By: Yomna Walid
He stepped into the music scene with a unique style, setting his own rules and surprising audiences every time he performs. This Thursday, DJ Saify will be NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, bringing his signature sound to listeners at 10:00 PM.
DJ Saify lives between two worlds, each shaping the music he delivers. Drawing from these influences, he creates sets that blend emotion, rhythm, and energy. From his early days with The Disc Jockeys to his current project Zabadi Khalat, Saify has steadily built a sound that tells a story as much as it gets people moving.
NileFM spoke to DJ Saify to explore his journey and the surprises he has in store for this special night.
Let&rsquo;s start from the beginning. Tell us about yourself. How did your journey into DJing begin?
My name is Ahmad, also known as Saify. I live between two worlds: my daytime reality and my true self at night behind the decks. Music has always been my escape and my main form of expression.
My journey started about ten years ago at a club, when I saw DJ Mohasseb perform. The way he controlled the energy and connected with the crowd completely shifted something in me. That night, I knew I wanted to do this.
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You often describe your music as a blend of Afro house and melodic house. What drew you to these genres?
I&rsquo;ve always been drawn to music that evokes deeper feelings. Afro house has raw groove and rhythm, while melodic house brings emotion and storytelling.
Blending both allows me to balance energy and feeling. It&rsquo;s not just about dancing; it&rsquo;s about losing yourself in the moment.
Take us behind the decks. How do you build a DJ set from start to finish?
I approach every set as a journey. I usually start by creating a subtle mood to pull people in, then gradually raise the energy.
Reading the crowd is everything. I adapt in real time, creating tension and release. A good set should feel like a story you don&rsquo;t want to end.
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Which event stands out most in your career?
Playing at Amsterdam Dance Event was a defining moment. Being part of such a global platform, surrounded by different sounds and cultures, was unforgettable. It pushed me to think bigger and refine my identity as an artist.
What is the most memorable feedback you&rsquo;ve received?
Someone once told me after a set, &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t just play music, you made us feel something.&rdquo; That stuck with me. My goal has always been to create a real emotional connection, not just a party.
Do you remember the moment you realised you wanted to be a DJ?
It grew on me over time. I used to watch Armin van Buuren and Ti&euml;sto sets, especially big events like Sensation White. The energy, lights, and crowd felt like another world, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.
You&rsquo;re involved in several collaborative projects. How do they enhance creativity?
I&rsquo;m one half of two projects that shaped my journey. The Disc Jockeys was an early chapter that built my foundation and experience.
Right now, I focus on Zabadi Khalat. It&rsquo;s growing steadily and reflects where I am creatively today. Collaborations push you to think differently when there&rsquo;s mutual understanding and shared vision, the result is always stronger than working solo.
Looking ahead, what are you exploring?
I&rsquo;m refining my sound in Afro and melodic house, aiming to create a signature identity. I&rsquo;m also working on upcoming collaborations and concepts to bring fresh twists to my sets.
What have been some of the biggest challenges?
Balancing my &ldquo;daytime life&rdquo; with my passion for music has been one of the biggest challenges. It requires discipline and consistency. Over time, I&rsquo;ve learned to manage both, and the contrast fuels me creatively.
You were recently selected as DJ of the Week on NileFM. How did it feel?
It felt amazing. Being recognised on a platform like NileFM is a big step. Listeners can expect a set that represents my sound; emotional, energetic, and crafted as a journey from start to finish.
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Photo Credit: DJ Saify&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Exclusive | DJ Saify Talks Afro House, Inspiration, and Being NileFM’s DJ of The Week

By: Yomna Walid
The night before one of the defining moments of her career, Iman Al-Junaidi had not slept. She had arrived from Alexandria, studied an unfamiliar score until dawn, prepared herself, and walked into a room full of 120 musicians she had never met, a full symphony orchestra, performing a Western operatic repertoire. None of it was territory she had previously worked in.
