From Gilberto Gil to Nile Project, Dina El Wedidi Powers On

One of the things we found most striking about Dina El Wedidi is her age. We’ve heard of her for quite some time naturally, whether as a solo artist or with the Nile Project or sharing the stage with the legendary Gilberto Gil.

And yet she’s still shy of 30. In such a short time she’s managed to win over  a large fan base with her bold voice and obvious love for the music of our heritage.  This was put to good effect in an ensemble performance with Kamilya Jubran at 100Copies that included Abdullah Miniawy, Maryam Saleh, Nadah El Shazly, Nathalie Saba and Yasmine El Baramawy.

Dandin’s artist of 2016, Wedidi is currently working on a sophomore album after debut Tedawar W’Tergaa (Turning Back) was released in 2014. Rooted in traditional music modes, her standout trait is her technical vocal control. She is also part of the Nile Project, “a musical and environmental initiative that brings together musicians and thinkers from all over the Nile Valley” and also includes Sudan’s Alsarah from Alsarah and the Nubatones.

Winning the Rolex Arts Initiative saw Wedidi spend a year being mentored by Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil, before performing alongside him in a string of international music festivals across all parts of the globe.

In her own words, Wedidi “continues to be inspired by the heritage and identity of Cairo, where she was born and raised, but that inspiration has taken her far beyond the limits of her home city.”

One of the most independent voices in Egypt, Wedidi has used that as a springboard to spread her music to the world. Wedidi released her first full-length album Tedawar W’Tergaa (Turning Back) in 2014, select tracks of which you can hear on Dandin, as well as selections from her back catalogue.

Hear Dina El Wedidi on Dandin.