Ramy Essam

Ramy Essam (Arabic رامي عصام, [ ɾɑ ː mi ʕes ˤ ɑ ː m], * 1987 in al - Mansura ) is an Egyptian musician. He is known for his appearances in Tahrir Square in Cairo during the revolution in Egypt in 2011.

Life

Ramy Essam grew up in the northern Egyptian city of al - Mansura. He studied engineering and founded in 2009 the folk band Mashakel which addressed the issue of everyday life in Egypt under Hosni Mubarak and the problems of government in their songs.

As thousands gathered demonstrators in January 2011 against Mubarak's regime at Tahrir Square in Cairo, Essam came spontaneously during one of the rallies. His song receive ( إرحل ), the Mubarak asked to resign, gained great popularity among the demonstrators. It became known on YouTube internationally and is referred to as the anthem of the revolution. On March 9, when the Egyptian army cleared the square by force, Essam was arrested and tortured.

In July 2011, Essam performed in London at the Barbican Centre. His album Al Midan with songs from the time of the protests in Tahrir Square to be released in November 2011.

Awards

The human rights organization Free Muse Ramy Essam recorded in 2011 with the Free Muse Award for musicians who stand up for the right to freedom of expression, from.