Brazilian Grill XODÓ on the First Nile Boat

Stepping across the Nile water and into the clean, fresh interior of the First Nile Boat is your first indicator that this is a waterside venue worthy of its illustrious title.  XODÓ is a new Brazilian restaurant, offering a ‘culinary carnival’ of traditional but decidedly upmarket specialities.  Guilherme Reis, head chef and inventive mastermind behind XODÓ’s collection of dishes has put together combinations that will have your mouth watering just by perusing the menu. There are twists here on many of Brazil’s most popular staples, but for those who think it must be for carnivores only, think again; seafood and a wide variety of salads and vegetable dishes are just as plentiful.

Signature Dishes

Carpaccio de File: Beef carpaccio with arugula, Parmesan flakes, fried capers, balsamic reduction and whole grain mustard.

Linguica de Carne com Queijo: Australian veal and chicken spiral sausage with cuibana cheese.

Dishes Sampled

We began with a mix of starters: grilled garlic bread (soft, home-baked and to die for) with chicken liver pâté, a selection of Brazilian fried pastries (Bolinha de Queijo, Coxhina de Frango, and Risolis de Camarao), with different fillings – mozzarella, blue cheese and chili, chicken or grilled prawns, cream cheese and herbs, all served with roasted red peppers and almond dip.

To follow we sampled the Bobo de Camarao, tiger prawns in tapioca and coconut gravy.  Subtly flavoured, this was a warm and spicy take on prawns, served with white rice, mixed greens and cassava sticks.

The meat winner of the evening was definitely the Carre de Corderiro, lamb chops tossed in garlic. Simple enough but demonstrating the prowess of the Brazilian style grill, and tender to perfection.

We couldn’t let the luscious sounding salads go untasted, so plumped for the Quinoa Preta, organic black quinoa, white beans, pomegranate, orange segments, roasted cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots and sultanas, drizzled with lime and honey.

And naturally we had to try the fried bananas, served as a side dish, along with a similarly traditional Feijoada com Carne Defumad: smoked beef in a black bean stew.

If you love home- made ice-cream we heartily recommend the ones served here. Who knew sweetcorn makes a delicious base for ice-cream? They also have tropical passionfruit and guava, we had to try all three!

Other Menu Options that Appealed

Certainly the Salted Codfish Croquettes with citrus lime aioli and the salad with Fajita Marinated Prawns, field greens, goat cheese crumbles, red onions and caramelized walnut with raspberry vinaigrette.

Beverages Available

At the time we visited XODÓ was still awaiting its alcohol licence, but its fresh juices and full soft drinks menu included some wonderful cocktails. We were served the XODÓ Larengo, a delicious blend of fresh mango, pineapple and lemon juice.  Tea and Brazilian coffee also available.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Clean, modern lines, a warm mix of wood floors and furniture in different hardwood shades, a great view out onto the Nile. There’s a jungle theme in the bathrooms and a samba and other Brazilian musical vibes playing on the soundtrack.

Clientele mix: Business people, smart professionals of all ages.

Price range: Medium

Contact Information:

Tel: 02 3567 1870

Facebook page: Xodo Restaurant

Instagram: @Xodorestaurant

Opening hours: 6pm to 12 midnight

Address:  The First Nile Boat, Four Seasons, 136 Nile Street, (behind the First Residence)

Paternal Post-partum Depression: Yup! Dads Get it Too!

After a nine-month waiting period, baby has arrived. Now what? Sleepless nights and the inexplicable crying of a newborn throws all sense of logic out the window, what new parents are left with is complete and utter mental and physical exhaustion. Although less recognized, it is now proven that postpartum depression and anxiety aren’t just for moms, but dads as well.

Parenting a newborn can be daunting for both moms and dads. The joyful experience can quickly become overwhelming under the demands of new baby and the consequential changes in your relationship with your partner. Men are sometimes averse to showing emotion, but they can feel frustration, irritability, and might feel angry and became discouraging to their partner, or in extreme cases, can even engage in domestic violence.