She raised her baton anyway. That evening, as the Grand Egyptian Museum opened its doors to the world, it was Al-Junaidi standing at the front of the stage, not a name imported from a European conservatoire, not a celebrated veteran of Cairo&rsquo;s opera scene, but a woman who had spent decades conducting Arabic music ensembles in Beni Suef, building something from very little, in a governorate with no music college and forty conductors, thirty-nine of whom were men.
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She is, and remains, the first female maestro in Egypt and the Arab world. Recognition did not end there. She would later stand before President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at a ceremony honouring Egyptian women; another room, another moment she had not entirely expected to find herself in.
Alongside her work in the concert hall, she runs the Wajdan Egypt Foundation for Arts and Culture, sits on the Culture Committee at the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, and quietly builds programmes for young talents and people with disabilities who might otherwise never find their way into a rehearsal room.
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NileFM spoke to Al-Junaidi to trace her journey from Upper Egypt to the presidential palace. What she built, what it cost, and what she is still working towards.
If we go back to the beginning of your journey, from your first steps in music to becoming the first female maestro in Egypt and the Arab world, tell us about that journey and the challenges you faced.
It was a difficult journey. After graduating from college, I worked in several Arab countries, leading music groups in arts centres and within Ministries of Education. After returning to Egypt, I settled in Beni Suef, where I was assigned to lead the Beni Suef University music team and also became the conductor of the National Arabic Music Ensemble.
I love my work, and I always strive to lead. I constantly study and explore new developments in music. Over time, I won seven or eight awards and participated in many Arabic music festivals, as well as university creativity competitions.
It was a difficult journey, but also a beautiful one that taught me a lot. Through it, I discovered I was the first female maestro in Upper Egypt. At that time, there were about 40 conductors in Upper Egypt working in Arabic music at Cultural Palaces; 39 were men, and I was the only woman.
One of the biggest challenges was that there were no girls in the bands. People criticised me, saying, &ldquo;Why are you doing this? You&rsquo;re a woman leaving your home and children.&rdquo; But that never mattered to me because I believe art lives in the soul, and I love giving my best through it.
Each stage had its own challenges. At first, it was hard to find musicians in Beni Suef, because there was no music college or Arabic music institute there. If, for example, a flute player was absent, I could not find a replacement. Instruments were also limited, so I often had to bring musicians from Cairo for concerts.
Finding female singers was also difficult. Even when I found one, I often had to convince her family to allow her to sing. Sometimes, if she couldn&rsquo;t attend a concert, the performance could not happen.
During the revolution period, I formed my own private band, &ldquo;Al Maestro.&rdquo; I started in Beni Suef, bringing together talented musicians and singers I knew. We recorded videos and presented them in Cairo at venues such as the Opera House and El Sawy Culturewheel. The reception was very positive, and I began travelling constantly between Cairo and Beni Suef.&nbsp;
Eventually, I decided to settle in Cairo to access more musicians. I formed a band there, expanded its repertoire, incorporated folklore elements, and presented new shows. Initially, the audience was small, but over time I built a following.
My first major recognition came in 2010 when I was honoured as one of the creative women by the Cultural Palaces Organization at Cairo Opera House. Later, after forming my band, I received the &ldquo;First Lady of Egypt&rdquo; award in 2021 at Qubba Palace, celebrating successful Egyptian women. That moment was a lifelong dream.
Receiving that recognition carried a huge responsibility to work harder, expand my projects, and further develop the band. I later founded the Wajdan Egypt Foundation for Arts and Culture, focusing on talented individuals and how to showcase their abilities. Because I struggled early in my career, I always try to support amateur artists. In every concert, I try to highlight two or three new talents to give them a stronger push. The foundation supports talents in all forms of art because art is a message.
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You recently participated in International Women&rsquo;s Day celebrations attended by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. What did that moment feel like?
It was a huge honour. I never expected to be recognised by the president, to sit beside him, speak, and express my opinion. For me, it was truly a lifelong dream.
That day was also emotionally difficult, as my brother had passed away the day before. Despite my grief, I felt it was important to attend and meet the president. Thanks to God, I managed to speak about important topics related to children and young talents.
