© Patrick Fore photo
Ramy Essam
”In the revolution I was born again. The struggle became the purpose of my life.”
Egypt’s Ramy Essam exploded into international fame as one of the loudest voices of the Egyptian revolution. In 2011, his songs spread like wildfire among the demonstrators and during the height of the uprising, he performed in front of millions of people in Tahrir Square. His music became the soundtrack of a whole generation of his countrymen and women struggling for a better life and a more just society. His song Irhal, in which he demands the resignation of then-ruler Hosni Mubarak, is referred to as the real anthem of the revolution.
But fame came with a heavy price. Ramy experienced brutal torture and arrests that were meant to silence his voice. His songs were banned and he was forbidden to perform publicly. He resolved to come out even stronger against oppression, saying “In the revolution I was born again. The struggle became the purpose of my life.”
In 2014, Sweden offered him a safe haven – and with his voice freed, he has been able to tour and continues to release video’s and rock-influenced recordings where he remains one of the loudest voices for the young generation in Egypt and their fight for a progressive and modern society. He’s also become an international symbol of social activism, and a beacon of bravery in the Middle East and the rest of the world. He performs with his band based out of Finland and Sweden as well as his band of Brooklyn based musicians. He received the distinguished The Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent, an award celebrating human rights advocates who unmask the lie of dictatorship through art. As well as the Spirit of Folk Award by the Folk Alliance International.
Segn Bel Alwan (Prison in Colour) is dedicated to the Egyptian women imprisoned during the revolution, as well as their sisters around the world.
Bob Simon reports from Egypt, where he meets the troubadour of the revolution, Ramy Essam, a musician who continues to sing protest songs, despite the brutal torture he has endured.
The Egyptian rock musician performing at The Rudolstadt-Festival
click image to download – © Julie Tørrissen image
New AlbumRamy Essam's album Metgharabiin ('Outsiders') was released on July 21st, 2023. The album captures struggles faced by people living in exile and taps into emotions of those separated from their loved ones.
Metgharabiin is a collaboration with producer Johan Carlberg, with a large part of it being co-produced remotely during the pandemic
The album contains 12 powerful tracks that reveal Ramy Essam's energy and message on the human condition of longing. The unique sound combines rock guitars, Egyptian traditional instruments, and beats in an electronic, industrial world. Metgharabiin tells a universal story of missing home, difficulties of living in exile, and the harsh realities of censorship and imprisonment.
Ramy Essam brings forward vignettes in song taking the listener on a journey into life as an outsider. The album creates an experience where demonstration and unity come together, and where everyone is invited to engage to both dance and wind down. Metgharabiin features collaborations with two of the most prominent poets, one currently still behind bars, Galal El-Behairy and just released Ahmed Douma, both have contributed to the album's soulful lyrics. The title track Metgharabiin’s lyrics and music are both written by Ramy Essam. The song conveys feelings of being an outsider in one's own country, and of not belonging.
"Metgharabiin is a tribute to all those who have been forced to leave their homes and live in exile, and to those who feel like an outsider. The album is a reflection of the emotions and experiences of those who have been separated from their loved ones, and the struggles they face on a daily basis. I hope this album will bring comfort to those who are going through tough times, and help them find solace in my music."
- Ramy Essam
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PRESS QUOTES
“Ramy Essam's performance is a combination of power, introspection, and a musical adeptness rarely seen or heard. He weaves a theme throughout his show that is certain to move even the hardest of hearts.”
— Steve Tucker, Executive Director of The Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Co-Director of The International Music Festival
“Ramy Essam’s participation in the 27th Concert of Colors included a panel and performance at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, home of the highest concentration of Arab Americans. His story resonated deeply with the audience and other panelists, which included many communities of color fighting for freedom in this complicated world. His performance at the Detroit Institute of Arts was regarded by many loyal Concert of Colors fans as one of the most moving performances of all time. His talent, his story, his band, and kind heart really brought the full package. We look forward to many future Detroit visits by Ramy Essam.”
— Kathryn S. Grabowski, Humanities Program Coordinator, Arab American National Museum
”I saw Ramy Essam and he was breathtaking. I learned his backstory and it brought me to tears. Then I saw him live and was blown away by his power and passion and complete soul-driven delivery. Love, loved him! He's a force of nature.”
– Lisa Schwartz, Festival Director, Philadelphia Folk Festival
“One of the biggest highlights of this year's Folk Alliance International Conference was discovering Ramy Essam. I first caught him doing an impromptu performance in the hallways of the Westin hotel with Kansas City artist Calvin Arsenia. Although both artists had just met, they played together beautifully. They mesmerized everyone that walked by and attracted a captive audience. Later, I caught the full band for his official performance that was both breathtaking and inspirational. His story of overcoming struggle and using music to protest oppression is extremely powerful.”
— Rhonda Lyne, Midwest Music Foundation
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Just announced! Ramy Essam is proud to be added to the lineup for the 2019 Calgary Folk Music Festival July 25th—28th.
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