Top 6 Tips About Paternal Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

1. It’s no joke; PPD (paternal postpartum depression) is alarming. The negative impact is on the whole family. From a deteriorating relationship with your partner to feeling helpless with your newborn. A depressed father is most likely disengaged with a negative parenting behavior. The studies showed that depressed fathers are 4 times more likely to spank their one-year-old infant, and less than half as likely to consistently read to their 1-year-old child, leading to less expressive vocabulary development in children. A father with PPD has a harmful effect on his children’s early behavioral and emotional development up to the age of preschoolers, especially on sons, and most noted as behavioral symptoms (conduct and hyperactivity). When both fathers and mothers are depressed, their children are at higher risk of behavioral impairment.

2. It’s no disgrace, get involved. It is not only a mom‘s job. Take some time to take care of your baby. Get involved from day one. The benefits are countless. You are keeping mom sane while learning to be a dad. You are building a strong rapport with your child. Your involvement is even more important when your partner is coping with depression.

3. It’s not childish, play with your little buddy. Babies learn from the early moments. Their language is easy: cries, giggles, and funny body gestures. Be a child, play peek-aboo, sing and talk to them. Babies consider everything a toy, including you. Don’t miss those joyful moments

4. It’s no embarrassment, stay connected. Try to reach out to your partner. And keep on trying! Listen, talk and share your feelings and thoughts. Try together to redesign your life aspects from the simple household tasks to managing stresses and lack of sleep. Lower your expectations. Don’t expect a smooth road, sometimes things will get out of control. It’s ok to get a bit messy.

5. It’s not egotistic, get some fans. A proud partner will be around when she feels your involvement. It’s ok to share your positive parenting role among close relatives and get some cheers. It is ok to accept help from trusted friends. Develop your support system.

6. It’s not selfish, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Your mental health is critical. Take time to relax and do things that you enjoy. Exercise and eat healthy. If possible, try to take some time off work.

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.
 
For more information, call 16724 or visit  www.tabibi247.com

Body Dysmorphia in Men: Is the Internet Your Friend or Foe?

By Samantha Hargreaves, BSc

The global explosion in the availability and use of various forms of social media is having a major impact on how many of us see ourselves and others.  Researchers have found that frequent use of image-laden social media in particular, such as Instagram, is correlated with a negative impact on users’ self-esteem.

This is not just an issue for women affected by images promoting specific body types as the criteria for female beauty, it is now impacting increasingly upon men.  A surprisingly high proportion of men now report being dissatisfied and preoccupied with concerns about their appearance – one American study found this to be as high as 43%, a figure that has reportedly tripled in the past 25 years.

The Broken Mirror

Self-esteem is a powerful and important psychological factor in mental health and well-being, developed and maintained through a psychological dynamic between how we perceive and value ourselves according to a particular set of criteria or ‘values’.  The criteria we use varies according to socio-cultural context and ‘norms’, as well as our own individual values – and this is where the powerful influence of social media images promoting particular cultural notions of masculinity can have in insidious effect on the self-esteem of men, with worrying and sometimes very serious consequences for their physical and mental health.

Body dysmorphic disorder affects as many men as it does women – it is a severe psychological disorder within the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, characterized by the obsessive idea that some aspect of one’s own body or appearance is severely flawed or abnormal and requires exceptional measures to hide or fix it.  Thoughts about the dysmorphia are pervasive, intrusive and highly distressing, often occupying several hours a day, and can lead to debilitating levels of anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.

Muscle dysmorphia – sometimes dubbed “bigorexia” or “maxorexia” – is a recently identified form of eating disorder that affects primarily men. It is characterised by the delusional and obsessional belief that one’s body is too small, too skinny or insufficiently muscular, and in the majority of cases the individual’s build is within a normal range or even large and muscular already. Men suffering with muscle dysmorphia become obsessed with muscle building and extreme dieting in the attempt to achieve a bigger and more muscular physique, devoting the focus of their lives in the pursuit of the perfect body. Compulsive working out at the gym is common, often involving extreme, punishing and very time-consuming physical programmes.  Of particular concern, muscle dysmorphia may lead to potentially dangerous abuse of anabolic steroids.

As stated recently in Men’s Health magazine in its article ‘Muscle in the Age of Instagram’,

“Studies into fitspiration show that, regardless of the earnestness with which fitness influencers talk about training for health, it is ultimately the way they look that attracts followers… and the bigger your body, the larger your following.”

Although the majority of men will not develop preoccupation with their appearance as severely debilitating and distressing as body or muscle dysmorphia, research shows that the impact of image-laden social media is undoubtedly having a negative effect on the self-esteem of an increasingly large proportion.