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You have met President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi more than once. What is the most influential advice or message he gave you?
He emphasised three important points: the role and recognition of Egyptian women, the care of people with disabilities, and the importance of art and talent.
He spoke about creating a &ldquo;State of Arts,&rdquo; similar to the State of "Quranic Recitation," to support and nurture artistic talent. I appreciated how he pays attention to details and supports Upper Egypt. I thanked him for supporting Egyptian women, Upper Egyptian women, and the arts; this honours Egypt as a whole.
Before the Grand Egyptian Museum opening, what were the most important behind-the-scenes moments during preparation?
The invitation was a complete surprise. I had never expected to lead the symphony orchestra at the museum&rsquo;s opening, especially since I run an independent foundation.
The recording took place over just two days, and I had only just received the score. It was an opera performance, Western music, all new to me. I did not sleep that night, studying the music intensely. I did not know any of the 120 musicians in the orchestra, but I was determined to succeed.
During filming, I felt dizzy from exhaustion and had to sit for a moment. But after finishing, I felt immense happiness; I had honoured Egypt.
In the Wajdan Foundation, you focus on teaching music to people with disabilities. Tell us more about that experience.
From the beginning, the foundation welcomed all forms of art, including for people with disabilities. We teach skills such as drawing, writing, and handicrafts, and organise &ldquo;Happiness Days&rdquo; for singing, poetry, and performances.
Some participants have learned to sing and play instruments. I also involve mothers in workshops so they can continue support at home. Our aim is to provide comprehensive artistic education to empower everyone.
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As the first female maestro in Egypt and the Arab world, did you ever feel you had to work harder to prove yourself?
Every stage has challenges, and every stage makes your dreams grow bigger. Even now, I feel I have many dreams I have yet to achieve. I told the president about my artistic and cultural projects, and I hope to see them realised.
You worked teaching music in Kuwait and Oman. How did teaching abroad differ from teaching in Egypt?
Egypt is the country of civilisation and art. Abroad, I taught singing at youth and sports arts centres for people aged 18&ndash;35. In Egypt, I teach all ages, even those over 70, and cover music more broadly: instruments, religious chanting, musical modes; all aspects of music.
You have spoken about a &ldquo;State of Creativity and Art.&rdquo; Can you explain this vision?
The idea is to discover talents, nurture them, and showcase them. Many talented people lack opportunities. The president suggested creating a &lsquo;State of Arts and Creativity&rsquo;, similar to the &lsquo;State of Quranic Recitation&rsquo;, which would support artistic talent, particularly in Upper Egypt, and highlight even the smallest talents.
When you meet a new musical talent, what makes you feel this person could become a real artist?
At first, most talented people are shy and unsure. I listen carefully, whether they sing or play an instrument. Training and practice are key. I guide them on pronunciation, technique, and improvement.
What distinguishes Egyptian music from the rest of the world, and how can it reach global audiences?
Egyptian music has a very long history. Anyone who wants to become famous or compose music often comes to Egypt. Once you succeed here, you can reach the world.
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What is the most important message you deliver through your artistic work?
My message is to promote true artistic creativity; honest, respectful, and elegant art that honours our culture. We aim to combat low-quality art, starting with children, introducing them to great artists like Umm Kulthum and Warda, and helping them reconnect with Egypt&rsquo;s artistic heritage.
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Photo Credit: Iman Al-Junaidi&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Iman Al-Junaidi, Egypt’s First Female Maestro on Breaking Barriers, The Grand Egyptian Museum, and a Meeting with President El-Sisi

By: Yomna Walid
After years of listening to &ldquo;DJ of the Week&rdquo; during his daily routines, DJ Lostboi now finds himself on the other side of the airwaves as this week&rsquo;s featured artist on NileFM.
His journey into music has been gradual, shaped by early experimentation with production and a growing fascination with how DJs influence the energy of a crowd. This Thursday at 10 PM, he brings that experience to radio, sharing both his sound and story.
