Talaat Zein lived a life worthy of celebration and remembrance, with a tender voice familiar across generations in Egypt. From a young age, Zein had an ear for music. Born in Alexandria in 1955 to parents that regularly listened to music from all around the world, his real introduction to the music scene started when he joined ‘The Dreamers’, a band formed by engineering students at the University of Alexandria. In the mid-1960s, Zein started singing with local bands in Egypt, including ‘Black Coats’ which used to play a Salamlik and Haramlik at King Farouk’s former palace in Alexandria during the summer. Zein’s big break happened when he joined ‘Les Petits Chats’ which was one of the first local bands in Egypt that included renowned musicians like Omar Khairat, Sobhi Bedair, Ezzat Abou Auf, Omar Khorshid, Sadek al-Khellini, and Wagdy Francis. From covering international songs by iconic singers such as James Brown to singing Arabic original hits, Zein’s charm made him a fan favorite. “His unique voice and huge stage presence made him the biggest star of western singing in Egypt,” singer Mazher Abdel Moneim said in description of Zein….
Remembering the Lasting Legacy of Egyptian Singer and Actor Talaat Zein
December 6, 2022