Mind the Gap

Issues with self-esteem can arise when we perceive there is a gap between our “ideal” and “real” self. This can be further affected when there is a tendency towards making unfavourable comparisons of ourselves with others – and many studies have shown that image-laden social media such as Instagram and Facebook do exactly that, leaving us feeling that we just don’t measure up. When it comes to comparing our appearance negatively, this persists in spite of us knowing the majority of photographs have been carefully selected and digitally enhanced – i.e. we know they are not representations of reality, and yet we can still end up with a deep and distressing sense we’re just “not good enough”.

Show Me the Money

When the consequences of engaging with image-laden social media can be so detrimental to their emotional and physical wellbeing, men would be wiser to retain a healthy level of scepticism and remember that it is big business. Many of the images are intentionally posted as ‘click bait’ to attract attention for the purposes of marketing products and services.

Again, as mentioned in Men’s Health magazine, “The bodybuilding stars of social media have considerable earning potential. For a sponsored Instagram post, the general fee is £80-100 per 10,000 followers.”

Steps to Self-Acceptance

There is a radical solution to the self-esteem issues that the frequent use of image-laden social media can lead to. A solution that is deceptively simple, yet extremely powerful. It can completely change our relationship with ourselves with amazingly positive results for our happiness and wellbeing… and it doesn’t require a single minute in the gym!

The solution is simply a shift of perspective and making the active and conscious choice of self-acceptance.  Acceptance is about allowing things to be as they are, not needing perfection, not struggling against what ‘is’ nor striving for or clinging to the need and desire for what ‘isn’t’.  This dramatically changes the way we perceive everything, through a nurturing and compassionate relationship with ourselves.

What if we changed ourselves inwardly, shifting our perspective by choosing our own set of values, instead of trying to change ourselves outwardly in an attempt to resemble or attain what is externally defined by others with their own agendas, and which is in reality rather trivial and superficial in the grander scheme of life?  What if we just accepted ourselves exactly as we are, right now?

And what if we practiced gratitude and appreciation for all that we have instead of focusing on what we feel we are lacking?

According to psychologist Dr Tim Bono – author of the book When Likes Aren’t Enough, “ Taking time for gratitude has the opposite effect of social comparison—it redirects our attention to the many wonderful things we already have in our lives that are already there but that we have likely taken for granted.  People who take just a few minutes to focus on what they’re grateful for feel better about their lives overall, report more optimism about their futures, and even get sick less often.”

Samantha Hargreaves, BSc
Clinical Psychologist

Tel:  010 3282 8824.

 

Ottimo in SODIC West, Sheikh Zayed

SODIC West is teeming with eateries catering to the thousands of families living in its various neighborhoods. Residents of compounds in the surrounding area also come to SODIC West to enjoy the various cuisines and cafes it has to offer. New on the block is Ottimo – Italian for ‘excellence’ – taking up two large storefronts in the new strip plaza near the mosque.

Ottimo claims to be ‘the neighborhood eatery’, offering a casual, laid-back spot for high end comfort food and eclectic takes on classic favorites at affordable, everyday prices. It has quickly become the go-to spot for residents of the area.

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Signature dishes include the Fillet Chicken Bites, Beetroot Salad, Rocca Salad, Sweet Chili Chicken, Egg Croissant, and Eggs Benedict.

We began our foray into what promised to be a delectable evening in the outdoor breeze with the house Nachos, the crunchy and airy homemade chips were topped with all the nacho fixings you would typically find like sweet corn, red beans, cheese; but worthy of note is the delightful chip itself, and the citrusy Pico De Gallo that topped it.

Next came a playful plate of Chicken Bites with orange mayo sauce. Tender panko-crusted pieces of chicken sat one on top of the other on skewers lodged into a baked sweet potato, definitely a fun presentation that the little ones would enjoy.

Offering a crisp and moist respite was the Rocca Salad that came next. A bed of Rocca topped with green apple slices, raw mushroom, caramelized walnuts, shaved Parmesan and a house balsamic dressing satisfied on so many levels, pairing savory with sweet, vegetable with fruit, and tangy with earthy flavors.

