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Mohamed Nabawy. Photo: by Jeff BermanMohamed Nabawy
Mohamed Nabawy. Photo: by Jeff Berman
Nabawy grew up immersed in the Egyptian popular and classical music emanating from Mohamed Ali street, the Cairo neighborhood celebrated for its professional musicians, dancers and music stores. As the street’s talented musicians took a liking to Nabawy, he soon learned how to play by ear, the traditional mode for learning and passing down Arab music. His first instrument was the trombone, which Nabawy played in his school band. Nabawy went on to become a highly accomplished accordion player, performing with star Egyptian dancers of the time, including Soheir Zaki, Nagua Fouad, Fifi Abdou and Lucy. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1990, he became a well-known figure in the New York City Arab music scene, performing regularly at such clubs as Cleopatra and Cedars of Lebanon. Nabawy is dedicated to sharing his love of music with younger generations, including his 3 children. On violin, Nabawy’s young son Omar accompanied the Egyptian band at the opening program, Brooklyn Maqam Begins at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts.
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Folk / Traditional Arts, Music, Classical, Instrumentalist, Traditional / Culturally SpecificSee Also...
