By: Yomna Walid
Ever wondered what it would be like to witness the sacred rites of ancient Egypt up close&mdash;to see, smell, and even take part in the mysteries of mummification?
What started as a series of academic lectures has transformed into Journey of Immortality, &lsquo;The Mummification Ritual in Ancient Egypt&rsquo;, a groundbreaking immersive production that goes far beyond historical reenactment. Over the course of two hours, the stage transforms into a sacred ceremonial space; &nbsp;incense drifts through the air, priests chant and the audience becomes part of the ritual, rediscovering ancient Egypt&rsquo;s profound vision of death and the afterlife.
The show arrives at a time of renewed national interest in embracing and reviving authentic Egyptian identity through language, customs, and spiritual traditions, challenging narratives that frame Egyptology as solely a foreign pursuit.&nbsp;
Helmed by Dr. Omar Al-Moataz Bellah, a renowned expert in ancient Egyptian art and performance, and Hoda Abdelaziz, a prominent media figure and Egyptology researcher, the production blends cutting-edge archaeological insight with powerful theatrical storytelling. Audiences leave not just with knowledge, but with the unforgettable sensation of having touched the spiritual heartbeat of one of the world&rsquo;s oldest civilizations.
Nile FM spoke with Hoda about her role in the project and the message behind it.
How did your involvement in Journey of Immortality come about? What inspired this idea?
Journey of Immortality is part of a larger ongoing project aimed at raising awareness around ancient Egyptian civilisation. We&rsquo;ve been working on a series of initiatives&mdash;exhibitions, lectures, and theatre &mdash; all focused on presenting different aspects of our heritage in accessible, engaging ways. We even founded a research centre called &ldquo;Osiris&rdquo; for heritage preservation and identity studies. One of our core themes is resurrection and immortality. We realised audiences didn&rsquo;t just want to watch history &mdash; they wanted to feel it.
How did it feel to be on stage reenacting such a profound ritual?
I felt a deep sense of pride. It wasn&rsquo;t just performance &mdash; it was legacy. Reconnecting people with their roots through this ritual made the experience incredibly personal and emotional.
Can you describe the staging and how you made it immersive?
We aimed for complete authenticity. The atmosphere was designed with exact replicas of ancient Egyptian items &mdash; coffins, ritual tools, even a handmade censer and a replica mummy. Some props we had to create ourselves because they no longer exist. The lighting was warm and flickering, evoking torchlight, and the soundtrack included ancient Egyptian language. We also choreographed how the audience would interact with the space. Every detail was deliberate.
<a href="https://ibb.co/cGYy3zF"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Jf3ctX7/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Was this your first time working in immersive theatre?
Yes, and it was a challenge. It required a different kind of storytelling &mdash; one where the audience isn&rsquo;t just watching but participating. The payoff was incredible. After the show, many people told us they finally felt the information rather than just hearing it.
Any moment that stayed with you?
Definitely. At the end, we invited attendees to say aloud the names of loved ones who had passed. That moment of reflection and connection made the ritual deeply personal for each person in the room. It was powerful &mdash; many shared their experience on social media afterwards.
How did you ensure scientific and historical accuracy?
We worked closely with new archaeological findings and visual references. As a fine arts graduate, I&rsquo;m passionate about visual storytelling. We took academic content and translated it into sensory, immersive visuals &mdash; something you don&rsquo;t forget.
<a href="https://ibb.co/QvfXj1Dc"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/7tXbN6kz/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You work across research, media and education. How did those paths come together here?
It was very organic. I studied fine arts, worked in broadcasting, pursued postgraduate studies in modern teaching methods, and specialized in Egyptology. This project allowed me to bring all of that together &mdash; knowledge, storytelling, and presentation &mdash; in one unified form.
Do you see Journey of Immortality as the start of something bigger?
Absolutely. Each show can explore a new part of Egyptian heritage &mdash; and each experience should feel fresh, never repetitive. We want audiences to leave inspired, curious and proud of their roots. This is only the beginning.
<a href="https://ibb.co/QjXrB99c"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Z1NWsddJ/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What message did you hope to share &mdash; and how did the audience respond?
