Youssra El-Hawary

Youssra El Hawary is an Egyptian composer, singer-songwriter, accordionist, and sound designer. A prominent figure in Cairo’s underground music scene, Hawary has led a band since 2011 and collaborated with a wide range of artists. She made a breakthrough early in her career with the 2012 hit El Soor and toured internationally following the release of her acclaimed debut album, No’oum Nasyeen (2017). Since 2020, she has contributed sound design and audio mixes for short films, performances and art installations. Hawary has also spent these years growing in her development and practice as an artist through an ongoing process of studying, learning, and researching. Her EP, Taraddud, marks her first experience as a producer and her first time without a fixed formation of her band. The three-song release combines field recordings of Cairo with original arrangements and lyrics, creating a bittersweet portrait of the city.