In this interview, he reflects on his artistic approach, creative process, and what lies ahead.
How would you define DJ Lostboi as an artist, and what sets your sound apart in today&rsquo;s electronic music scene?
I see myself as someone who builds emotion on the dance floor, rather than simply playing tracks. My focus is on taking listeners on a journey through my selections and creating moments they can connect with. I also try to introduce audiences to sounds they may not expect, offering a glimpse into how I experience music.
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What was the moment you decided to become a DJ and music producer?
It wasn&rsquo;t a single moment but a gradual process. I was always interested in music and began producing at a young age. Over time, watching DJs shape the atmosphere of a crowd made me want to take on that role myself.
Can you take us behind the scenes of one of your favourite tracks? What story or emotion shaped it?
One of my favourite projects is an upcoming remix titled &ldquo;FLIGHTLINE,&rdquo; created in collaboration with Cairo-based producer Giggs. The lyrics of the original track played a key role in shaping our interpretation.
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If you had to choose one set or mix that truly represents you as an artist, which would it be, and why?
A recent set at The Rec Room stands out. It was performed without preparation, relying entirely on instinct and interaction with the audience. That spontaneity made it a strong reflection of my approach as an artist.
How does it feel to be featured as DJ of the Week on NileFM?
It feels significant. I have followed the programme for some time, so being featured now marks an important moment for me. It suggests that the work I&rsquo;ve been doing is moving in the right direction.
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What&rsquo;s next for you? Are there any upcoming releases or collaborations your audience should look out for?
The &ldquo;FLIGHTLINE&rdquo; remix will be released soon, and there are additional projects currently in development. I&rsquo;m looking forward to sharing more soon.
Photo Credit: Lostboi's official page&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Exclusive | DJ Lostboi Reflects on His Rise Ahead of NileFM DJ of The Week Feature

By: Yomna Walid
After 16 years in theatre, Egyptian actor Ahmed Radwan continues to surprise audiences this Ramadan, proving his ability to master a wide range of roles.
This season, he stands out as Shaarawy in &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo; (Season 2), a comedic police officer whose every appearance involves a new disguise, transforming him into a completely different character. In contrast, in &ldquo;Ard wa Talab&rdquo;, he delivers a deeply emotional performance as Gamal, an investigative journalist uncovering a gang involved in illegal organ trade, leaving viewers both moved and on edge.
Radwan has impressed audiences this year with his versatility, bringing distinct energy to each project, from &ldquo;El Sett&rdquo; and &ldquo;Al Sada Al Afadel&rdquo; to &ldquo;Single Mother Father&rdquo;, &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo;, and &ldquo;Ard wa Talab.&rdquo;
NileFM goes behind the scenes with Radwan to explore his preparation for Shaarawy in &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo;, Gamal in &ldquo;Ard wa Talab&rdquo;, and the surprise he has in store as he takes on directing for the first time in his upcoming theatre production.
Shaarawy is full of mystery and suspense. What attracted you to this character from the start?
What drew me to Shaarawy was the idea of someone who appears one way, while we don&rsquo;t really know who he is, only to discover later that he plays a heroic and patriotic role. I found that very engaging, especially working with Ahmed Amin, as the character in the script is quite rebellious and wants to do things her own way.
Having someone guide her to think about the country&rsquo;s interest created a very enjoyable dynamic between us. Our scenes together had strong, fun energy.
I was also drawn to the idea of disguises. Every time he appears, he takes on a different form, making him unrecognisable. That aspect was particularly enjoyable and reminded me of my early days in acting, when I would take on multiple personas, almost as if playing several characters at once.
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Did you add anything new to Shaarawy&rsquo;s character that wasn&rsquo;t in the script?
Yes. Developing characters and adding details has always been part of my process. I usually build a backstory, where the character comes from, their life, and their defining traits.
When I worked with director Hossam Ali, he added historical context about the character and the role of officers at that time, which encouraged me to research further.