That pride in identity is powerful. When people connect with who they are and where they come from, it changes how they live. The response has been wonderful &mdash; heartfelt, open, and emotional. I&rsquo;m deeply grateful to the venues that supported us and to the audiences who embraced the experience.
<a href="https://ibb.co/v4JTGRpc"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/XxzKgM1W/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;

Exclusive | Mummies, Magic And Mystery - Hoda Abdelaziz Turns Ancient Rituals Into Live Theatre

By Injy Tarek
Under a purple sky in late July, it wasn&rsquo;t just another concert&mdash;it felt more like a reunion. On Thursday, 31st July 2025, Massar Egbari lit up the night, a powerful, intimate performance sponsored by Nogoum FM.
&nbsp;
Midway through, frontman Hany El Dakkak scanned the crowd, smiling warmly:
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Khalas&hellip; enough happy songs. If you know Massar Egbari, you know we never let you leave without at least one depressing song.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Classic.
Yet, when we asked Hany why fan favorites &ldquo;Ana Haweet&rdquo; and &ldquo;Zayyek Ana&rdquo; were missing, Hany reassured:
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We sang many similar songs tonight. But we promise they&rsquo;ll be in our upcoming shows in Porto Golf Sahel and Amman.&rdquo;
<a href="https://ibb.co/3YysKVw5"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/prvPqNg6/massar-egbari-1-befunky.jpg" alt="massar-egbari-1-befunky" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Beyond the stage lights and the powerful music lies Massar Egbari Family&mdash;a fan collective born in 2022, officially launched in 2023, now with nearly 30,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. They&rsquo;re more than fans; they&rsquo;re an integral part of the band&rsquo;s story.
&nbsp;
Nile FM sat with Malek Baraka, the young frontman of Aks El Tareeq, whose journey took him from childhood fan to part of Massar Egbari&rsquo;s inner circle or as they call it "Massar Egbari Family".
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I started listening to Massar in 2011 when I was just eleven,&rdquo; Malek shared. &ldquo;I got hooked instantly. Their fusion of jazz and rock was different. They inspired me to learn seven instruments, form my own band, and eventually meet them.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
His first contact was Toussy, through a family connection. Then came Hafez, Ayman Masoud then seyam cause i was addicted to this person&mdash;he&rsquo;s a legend and eventually Hany himself&mdash;&lsquo;the Baba,&rsquo; as Malek affectionately calls him.
&nbsp;
The turning point was Seyam&rsquo;s invitation to the studio on Malek&rsquo;s birthday last year. &ldquo;it was memorable i will never forget the first time, that i get preveleged to enter massar egbari&rsquo;s studio&hellip;it was insane &rdquo;
&nbsp;
Hany El Dakkak&rsquo;s influence, Malek notes, was profound: &ldquo;His voice, his style, even the way he strokes his electric-guitar&mdash;it all communicates something. He taught me about chords, about music itself. Just seeing him perform was life-changing.&rdquo;
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/HLykWHzb"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/6cSf3WPT/befunky-2025-7-5-11-16-50.jpg" alt="befunky-2025-7-5-11-16-50" border="0" /></a>
What distinguishes Massar Egbari from other Egyptian bands? Malek didn&rsquo;t hesitate: &ldquo;They&rsquo;re more than just a band&mdash;they&rsquo;re home. A house is just a place, but Massar feels like family (Home).&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The Massar Egbari Family fan collective&rsquo;s dedication goes far beyond Egypt. Malek, jamming Massar&rsquo;s songs outside Egypt, sees firsthand how the band&rsquo;s unique sound captivates global listeners.
&nbsp;
This dedication also led fans to organize activations ahead of the Nogoum FM concert&mdash;posters, polls, giveaways and custom Handheld fans&mdash;all done entirely by the family.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;No sponsors, no outsiders,&rdquo; Malek emphasized. &ldquo;Just us, the Massar Family.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Speaking with Malek, we gained deeper insight into the Massar Egbari Family&rsquo;s remarkable dedication. Ahead of the concert, they organized a city-wide treasure hunt across Cairo, where fans searched various locations for the chance to win&mdash;you guessed it&mdash;ten free concert tickets.
