Egyptian disco and boogie from the ’80s collected on Wewantsounds comp

A journey through the country’s funky sounds.

Wewantsounds is releasing a new compilation of ’80s Egyptian disco and boogie, called Sharayet el Disco, this June.

During the eighties, disco and boogie rose in popularity in Egypt, with musicians drawing on traditional instrumentals alongside influences from across America and Europe.

Notably, this shift was influenced by the rise of cassettes: “this invention changed Egypt’s soundscape in the 1980s and, for its youth, it opened the door to a search for a new cultural identity.”

“​This radical change enabled many young musicians and producers to spread their music directly to consumers duplicating cassettes themselves.”

Curated by Egyptian DJ Disco Arabesquo, Sharayet el Disco collects some of the finest tunes from the era, with the majority of tracks receiving their first vinyl release.

It follows the label’s reissue of Japanese percussionist, keyboardist, and composer Stomu Yamashta’s 1971 album Sunrise From West Sea, in April.

Pre-order Sharayet el Disco here in advance of its 3rd June release; check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Afaf Rady – Tany Tany
2. Dr. Ezat Abou Ouf & el four M – Genoun el Disco
3. Simone – Merci
4. FIrkIt el Ensan – Donia el Arkam
5. Firkit el Asdekaa – Eklib el Sheriet

Side B

1. Al Massrieen – Hezeny
2. Eman el Bahr Darwish – Mahsobko Endes (El Arwam)
3. Firkit Americana Show – Youm Wi Lilah
4. Lebleba – Ana Alby Har Nar