Basem Darwisch
Basem Darwisch is an Egyptian composer and oud player based in Germany. Born in
April 1966 in Bani Mazar, Egypt, Darwisch grew up in a Coptic household and
learned music at the local church. The musician initially performed with folk
musicians of the Nile and Hejazi Mtagal until 1990. In 2002, Darwisch cofounded
the multicultural ensemble Cairo Steps with German pianist Matthias Frey. Under
his leadership, the group produced the albums Oud Lounge, Arabiskan (2014), and
Route de la soie. The composer also recorded the single “Strawberry” (2003) with
Mohammed Munir. Cairo Steps per...