&nbsp;
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<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMzlMF0ogi7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Malek Baraka (@malekkbarakaa)</a>
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 But the excitement didn&rsquo;t end there. On their official social media accounts, the Massar Egbari Family launched a poll, allowing fans to vote for the songs they most wanted to hear the band perform live on Thursday night, making the evening truly fan-curated.
&nbsp;
"Aks El Tareeq" first came together during their school days, initially competing in a "Battle of the Bands" contest. Since then, the seven-member group has steadily grown into a respected band, performing at prominent venues such as El Gezira Club. Now, they&rsquo;re gearing up for their biggest milestone yet&mdash;sharing the stage with "two major bands" Malek teased and whose identities are kept&nbsp;under the wraps until 12th December 2025. Alongside these surprise superstar guests, Malek hinted at a special appearance from a former bandmate who&rsquo;s now a popular solo artist. Promising a night full of memorable moments, Malek teased plenty of additional guest appearances, confidently describing it as &ldquo;the night of our dreams.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Malek&rsquo;s story, from an enthusiastic fan sending hopeful DMs to a musician sharing stages with his idols, encapsulates Massar Egbari&rsquo;s true impact: a band that inspires, unites and transforms listeners into lifelong members of an ever-growing family.
&nbsp;
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<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OnF5jM-Qn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Malek Baraka (@malekkbarakaa)</a>
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&nbsp;

Exclusive | Malek Baraka on Life Inside the Massar Egbari Family, Jamming with the Band and Building a Sound of His Own

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
They&rsquo;re loud, they&rsquo;re talented &mdash; and they&rsquo;re all under 15. Today, Thursday, 31st July 2025, Egypt&rsquo;s youngest rock band, "Semsema", will take the stage as part of the iconic Massar Egbari concert. News of the rising band joining the lineup has sparked excitement among fans &mdash; and for good reason.
Formed in 2024 by a group of school friends with a shared love for music, Semsema first came together to compete in a &ldquo;Battle of the Bands.&rdquo; Not only did they take home first place, but they also discovered a deeper creative spark that kept them playing and writing. Since then, they&rsquo;ve gone on to compose original songs, win the &ldquo;Bandmakers Go Original&rdquo; competition and build a growing presence in Egypt&rsquo;s indie scene.
<a href="https://ibb.co/tMb6G9JK"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/6R4SMkWw/Be-Funky-collagegery-2025-07-29-T132924-321.jpg" alt="Be-Funky-collagegery-2025-07-29-T132924-321" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
But "Semsema" isn&rsquo;t just a group of kids with instruments. With members aged between 11 and 14, they&rsquo;ve already carved out their own space in the music world, winning competitions like &ldquo;Schools Rock&rdquo; and turning heads with their infectious energy, raw talent and natural chemistry on stage.
Nile FM caught up with the band: Leila, Kareem, Alex and Zeyad, to talk dreams, influences and what it really means to be young and rocking.
<a href="https://ibb.co/F4nzx5DN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xq36C17P/491433129-17876595897313932-2621050335723600005-n.jpg" alt="491433129-17876595897313932-2621050335723600005-n" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Leila (Lead Vocalist)&nbsp;
When did you start singing rock music?
I started in 2022 during a Battle of the Bands competition and my brother and I actually won first place together.
What first drew you to rock?
Since I was a kid, my dad used to play a lot of rock songs in the car. I fell in love with the sound. I started learning piano and then singing while playing. Later, I picked up an instrument that not many girls play &mdash; the bass guitar. Now I&rsquo;m at Level 6 out of 8 in Trinity College London&rsquo;s music exams.
How do you feel when you&rsquo;re on stage in front of a big crowd?
I feel proud and really happy. I just want the songs we play to reach people and make them feel something.
Who&rsquo;s the artist that inspires you most?
Billie Eilish, for both her music and lyrics. I also relate to her because she makes music with her brother, just like I do.
Do you enjoy writing your own songs?
Yes, I love expressing my thoughts and emotions through lyrics.
How did it feel when a major band like &ldquo;Massar Egbari&rdquo; praised your work?
It made me dream even bigger. One day, I hope to perform on a huge stage like they do, go on tour, and have people around the world singing our songs.