We also explored the character creatively, even describing him through animal traits. We found that Shaarawy resembled an owl, focused, observant, and slightly suspicious.
Another layer came from working with Ahmed Amin on dialogue. We discovered a playful dynamic through improvisation, particularly in how the characters persuade and challenge each other. That process added something new to the role.
Shaarawy is an officer with hidden patriotic motivations. How did you prepare for the role?
What fascinated me was how some people at the time worked under occupation yet secretly carried out patriotic acts that could put their lives at risk.
I explored this historical aspect through research and documentaries. At the same time, we introduced a comedic tone into the script to balance the character.
The series blends history, espionage, and comedy. How did you balance seriousness and humour?
From the beginning, I agreed with Ahmed Amin that comedy should come naturally from the character and the situation.
It was a challenge, as the cast is highly skilled in comedy. But working with Ahmed Amin and Mohamed Nasser made it easier. My focus was building the character seriously, while they helped shape how humour could flow within the scenes.
What was the most challenging scene for you?
In &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo;, there weren&rsquo;t difficult scenes. Most were enjoyable, filled with humour, disguises, and playful acting.
One memorable moment was performing as a licorice vendor, where I focused on mastering the physical movements and sounds. It was fun rather than difficult.
The more demanding scenes were in &ldquo;Ard wa Talab&rdquo;, which required intense emotional and physical effort.
What do you hope audiences take away from &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo;?
I hope they enjoy it. The series already had a strong foundation, and I wanted to contribute positively and integrate well with the team.
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The two roles are very different. How did you separate them?
It was exciting to play two contrasting characters during Ramadan, one comedic and one dramatic.
In &ldquo;Ard wa Talab," I played Gamal, a journalist who goes undercover as a kidney donor to expose a criminal network. In &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo;, I played an officer using disguises for patriotic purposes.
Each role had its own complexity. One relied on humour and disguise, the other on tension and emotional depth. Exploring both sides is what makes acting fulfilling for me.
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Was there a memorable behind-the-scenes moment?
On &ldquo;Ard wa Talab," despite the heavy themes, the atmosphere was always light-hearted. The cast, including Salma Abu Deif, Ali Sobhy, Mostafa Abu Sriea, Alaa Morsi, and Rahma Ahmed, brought a lot of humour off camera.
Even during intense scenes, there was always laughter behind the scenes.
Did any scene affect you personally?
There is a major scene in the final episode that was emotionally and physically exhausting. I cannot discuss it yet, but I hope it resonates with audiences.
How does the series raise awareness about organ donation?
I&rsquo;m very proud of &ldquo;Ard wa Talab&rdquo;. It doesn&rsquo;t present issues directly, but weaves them into the narrative, allowing viewers to reflect naturally.
This subtle approach makes the message more powerful.
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Tell us about your experience in &ldquo;El Sett.&rdquo;
Working with Marwan Hamed is a dream for any actor. I was fortunate to have a significant role as El Desouki.
Working with Mona Zaki was also a highlight. She is incredibly professional, humble, and supportive.
How does theatre differ from film and television for you?
Theatre offers a unique experience, the preparation, the tension before stepping on stage, and the direct connection with the audience.
Film and television allow for multiple takes and collaboration, but they lack that immediate energy.
What&rsquo;s next for you?
I am currently preparing for a theatre production that I will direct for the first time. It is set to premiere in April.
Beyond that, I am continuing my improvisational theatre work with my team &ldquo;Maktoob Alina," and I&rsquo;m looking forward to future opportunities.
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Photo Credit: Ahmed Radwan's official page&nbsp;

Exclusive | Ahmed Radwan Reveals Behind the Scenes of “El Nos El Tany” and “Ard wa Talab”

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Never failing to surprise audiences with her performances, Egyptian actress Hana Ghoneim continues to leave a strong impression every time she appears on screen.
