Hamza Namira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hamza Namira
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Namira performing at a concert in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Native name |
حمزة نمرة
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| Birth name | Hamza Namira |
| Born | 1980 (age 44–45) Diriyah, Saudi Arabia |
| Origin | Egypt |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
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Hamza Namira (Arabic: حمزة نمرة) is a famous Egyptian singer-songwriter. He also plays many instruments, like the guitar and the Oud. Hamza is known for writing and singing songs that talk about important ideas. These ideas include hope, how people feel alone sometimes, and how different generations see the world. He often sings about things that matter to everyone, not just love stories.
His music became very popular during the 25 January revolution in Egypt. Many people called him the "Voice of the Revolution" because his songs inspired them. He has released several albums, like Insan and Mawlood Sanat 80. Besides singing, Hamza also helps create music for other artists.
Contents
Career
How He Started
Hamza Namira became interested in music when he was 17 years old. He started learning to play the guitar, keyboard, and the ‘oud. He also liked many different kinds of music, such as Middle Eastern, traditional Egyptian, folk music, light rock, jazz, and Latin music.
From 1999 to 2004, Hamza played in a band led by an artist named Nabil Bakly. Hamza said that Bakly was a big influence on his music. After that, Hamza started his own band called "Nomaira." He also studied business at Alexandria University and finished his degree in 2003.
Becoming Famous
Hamza's second album, Insan (meaning "Human"), came out in July 2011. This was around the time of the "Arab Spring," which was a period of big changes in many Arab countries. Hamza said this time helped him become more popular. He wanted his songs to talk about the real issues that young people faced. He felt that other music often didn't cover these topics.
In February 2011, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, visited Egypt. Hamza Namira was one of a few people invited to meet him. They talked about the future of Egypt.
Hamza continued to focus on important social and political topics. In January 2014, he released a song called Wa Ollak Eh. This song encouraged people to reject violence and hatred. It was a message of peace during a difficult time in Egypt.
Remix TV Show
In 2016, Hamza Namira started his own weekly TV show called Remix (Arabic: ريمكس). It was shown on the Al Araby TV channel. The show has had three seasons with many episodes.
On Remix, Hamza mixes different music styles with local lyrics. He blends genres like flamenco, electro, and Celtic. The songs use Arabic words from different regions, and sometimes even words from other languages like Amazigh or Armenian.
Each episode of Remix explores the history of a folk song or popular tune. Hamza travels to different places to learn about the music. He interviews the original artists or their families. Then, at the end of each show, Hamza performs a new version of the song. He often performs these remixes in different cities, like London. Many artists have worked with Hamza on his Remix songs.
Music Albums
Studio Albums
Hamza Namira has released several studio albums. Each album often has a special theme or message.
- Ehlam Maaya (Dream With Me) - Released in 2008 by Awakening Records.
- Insan (A Human) - Released in 2011 by Awakening Records. This album became very popular.
- Esmaani (Listen Up) - Released in 2014 by Awakening Records.
- Hateer Min Tany (I'll Fly Again) - Released in 2018 by Namira Productions. This album includes the popular song "Dari Ya Alby."
- Mawlood Sanat 80 (Born in the Year 80) - Released in 2020 by Namira Productions.
Remix Albums
The Remix TV show also led to special music releases. These albums feature Hamza's unique mixes of traditional songs with modern styles.
- Season 1 (2016)
- Season 2 (2018)
Other Music
Hamza has also released shorter music collections called Extended Plays (EPs) and many single songs.
- El Mesaharaty (Suhur waker) - An EP released in 2015.
- He has released singles like Asforein (Two Birds) in 2009 and Wa Ollak Eh (What to Tell You) in 2014. He also featured in the song Emlaq (Giant) with Hassan El Shafei in 2020.
Music Videos
Hamza Namira has made music videos for many of his songs. These videos help tell the story of his music.
- 2008: Dream with Me
- 2009: Two Birds
- 2010: O Israel, I'm the Egyptian
- 2011: Human, Hila Hila ya Matar, Mawaweel
- 2013: The Square
- 2014: What to Tell You
- 2018: Dary ya Alby
- 2019: Hekayet Tefl
- 2020: Mawlood sanat 80, Esta3izo
His Views
Hamza Namira often uses his music to share his thoughts on important issues. He has spoken about supporting peace and fairness for all people. He was a strong supporter of the Arab Spring, a time when many people wanted change in their countries. For example, his song El Midan is named after Tahrir Square, a famous place in the Egyptian revolution. He also dedicated his song Hila Hila Ya Matar to the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia.
In 2014, some of Hamza's songs were stopped from being played on Egyptian state radio. This happened because his songs talked about important issues. Hamza said that he was just expressing his opinions, which he has a right to do. He also said that he is not a politician or an activist, but simply an artist.
Hamza has always said he is not part of any political group. He supports his country's efforts for peace and safety. After living outside Egypt for some years, he returned in September 2022 and started performing concerts there again.
Helping Others
Hamza Namira also uses his fame to help people. He has joined tours in the UK to raise money for medical equipment in Egypt. He also performed in Vienna, Austria, for a charity event.
In 2019, Hamza released the song Hekayet Tefl (A Kid's Story). He worked with a group called United Muslim Relief to raise money for children who are refugees from the Syrian Civil War. This campaign raised a lot of money to help these children.
