14 Ways to Acquire New Skills & Know-How in the Business World

By Hilary DiackYou may have worked hard for that Bachelors or Masters degree to kick start your career a few years back, but how well equipped are you now to keep up in a business arena that is evolving at an alarming rate?  With Apps and acronyms that can flummox even the experienced, there is something new hitting the scene every day, along with new trends in company structuring and communication.  The answer? Back to school, we say.
With that in mind we checked out available options for both campus and online courses that can keep you not only up to date, but maybe even ahead of the pack.

INSEAD

When you think in global terms, INSEAD is a name to consider for any post-graduate learning course. Dating back to 1957, when it was founded as a European Business School by the French Chamber of Commerce, INSEAD now has campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and offers a broad range of degrees, PHD and executive education programs. You can study in France, Singapore or Abu Dhabi, or follow one of the selected online courses.

With classes composed of diverse nationalities and business backgrounds, the Global Executive MBA 14 to 17-month program offers a unique opportunity to learn within a truly global environment.

The 18-month Executive Master in Charge program covers much more than business as we normally understand it. It delves deeply into the psychological and emotional factors that drive human behavior and the dynamics of both large and small organizations. It can enrich the skills and understanding of anyone from coach, HR professional, consultant to company executive; in fact, anyone who wants to make an impact in their organization.

If you need to hone your skills and knowledge in the world of finance, take a look at the Executive Master of Finance. Tailored to be accessible without disrupting work commitments, the modules are placed three to four months apart.

The Business Foundations Certificate Program provides practical business and entrepreneurial skills for new graduates for entering a career path.

Executives can benefit from a broad range of individual courses: General Management, Corporate Governance, Top Management, Leadership, Strategy, Digital Transformation and Innovation, Finance, Marketing and Sales, R&D and Operations Management, Entrepreneurship and Family Business, and Partner Programs. Online programs include INSEAD Gender Diversity Program, which helps you establish a healthy gender balance in your organization, in addition to Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption, an introduction to the tools required to cope with new digital possibilities and the planning of effective execution strategies.

Emerging Leaders in a Digital Age is another excellent course aimed at developing organizational skills and knowledge within the fast- paced evolution of the digital environment.

IMD

IMD also offers a broad range of management courses and executive programs with a focus on digital development, communication skills, ethics, finance, governance, HR, innovation, leadership, team leadership, marketing, sales, political economy, negotiations, new technologies, operations, organization design, strategy and sustainability.

Senior executives can regain a stronger sense of direction through the transformative energy of CLEAR, or Cultivating Leadership Energy Through Awareness and Reflection. The course extends over 10 months with three modules being held in Lausanne and Champéry in Switzerland, and exotic Bali, in Indonesia.

The High Performance Leadership course of six days takes place in Lausanne, Switzerland, and uncovers the leadership potential and vision within the participants. This can be followed up with the Advanced High Performance Leadership retreat, where attendees interact with other top leaders, take part in in-depth discussions and self-awareness exercises.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so it is well worth browsing through the comprehensive and informative IMD website to see the full range of leadership, management and digital transformation programs lined up in the coming months.

OTHER SCHOOLS TO EXPLORE

AUC – The American University of Cairo offers a diverse range of professional programs, intensive courses, special courses and certification programs of different lengths and levels.

Enjaz – Although known mainly for recruitment and business consultancy, Enjaz does offer useful courses.

ESLSCA – Post-graduate courses in a range of subjects, from business and entrepreneurship to sports.

LEORON – LEORON Professional Development Institute offers a broad range of practical and certification courses in Cairo and across the GCC on a regular basis.

Contact Details:
INSEAD
Web: www.insead.edu
Facebook: @INSEAD.Executive.Education
@Knowledge.insead
IMD
Web: www.imd.org
Facebook: @imdbschool
Enjaz
Facebook: @EnjazEnterprise
ESLSCA
Web: www.eslsca.org
LEORON
Web: www.leoron.com
Facebook: @LeoronInstitute

Redefining Manhood in Modernity

By Steve Gooch

Did you ever watch Fast & Furious? Of course, you did. What guy didn’t? A classic celebration of hypermasculinity played out behind the wheels of testosterone- fuelled supercars, tearing across the globe in a hail of bullets and fire. A confirmation that across the world, real men are tough, and real men take action. They make things happen, they solve problems and they do it with muscle. Lots of muscle. They do not feel. They do not reflect or empathize. And they definitely don’t cry.

