In the wake of Egypt’s digital feminist movement and the general, well let’s just face it, “unprecedented” times, it seems that Shaefri’s brand new EP, ‘Girl’, has arrived right on cue for Egyptians seeking musical solace. The London-based singer/songwriter has spent the last few months crafting this project that encapsulates her unique dual-heritage and her experiences as a young woman growing up in such an unusual time. As a half-Irish, half-Egyptian woman, Shaefri meets us somewhere in between the angelic echoes of the Celtic harp and the addictive percussion of the Egyptian tabla. Somehow, her music manages to capture a slight wind of escapism whilst bridging us back home romantically and melodically. “My music is primarily ‘pop’ but is heavily influenced by the cultures that I’m from and I grew up in – there is a storytelling element and a vocal style that comes from my Irish roots and a tonal and percussive element that comes from my Egyptian heritage,” says Shaefri to Egyptian Streets. Shaefri, who grew up in England and Ireland, maintains her connection to Egypt with her family through food, WhatsApp groups, and music (citing Amr Diab…
Shaefri: Bridging Egyptian and Irish Music in Times of Turmoil and Victory
November 1, 2020