<a href="https://ibb.co/gbGjtPNJ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Q7ZbYCLM/491438182-17876595888313932-5071467181506919297-n.jpg" alt="491438182-17876595888313932-5071467181506919297-n" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Kareem (Electric Guitarist)
When did you first pick up the guitar and how did you learn?
Six years ago, I asked my dad if I could try learning guitar after seeing others play. I joined a music academy called &ldquo;Bandmakers&rdquo; and now I&rsquo;m at Level 7, just one step away from finishing Trinity&rsquo;s program.
Do you prefer soloing or playing as part of a band?
Definitely being part of a band. I love playing with them &mdash; we come up with fresh ideas together and the music just flows.
What&rsquo;s your favorite song to play?
&ldquo;Johnny B. Goode.&rdquo; I love the sound; it&rsquo;s fast and challenging, and I also love the movie Back to the Future, where it was featured.
If you could play with any global band, who would it be?
Metallica, hands down. I love their music and would love to be in their band one day.
Would you ever mix rock with other genres?
Not really, I prefer keeping genres separate. I love rock as it is, and I enjoy jazz too &mdash; but on its own.
<a href="https://ibb.co/KjDxDc5p"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/pvQjQ61B/490703614-17876595789313932-7965669888157997595-n.jpg" alt="490703614-17876595789313932-7965669888157997595-n" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Alex (Drummer)
Why did you choose drums?
I used to listen to a lot of rock with my dad in the car and the drums always stood out to me. I felt like I could really connect with that instrument and maybe become a great drummer someday.
Drumming takes serious time and energy. How do you balance it with school?
I never miss music practice. I play both drums and bass guitar, so I schedule my practice on weekends. If we have long rehearsals before performances, I bring my schoolwork and study in between.
Do drums help you express your emotions?
Absolutely. Drumming makes me happy and I often tap on anything around me &mdash; it&rsquo;s how I release all my energy, even my anger sometimes.
What&rsquo;s a performance moment you&rsquo;ll never forget?
During this year&rsquo;s Battle of the Bands, I knew I played really well. One of the judges, Amr Yehia, complimented everyone, but saved the best for last. He said, &ldquo;If there were an award just for drums, I&rsquo;d give it to you.&rdquo;
What&rsquo;s your dream for the band?
To stay together, grow bigger, and become famous like Metallica or Queen.
<a href="https://ibb.co/FLBz1L3S"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/cSNQ9S3G/491438273-17876595801313932-1446863959011353927-n.jpg" alt="491438273-17876595801313932-1446863959011353927-n" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Zeyad (Keyboardist)
How did you start playing keyboard?
It actually started by chance. Back in fifth grade, my music teacher asked us to learn an instrument and present a full song at the end of the year. I joined a Rock and Pop academy and fell in love with the electric piano. Now, I also play electric guitar and drums &mdash; I want to understand how every instrument adds to a song.
Do you prefer writing original music or playing covers?
Both. Covers help me explore different tones, but I&rsquo;ve started writing short melodies &mdash; sometimes spontaneously or during jam sessions with the band.
What&rsquo;s your favorite part about performing with the band?
That moment when we&rsquo;re all in sync, playing like one mind. The energy we create together feels bigger than any of us alone. That&rsquo;s why I love being in a band.
Do you enjoy experimenting with electronic sounds or prefer classical piano?
I love experimenting with synths and electronic tones &mdash; it gives me space to invent unique sounds and blend ideas, even if I&rsquo;m not using the original instrument.
What&rsquo;s your dream as a musician?
I want people to recognize my sound instantly &mdash; &ldquo;that&rsquo;s Zeyad.&rdquo; I dream of doing music production, collaborating with local and international bands, and composing soundtracks for film and TV. I&rsquo;m excited to see where our music can go.
&nbsp;

Exclusive | Egypt’s Youngest Rockers 'Semsema' Kick Off a Night with 'Massar Egbari'

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
From the ancient stones of Aswan to the modern facades of Egypt&rsquo;s cities, two artists are redefining how we see ourselves&mdash;one mural at a time. Life and creative partners, Maha Gamil and Ali Abdel Fattah are not just painting walls; they&rsquo;re curating a visual narrative of identity, memory, and belonging.