Tough men suck it up!

This extreme fantasy of the ultra-macho hard man, as entertaining as it might be as a movie, reinforces the concept, on a conscious and a subconscious level that to be a real man means to be tough, and when life is hard, real men suck it up and carry on. Society of course, dominated as it is by men, happily buys into this craziness, thus reinforcing and perpetuating a fantasy of what it means to be a real man.

Both boys and men are encouraged to conform to this stereotype, and in so doing, as many reports show, they suffer from significant mental health problems. Joel Wong, who led a research team at Indiana University looking into masculine ideals and mental health, said: “In general, individuals who confirmed strongly to masculine norms tended to have poorer mental health and less favorable attitudes toward seeking psychological help.” Three times as many men as women kill themselves.

The cult of machismo is a sickness at the heart of global culture. Boys, instead of being hugged and loved when they need it, have their hands shaken in an effort to assert manliness rather than the nurturing and character-building emotions of love and caring. In perpetuating this sort of idiocy, the whole of society suffers. Machismo is an expression of mental weakness and lack of confidence and often cowardice. In reality, tough guys have respect, know how to cry, care for others and are motivated by kindness. And there are plenty of guys out there who possess these qualities.

But it’s often difficult for a sensitive man to understand what it is he is feeling. There are no signposts. Society doesn’t care. He’s left on his own to figure it all out. So, when asked, he will respond that he is fine and that there is nothing wrong, when this is not the case at all. This can create emotional distance from those he cares about and who care about him, leaving him isolated and alone in his suffering. It can become impossible for him to receive the love and support that he needs.

Emergence of the real man

So, what do you do if you were born a smart sensitive man? What do you do with all that empathy and that awareness? How do you handle your love of art or poetry or pink? How do you deal with your despair at the violence of the world or your tears?

The answer is not ‘suck it up’. You can start by redefining the concept of masculinity. Use that highly creative and sensitive brain of yours to construct a template for a new model. Make sure that in your ‘new man’ project, tenderness, kindness and love are signs of strength and achievement. Because they are.

Being a sensitive man means that you are more creative, empathetic and able to appreciate the sensory pleasures of life, like music and art, color and fragrance. You have a powerful ability to help others and, in a world, so dominated by the cult of ‘me, me, me’ this is an increasingly important ability to have. By expressing your feelings and allowing your true self to emerge from under the mask of fake machismo, you can draw genuine and loving people into your life, people with whom you can share mutual support. You can teach others how to cope and celebrate who they truly are.

It’s important to understand that the way you are is the way you are meant to be and that there is nothing wrong with it. Being sensitive, empathic, kind and understanding and celebrating those qualities is okay. And you don’t need to tough-it-out in life alone. There are plenty of others out there just like you. Get involved in music or art groups, take up yoga or tango. Go to book reading groups, have a go at meditation, or just find a friend and lie on your backs and gaze at the stars. All of these are positive life-affirming activities that you can get involved in.

There’s nothing attractive about machismo. It’s not something the world needs more of. And it’s not something that men should be striving for.

 

Diwan’s November Reads: 5 Picks for Entertainment & Self-Help

This month Diwan have carefully curated a list sure to entertain as the cold weather hits! Whether you’re into fiction, biographies, or comics – there is something for everyone. Grab a book and enjoy some alone time, you deserve it.

Fear: Trump in the White House

by Bob Woodward

With authoritative reporting honed through eight presidencies from Nixon to Obama, author Bob Woodward reveals in unprecedented detail the harrowing life inside President Donald Trump’s White House and precisely how he makes decisions on major foreign and domestic policies. Woodward draws from hundreds of hours of interviews with first-hand sources, meeting notes, personal diaries, files and documents.