The striking Beetroot Salad offered a vibrant, crisp bite, bursting with an explosive flavor that left us wiping the bowl clean. Worthy of note, the generous salad portions can be shared by up to four people if each will be ordering a main.

We were then treated to two mains that sealed our new found love for Ottimo, the Fillet Rosemary Sauce, and the Farfelle Salmon Pink Sauce. The fillet has inadvertently become a very popular dish at Ottimo, served with a choice of three sauces, the tender meat cut comes apart easily under even a regular cutlery knife, which it did for us. The Farfelle Pink Sauce was creamy and hearty, with a rich depth of flavor, a true treat for our taste buds.

With not an inch left to spare in our over-satiated tummies, down comes the Fried Ice-Cream onto our table. Cue the salivation. A crispy fried outer layer safely nestled a large scoop of authentic vanilla ice-cream within it, still intact. A definite must-have at Ottimo.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Cool and contemporary, the gray and light wood color scheme is relaxing and sleek. A no-fuss, modern interior extends from the indoor to the outdoor area as well as the intermediary balcony in between. Carefully curated design elements give the balcony space a homey feel, while flat screen TVs throughout the venue ensure you never miss your favorite match or series when Ramadan rolls around. s

Beverages Available: Ottimo serves a wide selection of juices, cocktails, smoothies, coffees, teas, and soft drinks. Shisha is also served in the outdoor area.

Breakfast is served!

Breakfast is served from 10 am to 1 pm, and the last order is taken around 1 am, although you might find patrons still lounging around beyond that. Ottimo delivers its goodies to all the surrounding offices and homes in SODIC, and has recently signed a delivery deal with Otlob.com to deliver in the Sheikh Zayed area.

Worthy of note: Ottimo’s new extension, right next door, will house a bakery and communal tables, as well as a living-room-like space complete with a working fireplace!

Contact Information

Address: 23G, West Square Mall, Sodic West
Tel: 0122 736 6033
Instagram/Facebook: @ottimoegypt

Tolbino’s in Downtown Mall, New Cairo

Tolbino came to life several months ago, where through a central kitchen staff was delivering sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. Business picked up and the first store in Downtown Mall, Katameya opened, focusing on a new concept of quality grab-and-go food.

Type of cuisine: Fresh sandwiches and salads.

Dishes Sampled

We started out by having our coffees as we browsed through the menu divided into the sandwich options of baguettes, wraps and toasts; salads and desserts. We opted for the highly recommended Truffle Roast Baguette, filled with a substantial amount of roast beef slices, Grana Padano cheese, sautéed mushrooms and sundried tomatoes finished off with an aromatic truffle honey mustard spread. The sweetness of the honey contrasted with the acidity of the mustard, making for a delicious pairing with the roast beef.

Our second choice was the Cuban Roast Turkey on a half baguette, with slices of Emmental cheese and roast turkey on a layer of paprika mustard spread, topped with caramelized onions, dill pickles and arugula. Both options met expectations.

The best-seller at Tolbino’s is the Mushroom Grilled Cheese: two slices of toast filled with three types of cheese, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. This toast was incredibly tasty, all three cheeses melted together in a stellar combination. We shared this option but it could be easily devoured by one. For the salad we went for their lightest version, a protein-free Bio Salad consisting of shredded lettuce and arugula, chunks of goat cheese, orange cubes, thin green apple slices, beetroot, crushed walnuts and honey balsamic dressing. The nuts and dressing are packed separately inside the big salad container. A refreshing salad, especially if you like fruit in your salad, which we love. The fact that Tolbino’s produces everything in-house guarantees freshness and authenticity. We also couldn’t leave without trying the mouthwatering, addictive brownies. You need no more introduction. Just have one.

Other menu options that appealed: Asian Salad

Beverages: Cold and hot drinks.

Photos

Décor and ambience: Stand-alone glass house, right by the water with a great overview of the mall. The place is flooded with natural sunlight during the day. There’s a serene and chilled atmosphere that has a lot to do with sitting next to the water. There’s a sandwich bar and a grab-and-go fridge for the pre-packed salads and sandwiches.

Clientele mix: Mall-goers, office staff.

Price range: Real value for money.

Worth noting: Take home one of the pickle jars. Tolbino’s Grandmother’s Olives are an absolute ‘must try’. Also on offer is Freddo Greek Coffee.

