Egyptian artist Mohamed El Sharnouby has opened up about his journey into music production, revealing how he started with limited resources at home after deciding to learn how to create songs on his own.
The singer and actor explained that his first steps involved a small home studio and basic equipment before the experience gradually developed into a long period of learning, experimentation and searching for his own musical identity.
How Mohamed El Sharnouby Started Producing Music
During his appearance on the television program Sahibet El Saada, El Sharnouby said he decided to purchase basic equipment to create a small recording studio at home.
His initial setup included a microphone, an audio interface and a MIDI controller.
The equipment cost approximately EGP 10,000, allowing him to begin learning the fundamentals of music production and experimenting with his own musical ideas.
A Friend Helped Him Learn Music Theory
El Sharnouby highlighted the important role played by his friend Omar Sherky during his early journey.
Sherky helped him learn the basics of music theory, understand music production, build harmonies and work with chords.
El Sharnouby continued developing his skills afterward through educational content on YouTube and by learning from music producers he encountered throughout his career.
A Small Room Became El Sharnouby's Starting Point
El Sharnouby revealed that he initially worked from a small room at home that was not professionally equipped or properly soundproofed.
Despite the limitations, he became comfortable working there and used the room as a creative space where he developed and recorded a large number of musical ideas.
More Than 200 Tracks in Four Years
During this period, El Sharnouby went through a phase of uncertainty about his musical identity.
He questioned whether his work was genuinely different from what was already available in the music market, which encouraged him to step back, experiment and spend more time developing his own sound.
He revealed that he created more than 200 tracks over approximately four years.
Some of those projects were completed songs, while others remained early concepts and unfinished musical ideas.
Eastern Music Influences Shaped His Style
Despite exploring modern musical approaches, El Sharnouby said he wanted to preserve the musical influences he grew up with.
He pointed to the work of major Egyptian and Arab musical figures, including Sayed Darwish, Umm Kulthum, Sayed Mekawy and Sheikh Imam.
His goal was to combine those influences with contemporary musical styles in a way that would feel relevant to today's audience while maintaining a connection to his musical roots.
Searching for a Distinctive Musical Identity
Years of experimentation eventually helped El Sharnouby move closer to the musical formula he had been looking for.
His approach combines modern production techniques with Eastern maqamat and the musical influences that shaped his taste from an early age.
The process allowed him to better understand the type of music he wanted to create instead of simply reproducing styles already established in the market.
Mohamed El Sharnouby Discusses “Zay El Ghagar” and “Ghorba”
El Sharnouby also discussed his songs “Zay El Ghagar” and “Ghorba”, explaining that both projects took considerable time to develop.
He said that “Zay El Ghagar” came together unexpectedly during a work session and eventually became one of the songs closest to his heart.
The song features lyrics by Filpino, while El Sharnouby composed and arranged the track in collaboration with Amr El Banna.
He described the song as part of his broader musical experiment, through which he sought to create a distinctive sound combining contemporary ideas with the influences he grew up listening to.
A Long Journey Toward His Own Sound
Mohamed El Sharnouby's experience in music production reflects a journey that began with basic equipment in a small room and developed through years of learning, experimentation and the creation of hundreds of musical ideas.
Over time, the search for a distinctive artistic identity became a central part of his creative process, particularly as he sought to combine the spirit of modern music with the Eastern musical roots that shaped him.
How did Mohamed El Sharnouby start producing music?
He started at home with basic equipment and created a small studio to teach himself music production.
How much did his first studio equipment cost?
He said the initial equipment cost approximately EGP 10,000.
Who helped El Sharnouby learn music production?
His friend Omar Sherky helped him learn music theory, harmony and chords.
How many tracks did El Sharnouby create during his learning period?
He said he created more than 200 tracks over approximately four years.
Which musicians influenced El Sharnouby's musical style?
He cited Sayed Darwish, Umm Kulthum, Sayed Mekawy and Sheikh Imam among his major musical influences.