The Art of Creative Thinking

by Rod Judkins

The Art of Creative Thinking reveals how we can transform our businesses, our society and ourselves through a deeper understanding of human creativity. Rod Judkins, a lecturer in creativity at the world-famous St Martin’s College of Art, examines the behavior of successful creative thinkers and explains how all of us can learn from them to improve our lives. Judkins draws on an extraordinary range of reference points, from the Dada Manifesto to Andy Warhol’s studio, via Steve Jobs, Nobel Prize winning economists and many others, and distils a lifetime’s expertise into 90 succinct chapters.

Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar

by Virginia Vallejo

This book chronicles the birth of Colombia’s drug cartels: the kidnappers, the guerrilla groups, and the paramilitary organizations. It is, above everything, a great love story – a deep and painful journey through a forbidden relationship – that gives us an intimate vision of the legendary drug baron who left his mark on Colombia, Latin America, the United States, and the world … forever.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams

At last in paperback, here are all the five novels from Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker series in one neat volume. Seconds before Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised guide. Together they stick out their thumbs to the stars and begin a wild journey through time and space.

Managing Oneself

by Peter F. Drucker

We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity: with ambition, drive, and talent, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession regardless of where you started out. But with opportunity comes responsibility and Peter Drucker explains how to do it with the keys: Cultivate a deep understanding of yourself by identifying your most valuable strengths and most dangerous weaknesses; articulate how you learn and work with others and what your most deeply held values are; and describe the type of work environment where you can make the greatest contribution.

9 Useful Apps for Brains, Food & Drink, and Health

Isn’t the digital world amazing? With just a few clicks, there is a wealth of information right in your pocket. Check out our picks for apps that will seriously amp up your health in a number of ways!

BRAINS

Elevate

This brain training program is designed to improve attention, speaking skills, processing speed, memory, math skills, and more.

Happify

Happify builds on a body of mental health research to help users overcome stress and negative thoughts and improve their emotional health and resilience.

Headspace

Browse a variety of guided meditations and other programs to choose from based on your needs. It even sends you the occasional reminder to chill out and breathe!

FOOD & DRINK

Weber’s Grill

This app tells you how to cook things, how long to cook them, and is chock full of grilling tips you never knew.

Fooducate

Need help with identifying the good stuff from the bad stuff? This app has a bank of over 250,000 food items and also tracks your food intake and exercise.

Food & Wine Cocktails

Browse over 350 recipes for drinks to pair with your dinner (you can make them non-alcoholic, if you wish!) approved by the knowledgeable editors at Food & Wine magazine.

HEALTH

Lose It!

A goal-oriented app for food and exercise tracking. Their ‘Snap It’ feature allows you to take a photo of your meal and log it with a calorie count.

StrongLifts 5×5

An app for strength training that includes methods to record your progress, a timer, and a variety of workouts and training exercises.

Keelo

This app provides fast-paced bodyweight and equipment-based workouts that’ll deliver results when done three times a week.

The Tap: Cairo’s Hip-Hop Scene

 

The local Hip-Hop clubbing scene has been exponentially increasing over the years, sustaining a Hip-Hop community in Egypt is a bit of a challenge, as the country has only a select number of record labels operating and a limited number of venues dedicated to the genre. Still, artists, DJs, and promoters make do, posting their music online and hosting small to medium scale events to provide safe and affordable spaces for showcasing their music and free expression.

Here are some of the most prominent Hip-Hop DJs that have amassed a loyal following of fans and solid busy signature nights:

DJ Feedo: You likely know him from “Friday Night Flavas” radio show, Feedo’s fan base grew tremendously and eventually gained the attention of international DJs – as well as R&B and hip-hop fans outside of the region – earning him gigs alongside some of the biggest names in the business, including DJ Qbert, Trevor Nelson and Akon.

