taken him to distant lands, from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia and India, where he continues to enchant listeners with the haunting melodies of the Shinobue.
The Shinobue itself is a legendary instrument in Japan, crafted from bamboo with seven holes that allow for the manipulation of musical tones. Its ethereal sounds have echoed through centuries of Japanese festivals, often accompanied by the thunderous beats of the traditional Taiko drums.
The Egyptian Arghul and Kawala instruments boast a rich history dating back to ancient times, with artifacts from the Pharaonic era on display at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The Arghul’s dual bamboo tubes and the Kawala’s single tube are integral components of traditional Egyptian music, evoking the spirit of generations past with every note.
Makan stands as a guiding light for upholding Egypt’s rich musical heritage. Founded by Ahmed El Maghraby, Makan is dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating the country’s musical traditions through impactful efforts that revive age-old customs.
