Massar Egbari

MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, which resembles the society we live in today. They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners. Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics. This sarcastic name was created since the band members felt that the society is trying to imply its power over people starting from their childhood till the day they die. This social power wants to stereotype everything including the way people think and feel, leaving no space for creation and innovation. Massar Egbari presents music and songs talking about the social problems. Love is not thier main concern although it represents a part of our songs. Through the members’ different musical backgrounds, the band is presenting a kind of Alternative Egyptian Music, mixing rock, jazz and blues with some Oriental music. You can neither call their music western, nor you can call it oriental; it is something in between, or maybe both! In one song they take you up to the western beat and lead you back to the oriental taste, something that satisfies different preferences. In 2007, Massar Egbari started its international musical career as it participated in 2 international festivals: Malta Arts Festival in Valletta-Malta and in Barisa Rock Festival in Istanbul – Turkey (a three-days festival, 62 bands from more than 6 countries). In 2008, the band participated in the International Biennale of young artist from Europe and the Mediterranean (Puglia 2008) in Bari – Italy. In 2009, Massar Egbari was invited as a special guest in the International Biennale of young artists from Europe and the Mediterranean in Skopje, FYROM, and they performed 6 times on different stages in the city. The band also participated in Adriatico Mediterraneo Festival in Ancona (Italy) in 2009. In 2010, Massar Egbari performed at the old Fort in Zanzibar (Tanzania) with 40 bands from other African countries in Sauti Za Busara Music Festival. The Festival is considered one of the most important music festivals in East Africa. In July 2010 , the band had a tour in Macedonia. They performed in Lokum Festival in Bitola , and played several gigs in Bitola and Ohrid. By the end of 2010, the band started to have gigs in the Arab world as they performed at Dubai International Film Festival in December 2010 , and in Quarein Festival in Kuwait in January 2011. Movies: - In 2008, Massar Egbari recorded their song ‘Ana Haweit’ in the movie ‘Koblat Masrouka’ directed by the Egyptian filmmaker Khaled El Haggar. The film was selected as the opening film for Alexandria International Film Festival. - In 2009, the band participated in the movie ‘The story of Johnny Guitar’ with other bands from France, England, Bosnia, Croatia and other countries. The film was directed by the Edouard Razzano from France. - In 2010, Massar Egbari took part of Ibrahim El Batout – Egypt’s leading independent filmmaker- new film ‘Hawy’. The film’s name is one of the band’s hits. And the band members were a part of the film. The band also composed the soundtrack for the film. “Hawy” won the prize of the best Arabic movie in Doha-Tribeca International Film Festival in 2010. - In the same year, the Spanish director Fermin Muguruza selected Massar Egbari to be a part of his documentary ‘Next Music Station’. - In June 2010, the band finished the filming of ‘Microphone’ directed by Ahmed Abdalla. The film premiere will be in Toronto International Film Festival 2010 (TIFF). “Microphone” won the Golden Tanit Prize as the best movie in Kartaj International Film Festival , the prize of the best Arabic movie in Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and the Prize for the best editing in Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) Since they got together in 2005, Massar Egbari have been shaking the Arabic music scene with their progressive tunes and disruptive lyrics.