In this exclusive interview with NileFM, the award-winning duo reflects on the journey behind their mural project, which earned them Egypt&rsquo;s 2024 State Encouragement Award for Arts. With more than 15 years of experience, Maha and Ali use public walls as canvases for collective memory, celebrating heritage, identity, and civic pride.
Each of the four buildings they&rsquo;ve painted tells a distinct story. Here, they share the path that led them there.
Maha Gamil and Ali Abdel Fattah, visual artists from Aswan&mdash;and partners in both life and art, How do you each define your artistic identity?
Our creative vision is grounded in purpose. We aim to send meaningful messages to society and preserve Egyptian identity in a modern, relevant way.
For us, art is more than aesthetics. It&rsquo;s a language that beautifies, documents, and preserves visual memory for both places and people.
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/qGf2HrN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/v5GMNj3/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>
How did your journey into mural art begin? Have you always worked as a team?
It all started during our university years, where we collaborated on creative coursework. In 2011, we painted our first mural&mdash;a face emerging from a wall&mdash;and realized the powerful impact of public art.
That experience revealed something deeper: a mural isn&rsquo;t just a painted surface; it&rsquo;s a dialogue with the community. Working together felt natural. We believe our collaboration creates a unique harmony in both style and concept.
Tell us about your personal story. How did your relationship evolve?
It developed gradually and genuinely. We began as classmates and connected through shared respect, ideas, and artistic vision. Over time, that bond grew into love and partnership.
Art was our first form of communication&mdash;even before words. Respect and love have always been central to our relationship, in life and in art.
What did it mean to win the 2024 State Encouragement Award for Arts?
It was an incredibly emotional and proud moment. Not only did it validate our work, but it also legitimized mural art as a powerful medium of expression.
We felt recognized not just as artists, but as storytellers of public space. The award added a new layer of responsibility&mdash;to keep going, to keep creating.
Did winning the award have an impact on your career or how others see your work?
Absolutely. People&rsquo;s perception shifted, particularly regarding mural art, which was often overlooked or undervalued.
We challenged narrow definitions of what murals could be. Now there&rsquo;s growing appreciation for the idea that a wall can be more than decorative&mdash;it can carry meaning, identity, and awareness.
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Is mural art becoming more accepted in Egypt, or does it still lack visibility?
Recognition is growing, but we&rsquo;re still at the beginning of that journey.
Egypt is visually rich, filled with stories, colors, and rhythms that deserve to be reflected in public spaces. Historically, murals documented life, history, and identity. We&rsquo;re continuing that tradition through a contemporary lens&mdash;but we need more support, more visibility, and more opportunities. Mural art can serve as a mirror for a city&rsquo;s soul.
As a married couple working together, how does your relationship influence your art? Do you ever disagree?
Our relationship creates space for creative dialogue. We each bring a different perspective, and that adds depth to the work.
Artistic tension doesn&rsquo;t become conflict&mdash;it becomes inspiration. For us, art is a bridge, not a battleground.
Why Aswan? What does it mean to you artistically? Do other cities need similar projects?
Aswan is where we come from. It holds history, nature, stories, faces, and traditions. It&rsquo;s our natural source of inspiration.
But every Egyptian city deserves its own visual storytelling. Cities are more than just buildings&mdash;they have identity. Art reveals that soul.
You worked on the &ldquo;Aswan Street&rdquo; mural, which features over 300 portraits of residents. How did the community respond?
The reaction was heartwarming. People felt genuinely seen. They recognized themselves on the walls and felt a new sense of belonging.
We heard things like, &ldquo;For the first time, this street feels like it&rsquo;s ours.&rdquo; That&rsquo;s exactly what we aim for&mdash;art that fosters connection and pride.
Why did you choose those four specific buildings for the mural?
We selected them for their prominent location on Aswan Street, leading to the international airport, and for the scale and layout of their facades.
Each building offered a different storytelling opportunity, and together they created a cohesive visual narrative.
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How do you determine the story each building will tell? Is it guided by the space, the people, or your ideas?
It&rsquo;s a combination of all three. The stories arise through interaction with the place and its community.