This Ramadan season, Ghoneim delivers a remarkable performance in the series &ldquo;Kan Ya Makan,&rdquo; starring Maged El Kedwany and Yosra El Lozy. She portrays Maya, a kind-hearted chef who finds herself in a toxic relationship after unknowingly falling in love with a married man. The character quickly became one of the most talked-about storylines in the series, which explores the emotional complexities of life after divorce.
But acting is only one side of Ghoneim&rsquo;s artistic journey. She is also an Egyptian singer and performing artist whose career path took an unexpected turn.
Although she initially began her career as an athlete specializing in the high jump and dreamed of representing Egypt at the Olympic Games, a severe foot injury during training ended her sporting ambitions. That turning point redirected her life toward the world of music and performing arts.
Before &ldquo;Kan Ya Makan,&rdquo; Ghoneim appeared in several television projects, including &ldquo;Tel3et Rohi,&rdquo; &ldquo;Wanesni,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mystery Box.&rdquo;
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Ghoneim opens about portraying Maya, navigating emotionally intense roles, and her new original music.
1. Your role as Maya in "Kan Ya Makan" is emotionally intense and complex. What made you say yes to this character from the beginning?
I loved Maya the minute I read the audition scenes. She&rsquo;s so full of life, so unapologetically herself, and she goes through life doing what she loves. She&rsquo;s driven by passion.
She kind of reminds me of me, or maybe the version of myself I aspire to be more like. When I read the full script, I fell even more in love with her motives and what drives her. She reminds me of the version of myself I want to be, someone who lives honestly, passionately, and fully.
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2. Maya goes through betrayal and emotional shock after discovering Seif&rsquo;s secret marriage. As a woman, how did you emotionally prepare yourself to portray that pain authentically?
When preparing a character, you must build their entire world, their morals, motives, intentions, and emotional logic. So, I had to understand Maya as a person first, and then draw from my own experiences as Hana, from different kinds of betrayals or emotional disappointments.
It&rsquo;s never easy to tap into those feelings, but unfortunately, these situations happen so often around us that you almost become familiar with the emotional landscape of it and how differently people react to betrayal.
Maya, to me, is the type of person who, when betrayed, would obviously be devastated, but at the same time would feel a responsibility to protect the other woman who is also a victim in the situation and warn her.
3. The series highlights toxic relationships. If Maya met someone like Seif in real life, what signs should she look for to recognize toxicity early?
Sometimes, unfortunately, it&rsquo;s almost impossible to detect early on. But I do believe it&rsquo;s always important in relationships to take things slow and steady. Really get to know the person before taking bigger steps.
You need to go through life situations together and observe how they act because actions always speak louder than words. Meet their friends as well, because that often gives you a mirror of the person&rsquo;s personality and values.
In Maya&rsquo;s case, the relationship was still quite new, and she had mostly spent time with Seif alone. In a way, it&rsquo;s good that she discovered the truth before things got even more serious between them.
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4. Many viewers expressed support and sympathy for Maya&rsquo;s journey. Why do you think the audience connected so strongly with her story?
I believe it&rsquo;s because she represents a big portion of girls. She&rsquo;s very relatable, just a sweet girl going about her life and falling for someone who is concealing the truth from her.
What was interesting, though, was that the audience was quite divided when it came to Maya&rsquo;s reaction. Some people really connected with her pain and supported her decision to warn her wife, especially considering the wife was pregnant and completely unaware.
But others called Maya a home wrecker simply for telling the wife the truth, even though Seif had already made it clear he wasn&rsquo;t ending things, even after finding out his wife was pregnant.
That reaction honestly shocked me a little bit. Blaming the victim woman instead of assigning responsibility to the actual perpetrator, which is Seif, is unfair. He alone is responsible for his actions.
I think this reaction reflects a larger societal issue, where, unfortunately, the woman is often blamed in relationship dynamics. &ldquo;She stole him,&rdquo; &ldquo;she seduced him,&rdquo; &ldquo;she told the wife because she wants him for herself.&rdquo; In Maya&rsquo;s case, none of that was true, but some people still chose to see it that way.
