
In the wake of the conflict in Sudan, artists Amjad, Fatima, and Mazin have fled to Cairo, leaving behind their creative pursuits to seek refuge in Egypt.
In an attempt to reconnect with the essence of their homeland, they staged an exhibition and concert near Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
Mazin Hamid, a renowned figure in Khartoum, captivated the audience with his unique beats, reflecting the cultural richness of Sudan. Hamid, who was working on the soundtrack for the Cannes-screened “Goodbye Julia” when war erupted, faced the challenge head-on by immersing himself in his studio despite the escalating violence.
The war, marked by a series of upheavals and a devastating toll on the nation, compelled these artists to abandon their homes. Hamid, like many others, discreetly left Sudan, leaving his instruments behind to avoid attention at military checkpoints.
Fatima Ismail, confronted with the looming danger of conflict and war, sought refuge in silence before eventually escaping with her family. Her artwork in Cairo vividly portrays her life in exile, capturing the moments lost in the conflict.
Amjad Badr, also displaced, found solace in borrowed instruments and resumed his musical journey in Cairo. Despite the hardships, Badr expressed the importance of articulating his experiences through music.
The exhibition in Cairo featured Hashim Nasr’s stylized photos depicting his family’s journey – a narrative of loss, exile, and rebirth. Nasr, a former dentist, rekindled his passion for photography in Alexandria, capturing the essence of his family in a new environment.
As over 1.5 million Sudanese refugees, including more than 400,000 in Egypt, cope with displacement, these artists in Cairo are using their creativity to process the trauma. Though the challenges are immense, Amjad Badr remains hopeful, vowing a return to Sudan’s burgeoning music scene once the war subsides.