Feedo has rocked nightclubs & special events across The Middle East, Europe, South America, and Asia, spinning R&B and Hip-Hop tracks. Most recently, he has been shaking up The Tap West every Friday night

DJunkie: is one of the few Egyptian musicians to go international, making it to Europe and the Gulf region. He’s been known to perform in big festivals such as Fusion Festival in Germany, as well as the Roskilde Festival in Denmark.

Besides spinning Hip-Hop and R&B, Djunkie’s is well known for his electronic tunes. #Djunkie’s nights gained a huge following over the years, especially his signature night #AllDatDjunk at The Tap.

Indeed, there are even more amazing Hip-Hop DJs in the scene such as DJ Mobbz, DJ AK with his signature night “Back to the Future”, as rising names like DJ Fedde, DJ Doggy Dog. There’s no denying that there’s something powerful coming out of Egypt’s Hip-Hop clubbing scene.

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PRESS RELEASE: Egypt Gate Expo on November 7th 2018

Under the patronage of Ministry of Housing theTop25 real estate developer gathering in Cairo conference center  

“EGYPT GATE EXPO”  the Strongest benchmark for real estate market trends in Egypt

the Deputy Minister of Housing For National projects, Eng Khaled Abbas, will open the exhibition «EGYPT GATE EXPO, on Wednesday 7th November 2018, at the international conference Hall Nasr city, Under patronage of ministry of housing utilities and urban development, with participation of the Top 25 real estate developer in Egypt, the important event will be organized by “DAR EL Miniawe” which specialized in organizing exhibitions and conferences in cooperation with media partner AL Aqaria newspaper & magazine

The exhibition “EGYPT GATE EXPO” is the marketing of more than 85 diverse projects between residential, tourists, commercial, administrative and service sectors throughout Egypt. The developers of these projects have the confidence of the real estate market audience, specifically the “A.B +” segments. As the participating companies have extensive experience in the real estate sector  , which has gained confidence and credibility over many years , SODIC , HYDE PARK, CITY EDGE, and TATWEER MISR, AL AHLY SABBOUR , MADINAT NASR FOR HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT, IWAN, M2 DEVELOPMENT, EQUITY, DORA, LANDMARK, IGI, UPVILLE, MARAKEZ, WADI DEGLA, PACT, ARDIC, SAUDI EGYPTIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, HOUSING& DEVELOPMENT , REAL MARK, OUD, REMCO, LIVING YARD, EGYGAB

The participants will be presented with a wide range of offers, facilities and benefits offered to visitors to the exhibition, which will serve as a benchmark for measuring real market trends, according to a survey of experts and developers in the real estate market conducted by the company in cooperation with the media partner AL Aquaria newspaper.

The participants stressed that this exhibition, including the experiences of major real estate companies in Egypt, is a strong indicator of measuring market trends in the coming period, as the most important event witnessed by Egypt in the last quarter of 2018

They added that this important exhibition is an opportunity to invest the financial surpluses of Egyptians, especially in light of the low interest rates and gold prices, stressing that the purchase at the moment is already an opportunity will not be repeated again

They pointed out that this unique real estate gathering includes real estate companies owned by the state, whether the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Public Works Sector, or the private sector companies, who have a long history of drawing a clear mark on the urban development map in Egypt

It is worth mentioning that «DAR EL Manawa » for the organization of exhibitions and conferences have a long history in organizing exhibitions inside and outside Egypt, where during its history has managed and supervised the achievements of the establishment of more than 25 exhibitions between Cairo and various Arab cities, and has achieved more great successes and distinct, The companies that participated with them since its inception and so far. These exhibitions have contributed to increasing sales of the real estate market and guiding the compass of developers according to the needs and requirements of the market

 

Mohamed Mamdouh: A Family Man with Secrets in Gunshot

By Zainab AbdulAziz & Marwa Magdi Imam

Unlike his menacing onscreen persona as Servees in Diamond Dust, Mohamed Mamdouh has a kind and quiet demeanor and likes to keep a low profile. The steady and dependable actor has amassed over 40 titles since he exploded onto the Egyptian cinema scene in 2009, and counts many of Egypt’s leading actors as his friends. Cairo West Magazine caught up with Mamdouh for a chat about his most recent role in the thriller Gunshot.

