Hayati by Yasmina of Cairo (Producer)

'Hayati' means 'my life', and I have chosen the title of this CD deliberately because many of the tracks reflect particular moments and memories experienced during my years performing in Egypt. With five different singers (four of them from the family of Safaa Farid) performing a wide range of different styles, once again this CD contains something for everyone. The opening entrance music, specially composed by Nader Zakaria, is repeated at the end of the collection in a shorter version for those with limited stage time available to perform in. There are several classic songs ranging from old favourites such as Farid el Attrache's 'Zeyna', and Naghat's 'Ama Barowa', to nineties favourite 'W'hayti Andak'. A medley of 'Ana Fintizarak, Menharemsh and Tamrahenna' performed by Ahmed el Khatib in tacht style on the oud, contrasts with shaabi songs such as 'Maoula Di', originally sung by one of my favourite performers from the past, Shafiqa. As well as all this there is an updated version of Ahmed Adaweya's 'Yachti Smalatayn', with modern shaabi inserts, a complete tableau for shamadan, awaalim style, an irresistible baladi and a great drum solo!

Yasmina is the producer of seven music albums and five documentary films for oriental dancers. She is based in Cairo where she performed for many years, and runs a B&B for belly dancers from around the world. As well as being a dance instructor and choreographer worldwide she also works as a photographer making other dancers look glamorous!

yasminaofcairo.com