1. Institutions as Cultural Bridges Both Cairo and London have served as nurturing nodes in a transnational artistic network, closely coordinated through cultural institutions: 2. Music: Mahraganat Meets London Underground Cairo Calling — Mahraganat x Electronic Collab In 2014, Cairo Calling brought London-based electronic musicians (including Rinse FM artists) to Cairo and Egyptian artists—especially from…

From Papyrus to Paper Stubs: Early Ticketing Ticketing traces back at least to ancient Rome, where amphitheaters used clay or wooden tokens to manage seating and crowd flow—arguably the world’s first tickets. By the 19th century, organized sport in the U.S. (notably horse racing and baseball) charged admission with printed paper tickets sold at stadium…

While the traditional oud has been the melodic backbone of Arabic music for centuries, luthiers and musicians have over the last decade given it pickups and solid bodies, transforming it into an “electric oud.” These instruments retain the oud’s warm, microtonal character but can plug into amps and effects pedals, opening doors to rock, jazz,…

Cairo may be best known for its ancient pyramids and bustling streets, but beneath the city’s historic veneer lies a thriving jazz scene that’s as surprising as it is delightful. From tucked-away cultural hubs to plush hotel lounges, these hidden spots offer everything from sultry sax solos to daring fusion experiments. Here’s a guide to…