We conduct visual research, listen to local stories, and study the area&rsquo;s history and faces. We then translate that into art&mdash;documenting reality while adding a modern, artistic interpretation.
Your work blends Egyptian heritage with contemporary art. How does this affect public awareness?
Art changes how people see themselves. It evokes pride, reflection, and connection.
When a wall becomes a narrative, people feel part of it. The space transforms&mdash;it becomes significant.
That&rsquo;s how collective awareness is built: through beauty, storytelling, and a shared sense of identity.
Was there a special meaning behind the fourth mural&mdash;the one featuring a young girl facing the Nile?
Yes. That mural represents hope and continuity.
The girl symbolizes the future, looking ahead while standing in front of Egypt&rsquo;s ancient river. Her backdrop is filled with memory and tradition.
It&rsquo;s a reminder that the future is rooted in history&mdash;that tomorrow is built by honoring yesterday.
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How do you see mural art evolving in Egypt? Are there any young artists you find inspiring?
There&rsquo;s a beautiful shift happening. Young artists are experimenting, stepping out of fear, and exploring new territory.
What impresses us most isn&rsquo;t just technical skill, but vision. Artists who are honest and intentional in their work are the ones who leave a lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young artists starting in this field?
Study history. View heritage through an artist&rsquo;s eyes. Listen to people.
Experiment with materials. Start small&mdash;but make it meaningful.
A mural isn&rsquo;t just a large artwork; it&rsquo;s a responsibility. It&rsquo;s a dialogue. It&rsquo;s a vision.
Believe in your message. Respect the space. Respect the people.

Exclusive | Ali and Maha, The Artist Duo Reviving Aswan Through Murals of Identity and Memory

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Ali Beialy, who captivated audiences during Ramadan with his standout performance as Youssef in "Lam Shamsiya," returns to the screen with another heartfelt role as Mansour in "Catalog". In this emotionally rich drama, he continues to prove himself as one of Egypt&rsquo;s most promising young talents, delivering a message-driven performance that resonates deeply with viewers.
In an exclusive interview with Nile FM, the rising star opens up about his acting journey, working with beloved Egyptian actors, and the lessons he&rsquo;s learned along the way.
Debut in Catalog: A Memorable First
&ldquo;It was my first-ever role, and I enjoyed it,&rdquo; Ali shares, recalling his experience filming Catalog. &ldquo;Everyone on set was so kind. The whole experience was fun, and I even learned how to play football for the role&mdash;though I had no idea how to before!&rdquo; he adds with a laugh.
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On Working with Riham Abdel Ghafour and Mohamed Farrag
When asked about his co-stars, Ali beams, &ldquo;I love Farrag. He&rsquo;s so funny and down-to-earth. Talking to him feels like chatting with someone my age. He&rsquo;s always joking around.&rdquo;
His bond with Riham Abdel Ghafour took a bit longer to develop. &ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t have many scenes together at the beginning. But during the scenes we filmed in Hurghada, we connected and became friends. I really liked her.&rdquo;
Choosing His Favourite Roles
Though he&rsquo;s already built an impressive portfolio with roles in "Leh Laa," "El Kebeer Awy" (Season 7), "El Le&rsquo;ba" and "El Hashasheen," he finds it hard to choose a favorite.
&ldquo;Each role was fun and holds a special memory. But if I had to pick two, it would be 'Catalog' and 'Lam Shamsiya'. They gave me the most screen time and helped me discover how much I truly love acting.&rdquo;
Transforming into Youssef in Lam Shamsiya
To prepare for his role in "Lam Shamsiya," Ali worked closely with director Karim El Shenawy and Psychologist Sara Aziz. &ldquo;They would sit with me before every scene and help me understand the character better. It made a big difference.&rdquo;
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A Dream That Started Young
Ali&rsquo;s passion for acting began when he was just six or seven years old on the set of Leh Laa. &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t nervous at all. I was just happy to be in front of the camera,&rdquo; he recalls.
Though he hasn&rsquo;t received formal acting training, he&rsquo;s learned by doing. &ldquo;Every time I worked on a project, I&rsquo;d get guidance from directors. For 'Catalog,' I also had an acting coach who helped me.&rdquo;
What He Looks for in a Role
Ali is thoughtful when it comes to choosing projects. &ldquo;I like roles that carry a meaningful message and where the cast is fun and positive to work with,&rdquo; he explains.
