Live-streaming
isn’t new to the music scene. Fact, As a concept, it's a
nice gimmick, an extra element to party that an organiser can boast about – that was before the Coronavirus dug its dirty
nails into the world, condemning one and all to stay at home.
Now, live streams have become the only vehicle for musicians and performers to interact with
audiences and generally just be ‘out there’. In Egypt, DJs, musicians and event
organisers alike have been quick to move and there are a several live-streamed
series to keep music fans entertained in between washing their hands. Here are
our favourites.
Playstream
As one of
the first live streams to be announced in Egypt, Playstream debuted as early as March 27th
– an impressive feat considering that the series isn’t being broadcast out of
living rooms, but a range of different scenic locations across Egypt. The
brainchild of Cairo-based agency, Playground, the weekly series has taken familiar
faces on the Cairo scene, including Misty, A-Squared and Sebzz, to locations
such as Mit Rehan House in Giza, Dahab Island and Ard Dahshur.
Each act is given a one-hour slot to unleash an original set and the results,
thus far, have been impressive, thanks to the carefully selected locations and
the high production values. The best is yet to come, however, with the likes of
Sinai, Fayoum and Marsa Alam in the crosshairs for upcoming episodes.
Stay up to
date and tune into the Playground Facebook page.
Huna Al
Qahira
Finding
inspiration in the iconic words uttered at the opening of public radio
broadcasts in Egypt’s capital, Huna Al Qahira is a collective initiative from Strictly
Vinyl and No Name founder, Ahmed Samy, in collaboration with Cairo-based
community and talent network, COXWAINS. With digital entertainment gurus, STUDIO, taking care of the technical side of things, the series was launched with the aim of keeping the
scene afloat and has put the likes of El
Kontessa, Mady and Joey in the spotlight. The more exciting part of the
series, however, is the larger showcases. So far, the likes of Sakanat Studios, Fractal
and Unfamilair have put their best DJs forward, with the Jellyzone and
No Name waiting in the wings.
Follow Huna
Al Qahira on Facebook and Instagram.
The Sunset Show
As the
newest nightlife venue to take Cairo by storm, the lockdown stung Glasshouse more
than most. It didn’t take the Nile-side club too long to adjust, however, and The
Sunset Show was born. With the venue’s gorgeous location and STUDIO once again pushing the switches, the broadcast is certainly rather easy on the eyes. The the inaugural episode saw Cairo-based
producer, Hakim, play a live set and there’s more to come.
Follow The
Sunset Show on the Glasshouse Facebook and Instagram.
Kroma Projekts’ Rooftop Sessions
Another
stream that benefits from a spectacular view, Rooftop Sessions take place against the backdrop of a panoramic view of Red Sea heaven, El Gouna. Launched by
creative agency and production house, Kroma Projekts, the series invites DJs and musician, both professional and amateur, to perform to and has offered the most variety of all the live stream series. They’ve hosted everyone from Jordanian powerhouse, Kitchen Crowd, to local DJing favourites such as Hassan Abou Alam, Omar Zahran, Azaar
and Gazbee, to silver-fox guitarist, Smoozz.
Follow Kroma Projekts on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Stay Home Sessions by Kicks Agency
Launched to ‘cheer up Cairo hipsters’, Kicks Agency’s Stay Home Sessions is going one step further in that it
invites viewers to make donations, which are channeled to families affected by
Coronavirus. They ask only for EGP 50/ USD 3, which can be paid in a number of
different, convenient and, most importantly, contactless ways, then send you a
private viewing link. Boasting a very decent variety of acts, the series has
thus far featured Jordan’s Ayn, hip-hop DJ, Doggy Dogg, Nour Oden and YO-LAN-DA,
with some nights featuring two or three acts.
