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Artist
Cairokee
12+ albums
rockindie rockegyptianoriental rockarabic
about
Cairokee (Arabic: كايروكي) is an Egyptian rock band formed in Cairo in 2003. The band is widely known for its close association with the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and for using music as a platform for political expression, social criticism, and youth identity. Over the years, Cairokee has become one of the most influential alternative bands in the Arab world, blending rock, reggae, electronic, and Arabic musical elements. The band was founded in 2003 by Amir Eid (lead vocalist), Sherif Hawary (lead guitarist), Tamer Hashem (drummer), Sherif Mostafa (keyboardist), and Adam el-Alfy (bass guitarist). The initial band members were friends ever since their school days. The band was called The Black Stars before they changed it to Cairokee. The name Cairokee is a blend of “Cairo” and “karaoke,” reflecting the band’s aim to create music that speaks directly to the people of the city. Cairokee gained massive public attention during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, when they released the song “Sout El Horeya” (صوت الحرية – Voice of Freedom). The song, filmed and recorded in Tahrir Square, quickly became one of the defining anthems of the uprising. With lyrics centered on freedom, dignity, and resistance, “Sout El Horeya” spread widely online and came to symbolize the voice of Egypt’s youth during the revolution. In 2009, Cairokee released their self-titled debut album, Cairokee, marking the band’s first official full-length studio project, two years before the Egyptian Revolution
