Cairokee

Updated: July 27, 2026

Origin: Cairo, Egypt
Genre: Rock, Alternative Rock, Arabic Rock, Reggae
Members: Amir Eid, Sherif Hawary, Tamer Hashem, Sherif Mostafa, Adam El-Alfy
Years Active: 2003 – present
Nationality: Egyptian
Label: Sony Music Middle East

Biography & Career:
Cairokee is an Egyptian band formed in Cairo in 2003, widely regarded as one of the most influential rock acts in the Arab world. The Cairokee band members are five childhood friends who have stayed together since the very beginning: Amir Eid on vocals and rhythm guitar, Sherif Hawary on lead guitar, Tamer Hashem on drums, Sherif Mostafa on keyboards and Adam El-Alfy on bass. The lead singer Amir Eid is also the band's founder and primary songwriter — the creative force behind one of the most recognisable sounds in Arabic alternative music.

The members names trace back to the Maadi district of Cairo, where the group first played together at school. Initially performing under the name Black Star and covering English-language songs, a defining decision soon followed — to write and sing in Arabic. That shift changed everything. The name Cairokee itself blends Cairo and karaoke, capturing the spirit of singing along with the city and the people in it.

The genre sits at the intersection of rock, reggae, electronic music and traditional Arabic elements — a blend that has evolved with every record. The discography reflects that growth clearly. The self-titled debut arrived in 2009, followed by Matloob Zaeem in 2011, which contained the anthem Sout El Horeya, filmed in Tahrir Square during the Egyptian Revolution and watched by millions within days. Ya El Midan, featuring legendary singer Aida El Ayoubi, ranked number one on YouTube and became one of the most-watched Arabic videos in history. El Sekka Shemal in 2014 was signed through Sony Music Middle East and topped iTunes charts across the region within its first week. The albums continued with Nas W Nas, Noaata Beida, The Ugly Ducklings and Roma — each one expanding the sonic and thematic range.

The concerts are known for their electricity and emotional weight — crowds that know every word and stages that feel like a shared experience rather than a performance. The tour circuit has grown from Egyptian venues to sold-out dates in North America and Europe, including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In August 2024, a show at the Alamain Festival drew over 27,000 fans. Demand for upcoming events and Cairokee tickets continues to grow with each release, and the live concert experience remains one of the most celebrated in Arabic music today.

Cairokee Albums:
Cairokee
Matloob Zaeem
Wana Maa Nafsy Aaed
El Sekka Shemal
Nas W Nas
Noaata Beida
The Ugly Ducklings
Roma

Cairokee Songs:
Sout El Horeya
Ya El Midan
Ethbat Makanak
Basrah w Atooh
Ana Negm
El Keif
James Dean
Matloob Zaeem
Nas W Nas
Roma