Zikrayat is an Arab music and dance ensemble dedicated to presenting classical music and dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, and the greater Arab World, in vibrant stage productions evoking the theatrical atmosphere and dramatic depth of classic Egyptian musical cinema. Alternating vocal and instrumental numbers with solo and group dance numbers, Zikrayat’s mission is to highlight the diversity of Arab culture for mainstream Western audiences in an authentic, yet entertaining contemporary representation.

Inspired by the “golden age” of Egyptian musical cinema (the 1940’s-‘60s), Zikrayat (meaning “memories” in Arabic) researches films from this period, which is when most of the major figures in music and dance in the Arab world worked in film, and searches for forgotten gems not performed since this era. In addition to original compositions in the style of this period, Zikrayat’s repertory also includes traditional, folkloric, and standard numbers, presenting music alongside clips from classic Egyptian films,

Led by Arab violinist, composer, and teacher Sami Abu Shumays and Egyptian-style dancer Robin “Dameshe” Shumays, Zikrayat performers of diverse backgrounds brought together by their devotion to these rich art forms.

Zikrayat is:

Sami Abu Shumays, Violin, Vocals
Zafer Tawil, Qanun, Vocals
Brian Prunka, Oud
Nezih Antakli, Percussion
Dancers: Yowalka & Dameshe