On Thursday April 2, Egyptian Shaabi troupe 8% and British DJ Goldierocks will perform in the GrEEK Campus as part of the DCAF music program. The evening’s opening set will be presented by Hatem El Chiaty.
Okka and Ortega of 8% have gained popularity in the past few years for their mahraganat music. Derived from the Arabic word for festival, the mahragant music genre originated in the lower middle class, suburban areas of Cairo, such as Ain Shams, Al-Mataryia, and Al-Salam district.
The music, which is also known as "electro-shaabi," is a fusion of chanting and rapping about street culture, touching on sex, drugs and poverty. The music has been produced by youth who have been exposed to various kinds of musical genres and subcultures, ranging from Hip Hop and RnB to House and Techno, and just as importantly local classical Arabic music.
The Shaabi troupe will be joined by Sam Hall, better known as DJ Goldierocks, who jumpstarted her career in 2004 in London’s nightclubs. Goldierocks soon stepped into the limelight and took her eclectic house music not only to other UK cities but to other countries too. She has played in several festivals and ceremonies, including the opening night of the London Paralympic Games in 2012.
Source: Ahram Online