Shams Hussein, an icon of Nubian music

Since his early youth, Shams Hussein felt a deep love for music, and learnt playing the accordion. He didn't content himself accompanying the famous Nubian singers of the time, Ali Koban, Khidhir El-Attar, Adil Bata and Farah Al-Masry, Baher Abu Greisha, Hussein Bashir and others. Shams Hussein founded his own orchestra, the "Nubian Nile Orchestra", incorporating instruments formerly sparsely used in Nubian music, like the accordion, the organ (electronic keyboard), the trumpet, saxophone, bass and even the electric guitar. He also fitted his orchestra with distinguished elegant modern clothing, and introduced show dance. Shams Hussein also played with the "Adwa El-Nouba" orchestra.

The great musician Shams Hussein regrets that while in the second half of the last century Nubian orchestras performed on large stages for an attentive audience, captivating their attention with each musician playing his instrument showcasing his musical expression, feelings and virtuosity, all fusing into a wonderful symphony adding to the singer's prowess, today most artists submit themselves to performing accompanied by music played on the organ. While this instrument allows a musician to mimic various instruments and rhythms, it doesn't equal the musical variations and creativity accomplished by an orchestra. As most Nubian artists can not live from their musical activities, the main reason for this choice are financial burdens as well as lack of availability of musicians due to professional obligations.

In an effort to convey the deep message contained in Nubian music and songs, preserve and impart the virtue and integrity of Nubian art, as well as to encourage the young generations to engage in Nubian art, Shams Hussein created the "Shams El Nobi" abd the "Baram El Nuba" children's folklore Arageed dance ensembles, which performs during many events and in TV shows revealing the intensity and beauty of Nubian music, songs and art. You will find more specific information on our pages about the "Nubian Nile Orchestra" and about Shams Hussein's children "Shams El Nubi" and "Baram El Nuba" arageed ensembles.