Egypt&rsquo;s 34th Arab Music Festival and Conference has opened in Cairo, with this year&rsquo;s edition dedicated to the late Egyptian singer Hany Shaker in recognition of his enduring contribution to Arabic music.
According to a statement published on the Egyptian Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s official page, the festival was inaugurated by Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Culture. Organised by the Cairo Opera House, headed by Reda El Wakil, the opening ceremony took place at its Main Hall.
Running from 20 to 30 October 2026, the 11-day festival features 24 concerts involving 91 artists across venues in Cairo and Alexandria. The programme also includes cultural events and an accompanying scientific conference dedicated to Arabic music.
Abdelaziz Konsowa Announces Hany Shaker Statue At Cairo Opera House
During his opening address, Konsowa highlighted the importance of Arabic music to the cultural identity of Egyptians and Arabs, describing authentic art as a vital part of their heritage and a bridge connecting generations and peoples.
He stressed that preserving artistic traditions allows nations to renew their identities and maintain their cultural presence. He also highlighted the festival&rsquo;s role in safeguarding Arabic musical heritage, supporting artists and encouraging debate about the future of Arabic music amid global changes.
Konsowa paid tribute to the late Ratiba El-Hefny, founder of the festival, praising her contribution to Egyptian and Arab musical life and her commitment to preserving Arabic musical traditions.
This year&rsquo;s edition is dedicated to Hany Shaker, widely known as the &ldquo;Prince of Arabic Singing&rdquo;, in recognition of a career spanning more than five decades and his lasting contribution to Arabic music.
As part of the tribute, Konsowa announced plans to erect a statue of Shaker in the Cairo Opera House courtyard, honouring his artistic legacy and preserving his memory for future generations.
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Hany Shaker&rsquo;s Wife Thanks President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
During the ceremony, Nahla Tawfik, Shaker&rsquo;s wife, expressed her gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the presidential message of condolence issued following the singer&rsquo;s death.
She described the message as a source of support for Egyptian artists and thanked Konsowa and the Cairo Opera House administration for dedicating this year&rsquo;s festival to her late husband and honouring his artistic legacy.
Festival Honours Egyptian And Arab Musical Figures
The opening ceremony also recognised several prominent figures for their contributions to music and musical scholarship across Egypt and the Arab world.
The honourees included Dr Esam Aljawder from Bahrain; the late accordionist and composer Mokhtar El-Sayed; violinist Dr Samir Rashad; ney player Mohamed Fouda; the late composer and music arranger Mohamed Helal; music critic Dr Enas Galal El-Din; the late poet Reda Amin; singer Walid Haidar; and artist Tarek Fouad.
The opening programme included documentary films celebrating influential figures in Egyptian music and Shaker&rsquo;s career, alongside performances of some of his best-known songs.
Singer Nevin Ragab also performed a new song, &ldquo;Feih Nas Teghib&rdquo;, dedicated to Shaker. The concert featured performances by several Egyptian singers, including Mohamed Shahin, Anoushka and Nadia Mostafa.
The festival continues until 30 October, with concerts at the Cairo Opera House&rsquo;s Main Hall, Small Hall and Arab Music Institute, as well as the Sayed Darwish Theatre at the Alexandria Opera House.
The accompanying scientific conference runs from 21 to 24 October, bringing together 35 researchers from 15 countries to discuss Arabic music and the relationship between academic criticism and media coverage.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet&rsquo;s official page

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