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Top 20 most famous Egyptian singers

Originally published by Lilian on October 2022 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

Egyptian music dates back to Ancient Egypt and has been an integral part of Egyptian culture. The ancient Egyptians even credited their goddess Bat with the invention of music.

Since then, Egyptian music has undergone a revolution that saw the music industry merge the old traditional style with new modern styles. The changes have introduced new music, including pop and classical music.

Along the way, Egyptian singers influenced the development of music and inspired the following generation of singers. Below are some elite Egyptian musicians from the past to the present.

1. Sayed Darwish

Sayed Darwish – Wikipedia

Considered the father of Egyptian popular music, Sayed Darwish wrote his name on the Egyptian greatest of all time musician list.

He was born on 17th March 1892 in Alexandria. He received his primary education, later travelled to Lebanon and Syria, and was trained by the biggest names in music.

Darwish paid more attention to expression in his music. His music was relatable to the masses as he summed up their thoughts and feelings. He became a pioneer in his field and contributed to transforming Arab music by blending western instruments.

Sayed Darwish produced some great songs in his six-year tenure before his sudden death on 10th September 1923. Despite his death, many still consider him the most influential composer Egypt has ever seen.

2. Abdel Halim Hafez

Abdel Halim Hafez, 1970s – Wikipedia

His real name was Abdel Halim Ali Shabana. He was born on 21st June 1929 and had the nickname “the brown nightingale”.

Halim’s talent was discovered when performing the songs of Mohamed Abdel Wahab remarkably. He was rejected in the early days of his career, but his persistence saw him gain accolades later on in his career.

He was not only a singer but also played different instruments such as oboe, drums, piano and guitar. Despite working purely as a live singer, he became a fan favourite and consistently performed in sold-out arenas.

With over 80 million records sold, Abdel is still widely celebrated, despite meeting his demise on 30th March 1977 from liver failure.

3. Mohammed Abdel Wahab

Mohammad Abdel Wahab with a mandolin-banjo – Wikipedia

Born in Cairo in 1902, Mohammed Abdel Wahab was a prominent singer, actor and composer.

Wahab composed more than 1820 songs and is best known for his Romantic and patriotic songs. His style of music, however, got mixed reactions as he combined western and Arabic music. This approach earned him criticism and acclaim.

His broad artistic career made him a significant figure in the music field. This made the then president Anwar as-Sadat arrange for his song to be used as the national anthem. He also had a hand in crafting national anthems for Tunisia, Libya and the United Arab Emirates.

4. Umm Kulthum

Umm Kulthum in Life Magazine, 1962 – Wikipedia

Born Fatima Ibrahim es-Sayid el-Beltagi, she was an Egyptian singer, songwriter and actress.

She’s dubbed the “The voice of Egypt” and is considered an icon in the Arab world. Her talent was recognized by her father, Sheikh Ibrahim, who was able to introduce him to her first audience.

Umm could make you hear your own stories in her songs and managed to touch people of all ages. She mainly dealt with themes of love, longing and loss. She gave monthly concerts, which always cleared the streets as thousands of people would tune in to listen to her resounding voice.

Despite breathing her last in 1975, she is still considered an icon to date.

5. Sheikh Imam

Sheikh Imam – Wikipedia

Sheikh Imam, whose real name was Imam Mohammad Ahmad Eissa, was a famous Egyptian singer and composer.

Imam was born to a low-income family and lost his sight when he was a child. He found sanctuary in music. He formed a duo with Ahmed Fouad Negm, a famous Egyptian colloquial poet.

The pair is known for their political songs to favor the poor and lower classes in society. These songs got them imprisoned several times, and their songs were banned from Egyptian radio and TV stations, but this didn’t stop their popularity among the people.

The duo later went separate ways after disagreements, before Imam died in 1995 from a long illness.

