Hey there,

We hope you’ve been finding moments to take care of your heart and everything it carries, not overwhelming it with too much emotion, and not leaving it empty either. We hope you’re keeping it alive, full of passion, but also steady and grounded.

And speaking of the heart, this edition sheds light on someone who knew it intimately; its pains, emotions, and struggles, the one and only Umm Kulthum.

With the release of the biopic El Sett in cinemas, Umm Kulthum has once again become the talk of the town. She didn’t need a big marketing push to kick off the year; her legacy, along with a year-end biopic, was enough to overshadow almost every other release.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Warm regards,

Mirna Abdulaal

The time and effort behind this newsletter come from the Egyptian Streets team of independent, grassroots journalists. By subscribing for just USD 1.66 per month (EGP 80), or as little as USD 0.84 per month (EGP 40) for students (paid annually), you’re directly supporting the creation of content like this and helping sustain independent media in Egypt.

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Spotlight

^{Meet El 3am Daniel}

Sketching with a crayon is often an artist’s first way of stepping into the world of art, and into the magic of turning emotions into something visible. What lives inside the imagination slowly finds its way outward, becoming real. For Egyptian artist El 3am Daniel, Egypt is his eternal mother. Its streets, symbols, and layered cultures inspire his work more than anything else, as if Egypt were the true artist and he merely the painting. He is moved by the crowds, the smiles, and the small moments of chaos and hidden darkness that make Egypt feel raw, alive, and human. Discover his work here.

Speaking to Egyptian Streets, Daniel shared more about his cultural picks and work below:

What routines or rituals help spark your creativity?

I love playing chess or listening to music.

How did you develop your own artistic style?

Through practicing the art of sketching on a daily basis, especially using marker pens and ballpoint pens.

As for my artistic approach, it is shaped by three main artistic schools.

The first is Abstract Expressionism, through which I portray Egypt—the Nile, warm and generous homes, and the Egypt reflected in the faces of its people.

The second is Symbolic Expressionism, where I express Egypt through its symbols, particularly those associated with ancient Egyptian civilization, such as the pyramids. Color plays a central role here, as Egypt possesses a distinct color palette rooted in ancient Egyptian art, one that is studied internationally.

The third and final school is Pop Art. In this approach, I work with photographs that I digitally manipulate using my mobile phone, employing a specific technique known as digital collage art. This allows me to stay closely connected to the Egyptian street and to express its conditions and rapidly unfolding events in a contemporary visual language that keeps pace with the remarkable technological and artistic developments shaping the global scene.

Are there particular emotions that guide or influence you while painting?

It is inspired by the sound of crowds and the rhythm of the street, with all that it embodies in terms of cultural diversity, languages, and the social and economic evolution of societies.

How do you express Egypt through your artwork?

“Egypt Is My Eternal Mother” is a song that has always stayed with me. It was performed by the esteemed artist Fouad El-Mohandes and later also sung by Afaf Rady.

Merch Drop

^{Limited-Edition Merch Drop - Early Access Ends Soon!}

Early access for Egyptian Streets’ first ever limited edition merch drop is ending soon! The merch was created in collaboration with four independent Egyptian artists whose work brings everyday Egypt to life in original, meaningful ways. You can now secure a tote, tee, art print or sweater featuring designs by Amira Tanany, Toka El Sayed, Nada Abouelmaati and Seham Sultan.

The Early Access window is currently available for global audiences only. A dedicated Egypt-based launch will follow soon, with local pricing and production being finalized to ensure affordability and availability inside Egypt.

Check out the collection and learn more about the artists here.

Feature

^{The Clouds’ Rendez-Vous}

In 1964, after decades of mutual respect mixed with rivalry, two of the greatest figures in Egyptian and Arab music finally united in a historic collaboration. Despite both having formidable egos and long careers, Umm Kolthoum, already a towering institution in her own right, agreed, under pressure even from President Gamal Abdel Nasser, to let Mohamed Abdelwahab compose a song for her. The result was Inta Omri (“You Are My Life”), a piece that not only met but surpassed all expectations, its instantly recognisable musical introduction becoming a lasting emblem of modern Arabic music and marking what critics have called “The Clouds’ Rendez-Vous.”