 

CWM: Tell us a bit about your role as Khaled in Gunshot

MM: I believe he is the most complex character in the film, and the person with the biggest burden. Khaled is a simple but tough man; he works as a laborer in a gypsum quarry which is a backbreaking job. Initially, in the first script, the film didn’t go into the details of his job but I changed that with director Karim El Shenawy to add more dimension to his character. We wanted to choose a job that reflects his personality, a tough man who wasn’t born yesterday.

How is this movie different from the other roles you’ve played?

I haven’t given much thought to specific differences, but each character I’ve played has differed greatly in what motivates them and how a personal perspective comes into play. What I liked the most about Khaled is the level of sacrifice he is willing to make for his family, and his brother specifically. He gave up everything and was willing to even be labeled as a criminal to protect his brother’s reputation. He married a woman he doesn’t love to protect her honor. I found him to be a very rich and honorable person.

What was it like working with Karim el Shenawy on his first feature film?

Karim is an actor’s director, meaning he loves actors and knows how to work well with them in terms of preparation and work on set. For a first feature film, this is a bold choice.

You often play hard characters that are tough to handle, would you like to play a different kind or more sensitive role?

As long as the character feels new and authentic to me, I’ll be pulled towards that role. I also have to feel that I can contribute something exciting to the portrayal. When I’m reading a script, I have to feel like I believe this person on the page, and feel like I have a connection. If I can inhabit a character and bring it to life in a way that the audience will feel that same connection, then I have created something truly authentic.

What were the hardest scenes to film in this movie?

Most of the hardest scenes I filmed were actually removed in the final cut! These were scenes I filmed where I was actually working in the gypsum quarry alongside other real laborers. There is all this residue flying in the air which is very harmful to their health and makes it hard to breathe. However, it was great for my own personal experience, to live life as these hardworking Egyptians do – I got to see how they eat, sleep, work.

The final scene was also challenging to shoot both in terms of the technical side and the personal side. It’s a long one-shot sequence and there’s so much going on, so in terms of technique, it was challenging to get it right. Also, emotionally speaking, there are fights going on between Ahmed el Fishawy’s character and Ruby’s character, in addition to flashbacks of tension between myself and my family members, so it was a lot to take on.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in show business, what are some of the more memorable moments in your career?

My most memorable moment on set is actually a funny story. The first time I ever met the late Mahmoud AbdelAziz on the set of Ibrahim el Abyad, I didn’t even recognize him. He was extraordinary in this role, he transformed into this terrifying character and was so forceful on set with anyone who came near him. I arrived on set, so excited to be playing a role as one of his sons, and so star struck that is this my first movie and I’m acting with such legends like Mahmoud AbdelAziz, Ahmed el Sakka, Hend Sabri and Amr Waked … I remember sitting next to him, not noticing at all who he was, and the director Marwan Hamed walks up and says, “Mr. Mahmoud, how are you?” and I extended my hand, but he was actually addressing the other Mr. Mahmoud sitting next to me, and that’s when it clicked. Needless to say, I was in shock to have been sitting next to one of my acting heroes without knowing it!

Anyone in particular you would like to work with next?

I’d love to work with all of Egypt’s directors and work alongside everyone and anyone, but I suppose it would be wonderful to act alongside Yehia el Fakharany or Mahmoud Hemeda, two actors I admire very much.

What projects do you have coming up?

My next project is the sequel to Welad Rizk coming out in 2019, which will reunite me with the original cast and director.

You are famous for being one of the toughest stars on screen, but what scares you the most?

Creatively, there is always fear present. Every acting job is a test, and if you look at it this way, you’ll either succeed or fail. If you fail, you’ll be dissatisfied with yourself.  There is also the risk of losing your audience’s belief in your work and that is the scariest thing.

QUICKFIRE FIRE

Your favorite part of the day?

If I’ve slept well, I love mornings but if not, I’m a night owl.

Favorite app?

I’m not really into social media and apps, I don’t hate them, but I think they take more importance than necessary.