Dream Collaborations
His dream co-stars? &ldquo;Ahmed Malek, Taha Dessouky, and Mona Zaki,&rdquo; he says without hesitation.
Life Off Camera
When he&rsquo;s not acting, Ali enjoys the simple things he expresses, &ldquo;In the summer, I love to travel and hang out with my friends. In winter, I&rsquo;m all about the PlayStation.&rdquo;
Why He Loves Acting
&ldquo;What I love most about acting?&rdquo; he pauses. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s everything. When I act, I feel truly happy&mdash;it just makes me feel good.&rdquo;
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Advice for Aspiring Young Actors
For those hoping to follow in his footsteps, his advice is both real and reassuring. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not easy at all. You have to be patient. I spent two years doing auditions before I got good roles. At one point, I felt so tired I thought about quitting. But I kept going, and then the right roles came.&rdquo;
With a strong work ethic, clear passion, and a maturity well beyond his years, Ali Beialy is proving that his rise in the industry is only just beginning.

Exclusive | Ali Beialy’s Rise to Fame: From Lam Shamsiya to Catalog

By: Injy Tarek and Yomna Walid
With over three decades of dedication to cultural heritage, archaeology, and international diplomacy, Dr. Gihane Zaki stands as one of the Arab world&rsquo;s leading voices in cultural engagement. A distinguished Egyptian academic, cultural diplomat, and parliamentarian, her career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to promoting peace, intercultural dialogue, and elevating the global visibility of Egyptian, Arab, and African heritage.
Bridging academia and international diplomacy, Dr. Zaki has long served as a powerful advocate for her region on the world stage. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to cultural diplomacy and the advancement of knowledge, she was recently awarded the prestigious L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur, France&rsquo;s highest civilian honor, by President Emmanuel Macron.
In this exclusive interview with Nile FM, Dr. Gihane Zaki reflects on the emotional moment of receiving the award and the values it represents.
1.You have had a long-standing relationship with France, from studying at the University of Lyon to working with UNESCO and later at the CNRS-Sorbonne University, in addition to being previously honoured by President Sarkozy. What does it mean to you, on the professional level, to receive the prestigious Legion of Honour?
Allow me first to explain to your distinguished audience the significance and nature of this prestigious award. The L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur is the highest distinction bestowed by the French Republic, recognizing exceptional civil or military achievements. It was originally established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801 and has since become a symbol of France&rsquo;s enduring appreciation for excellence and service to humanity. For me, receiving the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur is a deeply meaningful recognition, not only of my personal journey but of the decades-long dedication I have committed to the fields of archaeology, cultural heritage management, public diplomacy, and academic research. As stated in the official presidential decree, this honour acknowledges over 30 years of work and contribution. My connection with France runs deep. Between 1995 and 2000, I pursued my doctoral studies at the University of Lyon, where I earned a PhD in Egyptology, specializing in Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
In 2004, I began facilitating the liaison between the Egyptian government, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and UNESCO&rsquo;s World Heritage Centre, strengthening international cooperation in cultural preservation. In 2008, I had the privilege of accompanying President Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni during their cultural visit to Egypt, an important moment that further reflected the deep cultural ties between Egypt and France. The following year, in 2009, I was honoured with the Ordre National du M&eacute;rite, another significant French distinction. This latest recognition, the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur, is therefore not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of the long-standing cultural dialogue and collaboration I have been proud to foster between Egypt and France.
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2.The Legion of Honour is a historic distinction founded by Napoleon. How did you feel when you first learned about your?
It was truly a &ldquo;WOW&rdquo; moment! One of those rare times when emotion takes over completely. I was overwhelmed with a powerful mix of pride, gratitude, and humility. To receive such a historic and prestigious distinction left me deeply honored and reflective. I felt immense appreciation for everyone who believed in me and supported my journey over the years. This recognition came at a particularly meaningful point in my career, a stage where such an honor not only affirms the path I&rsquo;ve taken, but also inspires me to continue moving forward with renewed energy and purpose. It serves as a humbling reminder that the work we do can extend far beyond our immediate environment. It has strengthened my commitment and motivated me to keep striving, giving back, and contributing with even greater intention, not only through official roles, but also through lasting, meaningful impact.