Their artistic relationship, however, dated back much earlier, with collaborations in the 1920s and continued artistic exchanges throughout the years, even as they pursued separate paths and occasionally competed, from proposed joint film projects to challenges for leadership in the musicians’ syndicate. Between 1964 and the early 1970s, they went on to produce a series of celebrated works together, blending experimental sounds and rich orchestration that pushed both performers beyond their comfort zones and left an enduring legacy that continues to echo across the Arab world.

Read the article here.

^{Enta Omri}

The opening of Enta Omri doesn’t simply begin the song; it stretches time itself, building layer upon layer of lush strings, the delicate pluck of the oud, and the shimmering tones of the qanun, drawing listeners into a space where music speaks before words ever arrive.

The genius of the piece lies in this unhurried unfolding: the long intro never allows familiarity to settle in, instead constantly surprising and immersing you in mood and meaning. Composed by the legendary Mohamed Abdel Wahab, this opening stands as a testament to a musical era that valued patience and emotional depth over speed and instant gratification.

In a time when modern platforms reward quick engagement, Enta Omri remains a powerful reminder that true innovation in music comes from its ability to touch the listener’s heart over time.

Read the article here.

What to Read

^{Bent Atsha}

Bent Atsha unfolds the journey of her family and neighbors in the village of Najdiyya as they transition from a deeply rooted traditional life toward urbanization, with all its upheavals and unsettling details.

Parallel to this collective transformation, the novel traces the heroine’s own passage from childhood into early adolescence. In doing so, it gives an intimate understanding of the villagers, from their small gestures to their contradictions and moments of wonder, as they move toward a future that unfolds before them, one they did not entirely choose but must nevertheless learn to inhabit.

Read more here.

What to Listen to

^{Msh Kol Marra}

Wegz’s new album, Aqareb (Side B), is out now, and it has a bunch of emotional, sentimental ballads that dive into love, longing, and everything in between. This song, for instance, is about a relationship that’s full of love but also draining. The chorus shows how much the other person inspires him, and how his best songs feel like they’re written for them. The thought of being apart scares him, not just emotionally but creatively, as he asks: what would I even write after you?

Listen here.

What to Watch

^{El Sett}

IT’S HERE. El Sett. El icon. El legend. El moment. The highly anticipated Umm Kulthum biopic has finally arrived and is now showing in cinemas across Egypt. Written by acclaimed novelist Ahmed Mourad and directed by filmmaker Marwan Hamed, the film features guest appearances from some of Egypt’s top actors, including Ahmed Helmy, Amr Saad, Karim Abdel Aziz, Nelly Karim, and Amina Khalil. The movie shines a light on sides of her personal and artistic life that are rarely seen, showing Umm Kulthum as a woman shaped by the pressures, triumphs, and challenges of her time.

Watch it in Egypt here.

What to Drink

^{Christmas Cup}

For a truly indulgent, sweet, and comforting holiday treat, this cup from Not Coffee is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Topped with a perfectly glossy candy apple on a stick, coated in a hard, shiny caramel shell, it adds a playful touch to the rich, velvety hot chocolate beneath. Every sip delivers warmth and sweetness, making it the ultimate cozy companion for chilly days and festive moments.

Find out more here.

What to Visit

^{Concrete Blooms}

Concrete Blooms is an exhibition showcasing textiles and wall hangings created through a unique collaboration between Markaz, the Street of Tentmakers, and artist Seif El Rashidi. Running from 16–21 December, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of tradition and contemporary design. Whether you’re an art lover, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration, this is a must-visit event.

Find out more here.

^{Whispers of A New Dawn}

“Whispers of A New Dawn” is Britt Boutros Ghali’s new solo exhibition, and it’s all about fresh beginnings. The collection feels light and hopeful, filled with glowing colors, flowing organic shapes, and a strong connection to nature. Through layered textures and botanical forms, her abstract style opens up into something more alive, emotional, and full of movement.

Find out more here.

Saudi Spotlight

^{A Nikkei Dining Experience}

Kuuru in Jeddah has quickly become one of the city’s standout dining destinations, offering a refined and immersive Nikkei experience that blends Japanese precision with bold Peruvian flavors.

Recognized by the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia and praised for creating a dining experience that lingers beyond the last bite. Beginning with bright ceviches and layered wagyu tartare, and moving into standout nigiri tastings and expertly composed main courses, each dish highlights a balance of textures, local seafood, and inventive combinations.

Read more here.