A few weeks back I got a strange Facebook message from a close friend in Cairo inviting me to a “musical event” being held that Saturday. I was instructed to click this link if I was interested in attending. Intrigued, confused, and excited – I obliged.
Whoa. Secret show? Location unknown until 24 hours beforehand? After slaving over what to type in the “Why you’d like to come” field, I submitted my RSVP, picturing myself at a hip concert in an abandoned parking garage or a rooftop.
Fast forward to Saturday afternoon, it’s 4pm and I haven’t heard back from my mysterious hosts. I called my friend who had invited me and told him I had not heard anything. He told me not to worry, the concert was being held at his apartment but he hadn’t been allowed to tell me until then.
Twenty minutes later I arrived at his apartment, which had become completely unrecognizable.
Tens of people I had never seen before milled about, chatting with one another and helping themselves to complimentary beer and wine in the kitchen. The dining area had been replaced with a makeshift stage, complete with speakers, microphones and a drum set. A black and white sign in smooth cursive hung on the wall: “Sofar: Songs from a room.”
Sofar is an international movement, created for the hardcore music aficionado who doesn’t want to deal with background noise that can ruin a set at a public venue. It’s an underground operation that allows listeners to appreciate music in its purest form.
Before the show got started, we were informed of the rules:
,- There are three sets, you must stay for all three.
- There is no talking during each set, just in-between them. If you are enjoying the music and want to sing along…don’t.
- The event is free but you are encouraged to make donations.
The rules seemed a bit authoritarian but the experience was indeed catered to the tastes of a true music lover. Packed onto the living room floor, tens of us sat with our legs crossed, prepared to enjoy the show, not one person had their phone out, it might as well have been 1992.
The first two artists were Aya Metwally and RaSh Radio . Both were solo acts, serenading the audience with their voices and acoustic guitars. While Metwally sang in Arabic and let her music do the talking, RaSh Radio took the opportunity to share self-deprecating barbs and the meaning behind his songs.
Metwally and RaSh Radio were followed by the Nour Project, an energized band which stormed through the calm the first two acts had so meticulously created. The Nour Project is a full band comprised of a drummer, lead guitarist, bassist, and the most rowdy saxophone player this side of the equator. Ordering everyone on their feet, he weaved through the crowd while playing his sax and forcing people to dance with him. Songs from a room had transformed my friend’s place into a full-on concert of the best kind. Sure the acts may not have been the most high profile, but I truly appreciated being able to enjoy live music without having to deal with background noise or wondering if I had any Facebook notifications.
Songs from a room Cairo had another gig on December 15, again inviting music lovers via a RSVP form . And they'll have more. So keep your eyes open and your ears ready for a unique music experience. Just make sure to keep chatter to a minimum!