5. You moved from musical theatre to intense drama. What part of you had to grow up to carry a role like this?
Honestly, I believe art is art. Musical theatre can also be extremely emotionally intense; it&rsquo;s just expressed through a different medium.
So, for me, it wasn&rsquo;t about &ldquo;growing up&rdquo; as much as it was about expressing emotions differently. Of course, over the years I&rsquo;ve lived through experiences that gave me more perspective on life, and that naturally deepens you as an artist.
I&rsquo;ve matured as a person, and I think that maturity will reflect in whatever project I participate in, whether it&rsquo;s a musical or a drama series.
6. What were the biggest challenges you faced transitioning from musical theatre to television drama?
Just to give a bit of context, &ldquo;Kan Ya Makan&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t my first TV acting experience. I was previously cast in &ldquo;Tel3et Rohi,&rdquo; &ldquo;Wanesni,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mystery Box,&rdquo; so I do have some experience with television.
Over the years, I&rsquo;ve also been consistently taking acting workshops, and I truly believe they have helped prepare me for projects like this. Every role teaches you something new, and I feel like with each project I&rsquo;m refining my tools a little more.
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7. The series tackles sensitive social issues such as marriage, divorce, family conflict, and the emotional impact on children. Which issue resonated with you the most personally, and why?
What resonated with me the most was the idea of how the actions of adults can deeply affect innocent people around them, especially children.
When relationships are built on lies, betrayal, or dishonesty, the damage rarely stays between just two people. It spreads outward and affects families and children who had nothing to do with the situation.
That ripple effect was something I found very powerful in the story, and it really stayed with me.
8. Working alongside Maged El Kedwany must have been a valuable experience. What did you learn from him on set?
Maged El Kedwany is honestly such a sweet and warm person. I truly loved him from the moment we started talking. He was very welcoming and encouraging of my participation, and he already knew that I sing and was complimenting me on that.
That kind of encouragement really gives you a boost of confidence as an artist, and it had a positive impact on my performance.
He&rsquo;s an example of an artist who is extremely grounded and down to earth, someone who clearly loves what he does and makes everyone around him feel seen and appreciated.
As an actor, he&rsquo;s incredibly disciplined, unbelievably talented, and very emotionally intelligent. He&rsquo;s very in tune with his emotions and aware of his surroundings, and I think that translates directly into the amazing actor we all know and admire.
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9. Many scenes in the series are emotionally heavy. How do you disconnect from the character after filming intense moments?
It can be emotionally draining sometimes. But I try to remind myself that once the director says &ldquo;cut,&rdquo; the character stays on set.
What helps a lot is the atmosphere behind the scenes. Between takes, we were always laughing, chatting, and keeping things light, which helped balance the heaviness of some scenes.
I think having that separation between you and the character is important; it can become overwhelming.
10. Behind the scenes, what was the atmosphere like among the cast? Do you have a memorable moment from filming that you can share?
It was so much fun! The crew was amazing, super supportive, very helpful, and just fun to be around. There was always a lot of laughter on set.
Many of the crew members were already fans of Locken products, which made me so happy. I started bringing them some of our newest launches for them to try, and it became a fun little tradition while we were filming.
11. After your debut in Ramadan drama, what type of roles are you hoping to explore next? And do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
I&rsquo;m really hoping to get more opportunities in television and explore more complex, emotionally charged characters, especially characters that are very different from my own personality. I love the challenge of stepping into someone else&rsquo;s world completely.
Now, I&rsquo;m continuing to work on myself and strengthen my acting tools through workshops and training.
And on the music side, I&rsquo;m currently working on new original music that I&rsquo;m really excited about and hoping to release soon.
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Photo Credit: Yango Play's Official Page&nbsp;

Exclusive | Hana Ghoneim Opens Up About Her Emotional Role in “Kan Ya Makan”

By: Yomna Walid
As Ramadan draws to a close, one of the season&rsquo;s most cherished traditions quietly fades from the streets. The Mesaharati is the drummer who walks neighbourhoods at night, waking families for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and keeping a centuries-old tradition alive.
