Cairo Steps was founded in 2002 by Egyptian–German musician and producer Basem Darwisch.[1][2]
Cairo Steps merges and combines traditional Egyptian and oriental grooves with modern jazz improvisation, classical music and contemporary sounds. The ensemble has played numerous concerts in Egypt, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Italy, France and many stages worldwide with musicians and artists from around the world. The group includes members of different nationalities.[3]
Awards
On April 19, 2018, Cairo Steps collected The German Jazz Music award at Berlin ceremony with the ensemble members including Ines Abdul Dayem, Minister of Culture of Egypt, The ensemble received the award for their album Flying Carpet, which they created with German band Quadro Nuevo.[4][5] The Egyptian minister of culture honored Cairo Steps in the Egyptian Academy in Rome after being awarded the German Jazz Music Award in April 2018.[2]
In 2020, Cairo Steps continued to expand their musical presence through a variety of projects and performances. On June 26, they released a video of their track "Shams," originally featured on their 2017 album Flying Carpet. The video showcased the ensemble's adaptability by featuring a virtual performance, highlighting their ability to innovate in music presentation.[2]
The Egyptian Ministry of Culture also broadcast a previously recorded Cairo Steps concert at the Cairo Opera House, as part of an initiative to make cultural performances accessible to a wider audience through online platforms.[6]
Cairo Opera Orchestra, Cairo steps Ft. Sheikh Ehab Younis
Later that year, on November 2, Cairo Steps participated in the Arab Music Festival, performing at the Cairo Opera House in collaboration with the Cairo Opera Orchestra and Sheikh Ehab Younis. This event underscored their commitment to blending traditional and modern music styles while engaging with diverse audiences.[7][8]
In March 2023, Cairo Steps released a new single titled L’Imam. The track is inspired by the poem Daa Al-Ayam Tafaal ma Tachaä ("Let the Days Do as They Please") by Imam Al-Shafi'i, a prominent Islamic scholar and the founder of the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence.[9] The single was created in collaboration with Egyptian singer-songwriter Hany Adel, known for his work with the underground music group West Al-Balad. This release reflects the band's ongoing exploration of blending traditional Arabic poetry with contemporary musical influences.[10]
