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Portrait of Sheikh Imam ‘Issa

Sheikh Imam ‘Issa

Egyptian composer and political singer

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
2 July 1918
Born in
Abu El Nomros, Giza, Egypt
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Why ‘Issa is here

Sheikh Imam is renowned for his politically charged music and staunch support for the Palestinian cause. His collaborations with poet Ahmed Fouad Negm produced influential songs that resonated with the struggles of the underprivileged and criticized political regimes in Egypt and the broader Arab world.

Their story

Sheikh Imam was an Egyptian singer and composer born in Abu al-Nomros on 2 July 1918. Blind since infancy, he trained in Quranic recitation and music. His collaboration with poet Ahmed Fouad Negm produced songs addressing inequality, political repression, and Palestine, including Ya Falastiniyya. His work became part of a broader Arabic tradition of political song.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped ‘Issa’s path.

  1. 1918

    Born in Abu al-Nomros, Egypt, on 2 July.

  2. 1962

    Began his celebrated collaboration with Ahmed Fouad Negm.

  3. Composed songs in solidarity with Palestinians, including Ya Falastiniyya.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Set political poetry to music and performed songs addressing social injustice and Palestinian solidarity.

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Watch

‘Issa in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Watch on YouTube↗

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