For thirty nights, this historic figure weaves through sleeping streets, beating a drum, or sometimes playing a flute, chanting hymns and calling out names. The role blends devotion, community spirit, and the rhythm of Ramadan heritage.
Some trace the tradition back to the time of Prophet Muhammad when Bilal bin Rabah would wake people for suhoor. Others link it to the Fatimid era in Egypt. Regardless of its origins, the Mesaharati remains a beloved symbol of Ramadan across neighbourhoods.
<a href="https://ibb.co/jkx3S3m6"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/b5yNkNTW/Be-Funky-collage3-2026-03-15-T122658-323.jpg" alt="Be-Funky-collage3-2026-03-15-T122658-323" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
A Family Tradition Passed Down
Sayed Mahmoud Ismail from Al-Sharqia is one of Egypt&rsquo;s long-serving Mesaharatis. His family has carried the tradition for generations.
&ldquo;My name is Sayed Mahmoud Ismail, from Al-Sharqia. The profession of the Mesaharati is hereditary in my family, passed down from my grandfather to my father, and now I pass it to my children. I hold a bachelor's degree in education, Social Service Department, and I am 42 years old. I have been working as a Mesaharati for more than 20 years,&rdquo; he says.
&ldquo;The whole family has been involved in Mesaharati for a long time. When my son grew up, I wanted to give him a break, so I would go in his place. We inherited the profession together with my siblings.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The first night in the street is full of joy and happiness. The joy of Ramadan is completed with the Mesaharati walking through the streets. When I perform the suhoor rounds, I feel as if Ramadan has come again in all its celebrations, drums, and excitement. It is a feeling of disappearing from the world for a year, fully immersed in the streets.&rdquo;
Keeping the Tradition Alive in Modern Times
&ldquo;Back in the day, there was no electricity and everything was dark. Today, there are lanterns. Back then, the lanterns were made of wax. Ramadan today is different. It is more modern, and children want to hit the drum and participate,&rdquo; Sayed says with a smile.
He explains the essence of the tradition. &ldquo;The secrets of this tradition are rooted in loving people. I love people, and they love me. When a child becomes attached to me, and later has children of their own, they tell them, &lsquo;I grew up with him; he used to walk with me during suhoor.&rsquo;&rdquo;
The role comes with challenges. Families sometimes request specific names to be called, which can be difficult to remember. Others go to sleep early because of work, asking him to wait and make sure they are awake.
&ldquo;The hardest night is the last night. The joy of the children, the drumbeats. It feels like saying goodbye. And if it rains or there is a power outage, I must walk with great effort. People still remember my grandfather and father, and they love us, my children and me. The last night is the hardest because I wonder will I be here next year and will the people still be there.&rdquo;
Advice for the Next Generation
Sayed says the tradition is not just about drumming but about connection and care.
&ldquo;The most important thing is to love people. No child should feel hurt if they want to participate. Everyone should be given their chance, with manners and respect. If someone wants their name to be called, do it.&rdquo;
He adds, &ldquo;I watch the dawn and go out before Fajr. One of the challenges we faced was during COVID-19. We decided not to go out for one year, but people came to the house, insisting we perform the suhoor rounds. It is Ramadan.&rdquo;
A History That Resonates Today
The Mesaharati tradition dates back centuries. Historical accounts mention Otbat Bin Ishaq, an Abbasid-era administrator in Egypt, who reportedly walked through Cairo at night to remind people of the approaching suhoor.
Later, during the Fatimid caliphate, the ruler Al-Hakim Bi Amrillah encouraged people to sleep early after Taraweeh prayers. Military officers were tasked with waking residents by knocking on doors.
Over time, rulers began appointing individuals specifically for the role. Known as Mesaharatis, they would walk through towns and cities, tapping doors with sticks or beating drums to wake households, turning quiet streets into a rhythm of Ramadan tradition.
Photo Credits: Freepik; featured image by Sayed Mahmoud Ismail
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