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3-The ceremony will take place at the iconic "Palais de la L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur" in Paris. How are you preparing for such a significant moment?
The exact date hasn&rsquo;t been set yet, likely toward the end of the year, so I have a bit of time to reflect and prepare. It&rsquo;s not just about writing a speech; it&rsquo;s about finding the right words to express what this honor truly means to me, and to acknowledge all the people and experiences that have shaped my journey. I&rsquo;m also taking this time to mentally and emotionally prepare for what I know will be a very meaningful and moving moment. Standing in such a historic place, receiving such a distinction, is something I want to be fully present for, to honor the legacy it represents, and the values it upholds.
4. How do you view the role of cultural diplomacy as a vital component of Egypt&rsquo;s soft power?
Absolutely, I strongly believe that Cultural diplomacy is a key pillar of Egypt&rsquo;s national and international strategies. Let me tell you that it has been the cornerstone of my professional journey, particularly during my ten years work at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, where I was responsible for liaising with international organizations and following up on the implementation of cultural conventions in Egypt, as well as overseeing efforts to restitute cultural artifacts lost through illicit channels. My second major experience in this field was in Rome, from 2012 to 2019, which became a demonstration of the power of Egypt&rsquo;s soft power during political crisis. Despite the complex political and social challenges of that period, the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome managed to amplify Egypt&rsquo;s cultural voice, deepen dialogue, and reinforce Egypt&rsquo;s presence through cultural engagement.
In 2022, I dedicated an Arabic monography to this topic, published by Dar El Maaref, where I highlighted the concept of cultural diplomacy in the Middle East and reflected on my seven years&rsquo; experience in Rome during a difficult political time in the Arab region. The book also sheds light on Egypt&rsquo;s historical leadership in cultural cooperation, especially the Nubian Campaign, jointly launched by the Egyptian and Sudanese governments under the umbrella of UNESCO. This groundbreaking initiative, the first international appeal to save cultural heritage, laid the foundation for what we now recognize as international cultural cooperation.
Egypt was a pioneer in rallying the global community to preserve iconic sites like Abu Simbel and the Island of Philae, a remarkable example of cultural solidarity. While the Egyptian government has made significant strides in advancing cultural diplomacy, there remains great potential to do more. Culture is not only about heritage; it is a strategic instrument of soft/smart power.
5- What does receiving this honour mean to you personally, especially having it presented by the President of France?
It is truly an incredible honour to receive the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;honneur, especially from a country like France, long regarded as a global beacon of modernity, culture, art, and literature. As the great Taha Hussein once said, France is the &ldquo;land of light and angels&rdquo; (Balad el Nour wa el Mala&rsquo;eka), and to be recognized by such a nation is deeply meaningful.
I feel proud and grateful for this recognition, which celebrates values I hold dear, particularly the appreciation of human dignity and cultural depth. Moreover, France is also the country where I pursued my education and where I shaped much of my intellectual and professional journey, which makes this honour all the more significant.The official ceremony for receiving this distinction is expected to take place by the end of Autumn 2025. Let me also share that I had the opportunity to meet President Emmanuel Macron during his Visite d&rsquo;&Eacute;tat last April, a moment that added further meaning to this exceptional recognition.&nbsp;
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6- What advice would you offer to young scholars aspiring to make an impact in diplomacy and Cultural heritage preservation?
It is essential to acknowledge that no culture is inherently superior to another. Every nation contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of human civilization, and each deserves to be treated with equal dignity and respect. By embracing this understanding, we create the foundation for meaningful dialogue and mutual enrichment. Only through such openness can we continue to learn from one another, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Diversity is not a barrier, it is a bridge that connects us, expands our perspectives, and deepens our shared humanity.
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7- Looking ahead &mdash; what&rsquo;s next on your agenda?
Summertime and spending vacation enjoying new books and lovely music&hellip;
8- If you could describe your journey in one word, what would it be &mdash; and why?
Three key words: Culture &ndash; education and how to make women happy in an oriental society!
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&nbsp;

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