Best movie you’ve seen recently?

The Legend of 1900 with Tim Roth. It’s a fantastic movie from 1998.

Favorite actor or actress?

Jack Nicholson, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Tea of Coffee?

Tea with mint!

Favorite restaurant?

Sequoia… before it closed.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

It’s more of a prayer my dad always says and I picked it up from him, “I ask God to make me a better person and decrease my bad habits or traits.” Basically, to calm me down and not drive people crazy!

Photography credits: Ahmed Hayman
Email: ahmed.hayman@beitelsura.com
Website: www.ahmedhayman.com
Instagram: @haymanics

Darb 1718’s Wake-Up Call Through Something Else Off Biennale

By: Mariam Elhamy

Darb 1718 has been around since 2008, serving as a cultural center, art gallery, and a space for anyone who wants to be discovered or show their art to the people. Founder Moataz Nasr is buzzing with excitement ahead of Something Else Off Biennale’s launch this week, and we caught up with him to get all the details on what this momentous event will have in store!

Tell us about Something Else Off Biennale, how will it be different this year?

The idea behind “Something Else” is doing an “Off” Biennale in Cairo for a Biennale that doesn’t exist anymore. Cairo Biennale stopped in December 2010, due to money issues. So we started this thing with no money! I knew a few artists and curators in different countries and I got in touch saying “we need you here in Egypt”, I found everyone super helpful and excited about the idea. Due to this success story, it was recently announced that Biennale Cairo will reopen in April 2019.

This year we will have artists joining us from 26 countries. When we did the first edition we weren’t as experienced in planning an event of this scale, so this year it’s better prepared. The theme of this Biennale is “what if?”, an idea which opens your imagination to so many possibilities with different outcomes to what is now history … so what if?

The concept of street art is very interesting, how is this concept developing in Egypt?

Street art is growing greatly in Egypt, especially after the revolution. Many artists came out and added their work to the art scene. We try to help by providing the space for these artists to develop their art and take it to the next level. With time, when people start to understand the importance of street art, these artists will have a better chance of success.

Art is a very diverse topic; how do you separate your own preference from what is exhibited at Darb 1718?

I don’t. What is exhibited in Darb is what I see is art, I turn down a lot of artwork that isn’t up to that standard. Some people rent the space to show their own projects, and they are completely responsible for it, so it is not directly affiliated with Darb.

On a personal note, how did your love for the arts begin?

It started back in my childhood at home. My mother used to produce oil paintings and I would sit on the couch and watch her paint for hours. Later, I began painting myself and I was “the artist” among my friends in school.

How do you find Egyptian art different from other countries you have visited?

It’s different in the heaviness of the work itself because Egypt has seen a lot of struggle in the past few years and this shows in its art. Any artwork in Egypt is vastly affected by the toughness of life and the battles that we all go through every day, compared to other countries which have lighter, simpler, and more tender art. No one can escape politics and its consequences in art, it just shows in the work. This makes Egyptian art very different and unique.

Darb 1718 has a unique position and significance on the Cairene art scene, to encourage young talent, how do you select who gets to display their work or play their music?

Darb’s mission is spreading culture, that’s what we devote our time and energy to; to stand by and encourage the cultural artisan part of life in Egypt. I’d say that we are willing to show all kinds of art, whether drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, videography, performance, singing, playing music, dancing, or theater. We don’t have any restrictions as long as the artist believes and fights for their idea, the artist has to convince us that their work is worth it.

How did you discover Kasr El Sham3 Street Al Fakhareen, the spot where Darb 1718 is located?

This location discovered me! 25 years ago, I used to come here as an artist way back when it was just a local area. I fell in love with it immediately and I built my studio here, then it grew to become Darb 1718 and with it, my dreams grew as well.

How do you raise awareness campaigns and cultivate the Egyptian mindset through Darb 1718?

Through the many campaigns, programs and workshops that we do. For example, we’ve done a campaign about sexual harassment and two exhibitions about the bread crisis, as well as two exhibitions called Maspero 1 and Maspero 2, which unveiled certain ugly truths. We are the pulse of society; we speak up through art with what the society wants to say, but can’t.