6. Amr Diab

Amr Diab with his 7 World Music Awards in 2014 – Wikipedia

Amr Diab is an Egyptian singer, composer and actor. He created his style of music, which combines western and Egyptian styles, which he deemed “Mediterranean music”.

He is one of the first Egyptian artists to create modern high-tech music videos to make quality music. Amr Diab has won numerous awards, including the World Music awards seven times and the African music awards four times.

Diab also holds a Guinness World Record for the most World Music Awards for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist.

7. Sherine

Sherine, 2017 – Wikipedia

Sherine Sayed Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, known professionally by the mononym Sherine, is an Egyptian singer, actress, TV host and personality, and a former judge on MBC’s The Voice: Ahla Sawt

She started her career in 1991 and has released over 65 songs. Her songs are a mix of local Taarab style and traditional musical instruments.

8. Tamer Hosny

Tamer Hosny in an interview with Middle East News Agency in February 2015 – Wikipedia

Nicknamed the “King of The Generation”, Hosny is an Egyptian musician, songwriter and director.

Hosny is known for his romantic songs, exciting live shows and stage presence. One of his famous songs is “Si Al Sayed”, in which he features American artist Snoop Dogg.

He has over 80 songs to his name and broke the Guinness world record for the most contributions to a bulletin board in December 2019.

9. Angham

Angham – Wikipedia

Angham is an Egyptian musician from Alexandria.

She is known for her soft voice and emotional songs, which she says she got inspiration from Egyptian singing legends. She often collaborates with other artists, with some notable songs being “What Should We Dream Of?” featuring Thekra, another Egyptian singer.

Her soft lyrics, powerful vocals, and low tone show her talent’s incredible.

10. Mohamed Mounir

Mounir performing at the Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag 2019 in Dortmund, Germany

Mohamed Mounir is an Egyptian singer whose lyrics are particularly noted for their intellectual and philosophical content and passionate social and political criticism.

Mounir has integrated various genres in his music career, including Egyptian music, Nubian music, blues, jazz and reggae.

Besides his music career, Mounir has an acting career in which he has appeared in 12 movies, 4 TV series and three plays.

11.Samira Said

Samira Said’s journey in the music world began with her birth in Rabat, Morocco, on January 10, 1958. Her musical talents were evident from a young age, leading to her discovery on the Moroccan talent show Mawaheb.

A pivotal moment in her career was her relocation to Egypt in 1977, which propelled her to success. With a career that kicked off in 1975, Samira has dual citizenship in Morocco and Egypt and has been a dynamic presence in the music industry.

Samira Said is celebrated for her array of popular Arabic songs. She is also known for representing Morocco in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the World Music Award and the BBC award for world music.

12.Latifa Bint Alayah El Arfaoui

Latifa Bint Alayah El Arfaoui, known widely as Latifa, entered the world on February 14, 1961, in Manouba, Tunisia. Her musical journey was nurtured at the Arab Music Institute in Egypt, culminating in her musical debut in 1983.

Over the years, Latifa has cemented her name as a cherished icon in the Arab music scene. Her discography is a testament to her ability to fuse traditional Tunisian music with modern pop sensibilities.  Latifa’s influence extends beyond music; she is also lauded for her active role in championing various social issues.

13.Nancy Ajram

Nancy Ajram, a star in Arab pop music, was born on May 16, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon. Encouraged by her father, she started her music career young and by 15, had signed with EMI and brought out her first album.

Nancy’s ascent to stardom was cemented with the release of her third album, Ya Salam, in 2003, featuring the hit Akhasmak Ah. Both of which sparked much discussion. Her distinctive fusion of Arabic pop with a contemporary flair has garnered widespread praise and a legion of fans.

This essentially secured her status as one of the Middle East’s top-selling music artists.

14.Hamza Namira

Hamza Namira, born in Egypt in 1980, stands as a pivotal figure in the realm of Arabic music. His prominence in the industry began with the wake of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, with his music echoing the aspirations and spirit of the movement.

