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Egyptian music, since the early 20th century, has gone through a sea change. The many singers who have contributed to the pop music of Egypt are Layla Nazmy, Umm Kulthum and Aida el-Shah. This apart, contemporary Egyptian music is largely a revival of the already existing Shaabi music. Ahmed Adaweyah is the most popular Shaabi singer, a name that has triumphed over the hearts of millions of Egyptians. Besides that the Bedouin music is also very popular in Egypt such as Saidi, El gil, Nubian music and the music of the Coptic churches.
Ancient Egyptian Music
Music in Ancient Egypt was a part of the daily life and in fact dancing and music were inseparable from each other. Music formed an important part of all religious rituals and prayers. The elaborate prayers of ancient Egyptian religion were often composed in musical form. Different sorts of Egyptian musical instruments that have been unearthed are proof of the musical heritage. Almost all paintings of festivals in ancient Egypt feature musicians and dancers. The different musical instruments include shofar, lutes, ugab, harps, kinnor and the hasora. Clapping was also a part of the music.
The musicians in Egypt were distinguished according to their ranks of employment. The religious musicians, who were employed at the temples, were of the highest order and the most respectable. Most of the temple musicians were women. The musicians who played at royal courts followed the temple musicians and they, in turn were followed by those who played at private parties and banquets.
The ancient Egyptian music gained its importance in the wake of the dynastic rule in the Nile valley.
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