Is it challenging to constantly be on the hunt for new young talented individuals worth promoting?

There are so many great talents everywhere you look, and even though it’s hard finding ones that are worthy, it’s also very beautiful. The second best feeling ever, after personal success, is helping someone else succeed. 10 years ago I was being interviewed by a journalist and while we were talking he was doodling in his notebook, so I asked to see what he had drawn. I discovered his talent by mere coincidence and offered him an exhibition here at Darb. He’s now a very successful artist in the United States. It’s an amazing feeling helping people discover their talents.

Did you encounter any bureaucratic hurdles when you were establishing Darb? How did you overcome these challenges?

Bureaucracy is endless, this place was shut down a few times in the beginning and we reopened, so yes, we definitely had to deal with a few struggles in the beginning and even until now.

Strawberry Swinging, Coldplay Style!

By: Mariam Elhamy

After Coldplay mentioned them in a tweet and encouraged people to go listen to them play, Strawberry Swing has continued to play legendary Coldplay tunes enthusiastically for fans in Egypt. We caught up with band members Abdelrhman Sherief, aka Boudy (Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar, and Lead Vocal), Mohamed Tarek Alkhaleel, aka Mishmish (Lead Guitar, Keyboard, and Back Vocal), Patrick Khalil (Drums and Back Vocal) and Ammar Raad Aly (Bass Guitar) at The Tap Maadi right before their gig to find out the roots, inspirations and what the future holds for this passionate group.

How did the band get together and what’s the inspiration behind the Name “Strawberry Swing”?

Boudy: The idea came to me first and I called my nephew Mishmish and he got really excited about it, then he called Patrick and Ammar, and they got on board too. As for Strawberry Swing, it’s actually a Coldplay song which is considered one of the most relaxing songs ever. So I just thought this should definitely be our band’s name!

Ammar: We had respectively played before in different metal bands, plus some of us are related and some of us are best friends, so it came together easily.

What was your first reaction when Coldplay reached out to you through Twitter?

Mishmish: We were actually jamming at the time, getting ready for our very first gig at a place in Zamalek called 3elbet Alwan. Patrick was casually checking his phone then he was like “Guys, Coldplay just mentioned us in a tweet!” so we were in disbelief for like 10 minutes, until we saw the tweet ourselves. We just ran out in the street singing, dancing and we went nuts, it was unbelievable!

Aside from Coldplay, do you play covers for anyone else? Is there another music genre that you like to play?

Patrick: We play a lot of genres, I play rock, progressive rock, jazz, jazz fusion, metal, most kinds of metal, and Mishmish plays black metal, death metal and many kinds of metal, Woody as well. We all come from a rock/metal background.

Mishmish: As Strawberry Swing, we didn’t cover many bands because the main idea is to cover for Coldplay, but we’ve played songs by other bands for fun, like Audioslave and Muse.

Which songs do you perform most frequently? Which get the biggest fan reaction?

Boudy: There’s a list of 5 to 4 songs that we always play every single gig; Fix You, Yellow, Viva La Vida, Hymn for the Weekend and A Sky Full of Stars. 

Do you have a set playlist or do you play whatever the audience asks for?

Ammar: We usually have a set playlist, but in smaller gigs, we just have fun with the songs and take requests because it’s easier to interact with the crowd.

Patrick: In bigger concerts though, time management is important so naturally we have a rehearsed playlist to make sure that the performance goes well.

What are your favorite Coldplay songs to play?

Meshmesh: For me, I agree with Patrick, it’s definitely Major Minus. I would like to add Up & Up.

 Patrick: I think High Speed, Adventure of a Lifetime and I really like playing Major Minus, it’s fun and it gives me a lot of room to improvise.

Ammar: Tracks that have a rock/ish background, like God Put a Smile on Your Face and definitely Major Minus.

Boudy: For me, it’s Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall, Lost, and Up & Up.

Individually, who are your musical idol/inspiration?