Namira’s discography, including albums like Insan and Esmaani, showcases his dedication in music. He was known for his ability to marry traditional Egyptian folk sounds with a variety of genres such as jazz, pop, and rock.

15.Hany Shaker

Hany Shaker’s legacy in the Arab music world is marked by his soulful voice and emotive performances. Born into the heart of Cairo’s cultural milieu, Shaker’s musical education at the Cairo Conservatory laid the groundwork for a career.

This would see him become a beloved figure across the Arab-speaking world. His artistry was nurtured by the guidance of legendary figures like Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Abdel Halim Hafez.

They helped him develop a style that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. As the Prince of Arab Singing, Shaker has not only contributed to the industry with his music but also through his leadership role in the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate.

He has used hi influence to advocate for artistic integrity and excellence.

16.Ali El Haggar

Ali El Haggar’s contributions to Arab music are as diverse as they are profound. Born into a family steeped in musical tradition, El Haggar’s early exposure to the arts was further enriched by his education at the Faculty of Fine Arts.

His multifaceted career encompasses singing, composing, and acting, making him a renaissance man of modern Egyptian culture. His collaborations with esteemed composers and lyricists have resulted in a body of work that is both innovative and respectful of traditional Arab music.

Honored at the Arabic Music Festival among other accolades, El Haggar’s influence extends beyond entertainment. He has touched the hearts and minds of listeners with his poignant and thoughtful artistry.

17.Mohamed Hamaki

Mohamed Hamaki, a famous Egyptian pop singer, was born on November 4, 1975, in Cairo. His father’s profession as an electrical engineer played a crucial role in nurturing his early musical inclinations. From a young age, Hamaki demonstrated his musical prowess, performing at school functions and mastering the keyboard among other instruments.

His life outside music is equally fulfilling, with a deep appreciation for familial bonds and a passion for sports. After earning his degree in Arabic music from the Cairo Academy of Arts, Hamaki’s career took a significant leap forward. His initial album, Khallina Neysh, released in 2003, struck a chord with listeners and heralded the beginning of his ascent to fame.

18.Demis Roussos

Demis Roussos, born as Artemios Ventouris-Roussos on June 15, 1946, in the historic city of Alexandria, Egypt, was a Greek musical maestro. His influence in the industry spanned across continents. Growing up in a Greek household, he was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical genres, from jazz to traditional Arabic tunes.

The Suez Crisis prompted his family’s relocation to Greece, a move that proved to  his musical career. Roussos gained fame as a member of the progressive rock ensemble Aphrodite’s Child before embarking on a solo journey.

Some of his timeless classics such as Goodbye, My Love, Goodbye, and Forever and Ever. His unique voice and lively performances won fans all over the world, leading to more than 60 million albums sold.

19.Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti

Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti, known professionally as Dalida, emerged as an important figure in the global music industry. Born in Cairo to Italian immigrants, she achieved stardom as a French-Italian chanteuse, captivating audiences worldwide.

Her music collection shows her ability to adapt to changing music styles over her thirty years in the industry. Even with her successful career, Dalida faced great sadness in her personal life, including the tragic loss of her partner Luigi Tenco. Her passing in 1987 was a profound loss, yet her musical legacy endures, cherished by fans and artists alike.

20.Fathy Salama

Fathy Salama’s musical journey commenced with childhood piano , lessons under the influence of legendary Arab musicians Umm Kulthum and Mohammed Abdel Wahab. His artistic journey is characterized by a fusion of Arabic musical traditions with the improvisational spirit of jazz.

Salama’s collaborations, notably with Youssou N’Dour, have earned him a Grammy Award and global acclaim. His dedication to supporting new artists guarantees his lasting influence on Arab music, helping it grow and respecting its history.

Egypt’s most celebrated vocalists have significantly impacted the music industry. They are known for enriching the musical landscape not just within the country but also on a global scale. Their combined efforts have molded the musical identity of the area, highlighting the energetic and evolving character of Egyptian tunes.