 

Contact Information

Address: Downtown Katameya Mall – 90 Street, New Cairo

Working hours: 10 am to 11 pm

Tel: 0106 225 0716

Facebook/ Instagram: @tolbinos

Diwan’s November Reads: 5 Titles for the Bookshelf

Check out this month’s recommendations from Diwan to make your alone or quiet time a lot more pleasurable. Cup of tea, anyone?

Black Leopard, Red Wolf

By Marlon James

From the Booker Prize winner, Marlon James, comes a new book filled with African mythology, fantasy, and magic. Tracker is a great hunter, so he is sent to find a lost boy with a group of mercenaries, and is left to wonder who this boy really is, who is trying to stop him from finding him, and who is telling the truth and who is lying. This book is a mesmerizing, unique meditation on the nature of truth and power.

When All Is Said

By Anne Griffin

Five drinks, five different toasts, to five different people that Irish Maurice Hannigan has lost during his lifetime. A very moving story about life’s ups and downs, about love and heartbreak, about happiness and grief. This is a story that will remain with you long after all is said.

Machines like Me

By Ian McEwan

In an alternative 1980s London Charlie is in love with Miranda, who is hiding a dark secret. When Charlie comes into money he buys one of the first synthetic humans created, and him and Miranda co-design his brilliant personality. Soon, a love triangle forms. This book makes you question what humanity is about and what really makes a person human. It also warns about the power of inventions that exceed our control.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

ByChristy Lefteri

Through the moving, compassionate story of a beekeeper and his wife, Christy sheds light on the Syrian war and on immigration. In a war torn country, Nuri and Afra have to flee and make their way through Turkey and Greece to reach Britain, where his cousin and business partner Mustafa is waiting for them. As they are forced to face their unspeakable loss, they also have to find each other again.

Factfulness

In Factfulness, Professor of International Health and global TED phenomenon Hans Rosling, along with Anna and OlaRosling, offers a radical new explanation of whywe often get the answer wrong when asked simple questions about global trends. They reveal the ten instincts that distort our perspective, and show us why the world is in fact in a much better state than we are led to believe.

8 Bachelor Pad Essentials

Some of the smartest property developers are coming up with smaller spaces to meet an increasing demand from young urban professionals. The bachelor pad is back! Here is our survival kit for guys taking a brave step into new territory, along with a few tips for what to include and what to avoid.

# Essential Number 1

Invest in a top quality mattress. Try and test until you find the right support and feel. One third of your life will be spent with your selection, so choose carefully.

# Essential Number 2

Cool, fresh, pure Egyptian cotton bedding. The better quality the cotton, the sweeter the dreams!

# Essential number 3

Soft, absorbent bath sheets that make shower time even better. And don’t forget the guest towels! Why not do your bit for the environment by getting the right eco- friendly shower nozzle as well!

# Essential number 4

The ultimate sofa. Look for something that will stand up to wear and tear, with a versatile design that won’t date too quickly.

Designed by Christian Werner, Prado offers a vast bench and rearrangeable cushion, creating a welcoming space to lounge, gather, or stretch.

Prado Sofa by Ligne Roset – Style Design

# Essential number 5

Even the most minimal space needs to have a kitchen. These all-in-one units function perfectly and look great as well.

Euromobil All-In-One Kitchen – Style Design

# Essential number 6

Something to keep those work clothes looking fresh and neat! When you try it you will wonder how you got this far without a clothes steamer.

Black & Decker Garment Steamer – B.Tech

Easy Crease Removal – Philips

# Essential number 7

Houseplants! They look amazing and add to any interior or terrace. An added bonus, they are great air purifiers as well.

# Essential number 8

Maybe this should really be a top priority. If, like us, you don’t consider that the day has started until you have your first cup of java, pop this little gem from Nespresso onto your ‘to buy’ list.

Essenza Mini – Nespresso

5 things that make us cringe

  • Mini toiletries collected from hotels, wherever.
  • Towels or robes souvenired from the same hotels!
  • Chipped crockery or glassware.
  • Stuffed toys (except maybe a well-worn teddy bear – our soft spot).
  • Mess – keep it neat!

5 picks to make a house feel like home

Books. Ones that you really intend to read and share.

Music. Whether you want to go for Smart Technology and immerse yourself, or opt for very covetable Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus speakers, this point is not negotiable.