Mishmish: As a guitarist, I mostly go for solo guitars, there are a lot of people that I always try to learn from and look up to, like David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, Jonny Buckland from Coldplay. I learned a lot from the way they play and I actually learned a lot from my performances with Strawberry Swing. Also, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai … I mostly go for solo guitarists.

Boudy: I think Myles Kennedy, he’s the best singer alive.

Patrick: I’ve been playing for 14 years and when it comes to drumming, there’s a lot of people, but I would say Dave Weckl, Mike Portnoy, and Danny Carey are my main influences as a drummer. As a musician in general, Chris Cornell from Soundgarden and Matthew Bellamy from Muse.

Ammar: My idols are the two bands that I like the most, that’s Led Zeppelin and Anathema.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band and have you been able to overcome it?

Ammar: Money … Like every other artist in the universe.

Mishmish: I think our greatest challenge is putting all of our different backgrounds as individual musicians in one band. In order for us to achieve this kind of chemistry, it takes a lot of energy and time to adjust and to see the whole picture.

Ammar: Yeah definitely, finding that middle ground and putting together something that people would like is the toughest challenge, because as you can see, each one of us is very different.

Patrick: Communication between the band members. When you spend a few years together and start getting to know each other not simply as fellow musicians but as individuals, the relationship becomes more intimate and it shows in the music itself.

Mishmish: I think that after passing a certain point where there are no personal issues between the members they just become one family.What’s your ultimate goal for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

All in one voice: Yeah, definitely!

Patrick: Fortune, but not fame… I don’t want to be famous, it’s awful.

Mishmish: As Strawberry Swing, I don’t think that this is our target because our vision is to spread Coldplay’s music here in Egypt and the Middle East. Since we’re playing other people’s music, we cannot really achieve fame and fortune from that, but as individual musicians or as a band, our aim is just to be heard and for people to listen to our music.

Do you plan on performing outside Egypt or going on tour?

Patrick: We would love to, of course! But we don’t have any plans for that yet regrettably.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own tribute band?

Boudy: People who come for a tribute band, want to listen to the real sound of the songs that the original band plays, and they don’t want to hear it differently. My advice is to learn how to pull off what people come for.

Ammar: I disagree with Woody; I think it’s impossible to get the exact sound of the original band because each musician and each band is different. You have to feel the music, like what Chris Martin said, “it’s about the feeling, not the meaning”.

Mishmish: Not a lot of musicians can do that; it’s actually hard to prevent your own spirit from overpowering the original sound of the song. My advice for anyone trying to form a tribute band is just be committed to your band, put a lot of hard work into it and give attention to the small details.

Patrick: Just start already, like yesterday!

Working in a band, have there ever been conflicts among the members? How do you overcome those?

Patrick: All the time! I’m the tenacious one, so I’m the one who keeps pushing everyone just to get them to move. We have problems with taste because, as Mishmishsaid, we have different tastes. We have bad days sometimes but everything comes down to just talking it out and communicating.

Mishmish: As a band, we don’t act like coworkers, we are more like a family. We’ve spent a lot of time together and we all share the same goals and dreams. So yes, we have clashes all the time because of our different personalities, but we fix it because we’re always keen on the big picture: that we are all in this together. 

What are your favorite and least favorite shows so far?

Patrick: Soma Bay was the most awesome gig we played. We shared the stage with Gipsy Kings and it was an amazing experience.

Mishmish: Our gig at El Sawy Culturewheel last week. The audience was amazing, we usually evaluate gigs through the audience, and the more interactive they are the happier we are.

Boudy: Yeah, last week’s gig was the best. The worst though was a small gig we did when we first started, it was at some unknown nightclub and no one actually showed up, there was like 4 or 5 people in total.

What’s up next on the agenda?

Boudy: An acoustic night called “Old is Cold” – we’re going to play the oldest songs and albums like Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head. It’s really special and I hope everyone comes.

Mishmish: It’s going to be at Bedayat in Heliopolis and Room Art Space & Café in Garden City, so be there!

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