Egyptian music, with its deep emotional resonance and complex melodic structures, has long inspired artists around the world. Today, more than ever, global musicians are reaching into Egypt’s musical archive to sample iconic tracks by legends such as Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Umm Kulthum, and Abdel Halim Hafez. Their imaginings breathe new life into timeless melodies while introducing them to entirely new audiences. A recent and striking example is Clipse’s 2025 comeback track, ‘So Be It’, produced by Pharrell Williams. The song prominently features a sample from Maza Akoulou (What Shall I Say, 1976), a collaboration between Saudi singer Talal Maddah and Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab. The hypnotic loop of oud and strings sets a cinematic tone, recontextualized into Pharrell’s signature minimalist production style. The track has generated buzz online, with fans and critics alike praising the creative fusion of old and new. French music outlet Djolo described the loop as “captivating and ritualistic,” while TikTok users have embraced the sample for its emotional pull. This is not the first time Egyptian music has left a mark on international hip-hop. Perhaps the most famous case is Jay-Z’s 2000 hit ‘Big…
