Why Not! Mazzika: Cairokee and Massar Egbari to play Egyptian indie music festival in Dubai

They join four other groups in an event showcasing the country’s thriving music scene

Cairokee, clockwise, from top left: Amir Eid, Adam El Alfy, Sherif Hawary, Sherif Mostafa and Tamer Hashem. Courtesy Hatem Saleh

A new Arabic music festival is coming to the UAE.

The Why Not! Mazzika Festival, held in Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, November 22, gathers together half a dozen eclectic Egyptian acts from the country's thriving indie-music scene. Tickets cost Dh195 and are available from ae.bookmyshow.com.

Here who is making their way to the emirate for the event.

Cairokee

Fresh from their strong performance at Dubai's Wasla Festival in April, the Egyptian rockers return to play a selection from their six albums – their latest, Abna'a Albuta So'da (The Ugly Ducklings), is another solid collection of their shimmering pop-rock.

Sharmoofers

If you have a pulse, you will groove along to this much-loved group. Their uplifting reggae-rock sound should go down a treat in the arena.

Massar Egbari

This is another band that put on a strong showing at Wasla festival earlier this year. The Egyptian quartet is all about the vibes, with songs that are an intoxicating blend of various styles, from rock and jazz to blues, which are delivered through authentic Oriental melodies.

Mahmoud El Esseily

The Egyptian singer's music videos have been racking up big numbers on YouTube, with his biggest hit, Ya Nas, clocking in with more than 24 million views. No wonder, as El Esseily's songs are swooning pop numbers anchored by a heavy oriental sound.

H.O.H

This is almost an Egyptian indie super-group, comprised of Haney Adel from West El Balad, Ousso Lotfi from Nagham Masry and Hany El Dakak. The latter will be pulling double duty that night as he is also a member of Massar Egbari.

Disco Misr

The DJ duo will provide respite from all the guitars heard that night. Disco Misr aims to get you moving as they mix funk and disco with Oriental instrumental tracks.

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