Sheikh Imam

Imam Mohammad Ahmad Eissa or Sheikh Imam (Template:ArB) (July 2 1918 – June 7 1995) was a famous Egyptian composer and singer. For most of his life, he formed a duo with the famous Egyptian colloquial poet Ahmad Fouad Negm. Together, they were known for their political songs in favor of the poor and working classes.

Life and career

Imam was born to a poor family in the Egyptian village of Abu al-Numrus, Giza governorate. He lost his sight when he was a child. At the age of five he joined a recitation class, where he memorized the Qur’an. He later moved to Cairo to study where he led a darvish life. In Cairo, Imam met Sheikh Darwish ElHareery, a prominent musical figure at that time, who taught him the basics of music and muwashshah singing. He then worked with the Egyptian composer Zakariyya Ahmad. At that time, he expressed interest in Egyptian folk songs especially those by Sayed Darwish and Abdou El Hamouly. He also performed at weddings and birthdays.

In 1962 he met the Egyptian poet Ahmad Fouad Negm. For many years, they formed a duo composing and singing political songs, mostly in favor of the poor oppressed classes and indicting the ruling classes. Though their songs were banned in the Egyptian Radio and Television stations, they were popular among ordinary people in the 1960s and 1970s. Their revolutionary songs criticizing the government after the 1967 war led them to imprisonment and detention several times. In the mid 80s Imam performed several concerts in France, Britain, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria. Later Imam and Negm broke up after several disagreements. Imam died at the age of 78 after a long illness.