The Legacy of Zakaria Ibrahim: A Titan of Egyptian Folk Music

The streets of Ismailia reverberated with the sounds of El Tanbura, a renowned folk music group, during a sultry summer night in 2019. This performance was part of a series commemorating the ensemble's 30th year since its inception. But the antiquated public address system strained against the complex blend of traditional Delta music and the new-age beats of mahraganat, a genre that has captivated Middle Eastern youth.

At the helm was Zakaria Ibrahim, a stalwart figure in Egyptian music known as El Rayes, who passed away in Cairo on February 12 at the age of 72. Esteemed as the 'godfather of popular art' and a 'Pyramid of popular culture,' Ibrahim’s influence was monumental. He founded El Tanbura in 1988 amidst a personal quest to revive simsimiyya, the ancient stringed instrument synonymous with Delta's lyrical legacy.

His mission transcended mere preservation; it was about cultural revival and social transformation. Through his leadership at the El Mastaba Center for the Preservation of Egyptian Folk Music, he played a pivotal role in safeguarding Egypt's musical heritage.

The Roots of Zakaria Ibrahim

Born in the revolutionary year of 1952, in Port Said, Zakaria Ibrahim's life mirrored the political and cultural upheavals of Egypt. From the wars of the 1950s and 1960s to the shifts in political ideologies, music remained a powerful form of expression and resistance for him and his fellow Port Said residents.

The zenith of simsimiyya music coincided with the nationalist fervor, but its commercialization over time led Ibrahim to lament the loss of its communal spirit. He saw the music being reduced to a transactional commodity, and this propelled his drive to revive the true essence of Port Said's folk traditions.

Revolution and Musical Evolution

Zakaria's return in the 1980s to Port Said was a homecoming with purpose. He embarked on a journey to renew the splendor of ancestral instruments and the music that once echoed through the Delta and beyond. His comparisons to Alan Lomax, the iconic ethnomusicologist, attest to his deep commitment to cultural documentation and revitalization.

The Egyptian Arab Spring of 2011 witnessed El Tanbura imparting its music to the heart of the resistance in Tahrir Square. The ensemble's presence signified a link between past struggles and contemporary desires for freedom and justice. Their music once again became an anthem for change, emphasizing unity and love.

Zakaria's final performance underscored his dedication to his craft and principles. Even in the face of political unrest, he remained steadfast in using music as a vessel for resistance and joy until his last days.

Zakaria may have departed, but his vision endures. His music remains a beacon of cultural resistance, community, and joy—an enduring call to keep the spirit of the revolution alive through the power of song and dance.

legacy, music, revolution