Shaabi, as it's usually transliterated, or more accurately, sha'bi, is an Egyptian music genre developed in the first half of Twentieth century that thrived in 1960s-80s.
Though shaabi music is exclusively urban music of Cairo, it originates in Egyptian folk rural music, esp. of Delta's fellaheen (peasants).
Etymology: Arabic sha'bi (popular, folk, of common people) ultimately from sha'b (people).
Though shaabi music is exclusively urban music of Cairo, it originates in Egyptian folk rural music, esp. of Delta's fellaheen (peasants).
Etymology: Arabic sha'bi (popular, folk, of common people) ultimately from sha'b (people).
by Mahammad Kalfat February 19, 2009