Egyptian percussionists give ancient instrument new lease of life - in pictures

  • Tabla drum instructor Mostafa Bakkar during a lesson at his studio in Cairo. Many Egyptians associate the tabla with belly dancers and seedy nightclubs but, despite its image problem, percussionists are giving the ancient instrument a new lease of life. All photos: AFP
    Tabla drum instructor Mostafa Bakkar during a lesson at his studio in Cairo. Many Egyptians associate the tabla with belly dancers and seedy nightclubs but, despite its image problem, percussionists are giving the ancient instrument a new lease of life. All photos: AFP
  • Women members of Tablet al-Sitt – the Women's Tabla – perform with, from left, the 'daf' hand drums, the 'tabla' drum, and tambourine at the Sawy Culture Wheel centre in Cairo.
    Women members of Tablet al-Sitt – the Women's Tabla – perform with, from left, the 'daf' hand drums, the 'tabla' drum, and tambourine at the Sawy Culture Wheel centre in Cairo.
  • Tablet al-Sitt on stage at the Sawy Culture Wheel centre.
    Tablet al-Sitt on stage at the Sawy Culture Wheel centre.
  • Tablet al-Sitt perform in Cairo.
    Tablet al-Sitt perform in Cairo.
  • Tablet al-Sitt accompanied by traditional woodwind instrumentalists in Cairo.
    Tablet al-Sitt accompanied by traditional woodwind instrumentalists in Cairo.
  • Members of Tablet al-Sitt during a performance in Cairo.
    Members of Tablet al-Sitt during a performance in Cairo.
  • A student playing the table during a lesson with teacher with Mostafa Bakkar.
    A student playing the table during a lesson with teacher with Mostafa Bakkar.