TWO DECADES AND A RISHA: FROM CAIRO’S STREETS TO SCHOLARLY FEATS (Part 1)
“As the Nile serenades the stones of the pyramids, my oud harmonizes with the heartbeat of Cairo, a city where every melody tells a story of convergence between yesterday and today. Under the golden Cairo sun, where ancient echoes meet modern melodies, my oud’s strings found their truest tune within the timeless rhythm of Egypt’s heartbeat. Amidst the bustling streets of Cairo and the whispers of its ancient sands, my journey with the oud was not just about music, but about embracing the soul of Egypt, learning to live as one with its people, and discovering the profound simplicity in their vibrant culture.”
by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain
The enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian music is a chronicle of influence and innovation that spans millennia. From the Neolithic period, where music and chanting were integral to magic and rituals, to the Predynastic period, Egyptian music began to take shape. By the Old Kingdom, around 2686–2181 BCE, music was already a well-established art form, deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of the people. As Egypt’s influence grew, so did the reach of its music. By the time of the New Kingdom, around 1570–1069 BCE, Egyptian musical instruments and styles had begun to influence neighboring cultures. This impact was notably seen in ancient Greece, where Egyptian music played a pivotal role in shaping Greek music, which would later become foundational to the development of European music during the Middle Ages. The liturgical music of the Alexandrian Rite, which dates back to the early Christian period, has preserved many elements of ancient Egyptian music, suggesting a continuous line of musical tradition that persists to this day.
Egyptian folk music, particularly the Sufi dhikr rituals, echoes the ancient past, preserving the essence of Egypt’s musical heritage and demonstrating the unbroken continuity of its musical traditions. The influence of ancient Egypt on musical instruments is also significant. Instruments like the darbuka, simsimiyya, and ney, which are still popular today, can trace their origins back to ancient Egypt, with evidence of their use found in tomb paintings and historical records dating back thousands of years. Egypt’s musical impact continued with figures like Riyadh el Sunbathi, born on November 30, 1906, was a luminary in the world of Egyptian music. Recognized as a master composer and musician, his career spanned several decades in the 20th century. Sunbathi’s contributions to music were profound, with a repertoire that included over 539 works across various genres such as Egyptian opera, operetta, cinematic scores, and religious songs. His compositions were performed by more than 120 poets and many famous Arab singers, including the legendary Umm Kulthum. Sunbathi’s legacy is celebrated for its significant impact on Arabic music, preserving its identity and enriching its tradition.
Riyadh el Sunbathi’s influence on the world of music extended beyond the borders of Egypt, reaching as far as Malaysia, where his compositions and style left a lasting impact on renowned musicians like Fadzil Ahmad, also known as Raja Gambus. From Muar, Johor, Fadzil was deeply inspired by Sunbathi’s works, integrating the rich textures and complex melodies of Egyptian music into the traditional fabric of Malaysian gambus music. Sunbathi’s legacy, characterized by his lyrical works and profound compositions, resonated with Fadzil, who sought to infuse his own music with the same depth and emotion that Sunbathi brought to his compositions. This cross-cultural exchange enriched the Malaysian music scene, allowing for a beautiful blend of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian musical traditions that continues to inspire musicians to this day.
Stepping off the plane for the first time in 2004, the air of Cairo greeted me; a mix of desert heat and a thousand spices. I was a student with a suitcase and an oud, standing on the threshold of an ancient city that had lived in my dreams for years. The reality of Cairo was overwhelming; it was a tapestry of sounds, smells, and sights that no book or picture could capture. I had come to study the oud, an instrument that seemed to hold the secrets of the city within its curved body and taut strings. But as I navigated the crowded streets, with their blend of old-world charm and modern hustle, I realized I was here to learn much more. Cairo was not just a backdrop for my musical education; it was a living classroom where every interaction was a lesson, every face a story. The dream that had seemed so distant was now a vivid reality. I was finally here, in the heart of Egypt, ready to immerse myself in its ancient rhythms and contemporary beats. With my oud in hand and a sense of adventure in my heart, I was ready to begin the journey of a lifetime. From the moment I set foot in Cairo, I knew my life was about to change. The city was a canvas of history, painted with the hustle of the present. I was here, a student from Muar, Johor; with a dream to master the oud—a dream that had finally become a reality.
The language barrier was my first challenge. My Arabic was rudimentary, and my English, while better, still felt inadequate amidst the rapid-fire dialect of the locals. But music, I discovered, has a language of its own. It was through the oud that I found my voice in this city of a thousand minarets. Each day was an adventure. I would weave through the crowded streets, the air thick with the scent of koshari and ful medames, making my way to Beit el Oud el Arabia. Holding my oud, I felt a sense of purpose, a connection to the ancient melodies that had echoed through these lands for millennia. Being the only Malaysian in the school was both a novelty and a challenge. I was an ambassador of my culture, just as much as I was a student of Egypt’s. The oud lessons were intense, demanding, but they were also a gateway to understanding the Egyptian soul. With every pluck of the strings, I felt closer to the heart of Cairo. Life here was not easy. The cacophony of the city could be overwhelming, the heat oppressive, and the pace unrelenting. Yet, there was beauty in the chaos. The call to prayer at sunset, the laughter of children playing in the alleys, the wisdom in the eyes of the elderly—it all came together in a harmonious symphony. I learned to communicate with smiles and gestures, with the few Arabic phrases I knew, and with the universal language of music. I shared meals with locals, savoring the spices and stories that had been passed down through generations. And as I sat by the Nile, strumming my oud under the starlit sky, I realized that Cairo was no longer just a place I was visiting. It had become a part of me, a chapter in my story that I would carry with me forever. This journey was more than an academic pursuit; it was a pilgrimage of the soul. And as I continue to learn and grow, both as a musician and as a person, I know that the memories I create here will resonate within me, much like the timeless music of the oud. (to be continue) -drrz
Comments
Post a Comment