TV. Ok … the best you can afford. We are torn between the LG OLED and the Samsung QLED with Bixby Intelligent Voice Assistant. Still on our wish list…

Art and collectibles. It’s not just about the price, it is more about what holds special meaning. Family photos, something you couldn’t resist lugging home from your last trip to a far-flung locale, or a piece by an up-and-coming artist that somehow ‘spoke’ to you.

A four-legged friend. No matter how cool your bachelor pad is, sometimes it can seem a little lonely.  When you need a buddy to share those special moments with and turn solitude into companionship, it will be worth all the extra work.

 

American Mattress

Tel: 0102 000 0227

Facebook: @AmericanEgypt

B-Tech

Tel: 19966

Web: www.btech.com

Comfort Home Collection

Facebook: @comfort.hc

Comfort Sleep

Web: www.comfortsleep-eg.com

Grohe

Facebook: @Grohe 

Masterbed

Web: www.masterbedsae.com

Nespresso

Web: www.buynespresso.com

Nina Found Home

Facebook: @Ninafoundhome
Website: www.ninafoundhome.com

Philips

Web: www.philips.com.eg

Style Design

Instagram/Facebook: @StyleDesign

Zara Home

Web: www.zarahome.com

Yau’s Green Thai Shrimp Curry

Try this delicious and simple recipe, courtesy of Yau’s Asian Kitchen, and enjoy a creamy curry with a zesty kick!

Ingredients:

300 g medium shrimp
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons green curry paste
2 tablespoons coconut milk
½ cup shrimp stock
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon finely sliced red chili
½ cup sliced red bell pepper

Preparation:

Lightly sauté the green curry paste with extra virgin olive oil in a pan until fragrant.  Add the coconut milk and shrimp stock (made by sautéing shrimp shells with a little vegetable oil for a few minutes before adding water), then the red chili and red bell pepper. Add the shrimp, lemon juice and fish sauce and cook gently until shrimp are ready. Serve with steamed rice.

Sherif Hawary’s soundtrack for When We’re Born is inspired by a 20 year friendship

Lama Bntweled

The secret behind When We’re Born‘s moving, heartening music is simple; a 20 year old friendship. Composer Sherif Hawary tells us how his friendship with Amir Eid inspired him to work diligently on his first ever soundtrack, as well as the challenges he faced that pushed him to do more with less.

Tell us how you got involved in the movie?

It sounded like a really interesting project; I’ve never done a soundtrack before. I am Amir’s biggest fan and friend so it’s easy for me to work with him, I knew what he wanted. Amir was already writing songs for the movie when I came into the picture 3 months in, so I needed to blend with what he was already doing not be intrusive.

Is it something you always wanted or did just come about?

I was never interested in composing soundtracks, but now I would like to do more of it. It’s a completely different field and way of expressing your art. You get the chance to amplify or dampen down people’s feelings. I tried to mirror the actor’s feeling with music; when they smiled, laughed, or reflect the sadness in their eyes. I felt in touch with them.

What was the hardest part in this whole process?

The soundtrack was based on Amir playing the guitar, even if he’s not on screen. I am originally a guitarist, so it was easy for me, however, it’s also very limiting. The guitar has to reflect different emotions, and that presented a challenge. It helped me stay focused and also eliminated instrumentation problems. I didn’t have to worry whether it would be a big orchestra, it simplified things for me in a sense.

 

What was the collaboration with Amir Eid like?

I worked on two aspects: the soundtrack at night and Amir’s songs by day. We worked on Amir’s songs in the morning at his house, which is sunny and suited the upbeat vibe of his songs perfectly … especially Sabah el Kheir! Amir and I have been working with each other for 20 years, so there’s mutual trust. We met for the first couple of songs just to make sure we’re on the same page with director Tamer Ezzat. I wanted to change locations and atmospheres to put me in different moods, to help with producing different music.Lama BntweledWhat’s it like now watching the final project?

It’s nice, but I am the kind of person who always sees what is lacking. The little things I missed. I am a control freak when it comes to my work, always saying “it could have been better”. Also, when you work on something for a long time you kind of lose the momentum for it, so I always try to take the opinions of people I trust and those close to me or people used to working with me. When Amir says something’s nice, then it is, and that means a lot to me.

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