Imam Mohammed Ahmed Issa

Sheikh Imam

Egyptian Singer and Composer

Full Name: Imam Mohammed Ahmed Issa

Date of Birth: July 2, 1918

Place of Birth: Abu al-Namras, Giza – Egypt

Date of Death: June 7, 1995 (aged 76)

Nationality: Egyptian

Profession: Composer and Political Singer

Instrument: Oud

Language: Egyptian Arabic

🔹 Early Life and Background

Born into a poor family, the first child to survive after the death of 7 siblings.

Lost his eyesight at an early age due to trachoma.

Joined Al-Azhar and memorized the Qur’an.

Loved listening to women's wedding chants, which nurtured his musical sense.

His mother was his source of affection, while his father was strict.

🎵 Beginning of His Musical Journey

Expelled from a religious association for listening to Sheikh Mohammed Rifaat’s recitations on the radio.

Greatly affected by the death of his mother, which shifted his life path.

Studied music under Sheikh Darwish El-Hariri, who admired his talent.

Worked with Sheikh Zakaria Ahmed to rehearse songs for Umm Kulthum, but was later dismissed.

Learned to play the oud and started composing and singing independently.

✊ Partnership with Ahmed Fouad Negm

In 1962, he met poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, sparking a lifelong creative and political partnership.

Together, they formed a revolutionary musical duo.

Their group included percussionist Mohamed Ali.

He also sang poems by: Sayed Hegab, Naguib Surur, Zein El-Abidine Fouad, Tawfiq Ziad, and others.

🎶 Most Famous Songs

"Misr Yamma Ya Bahiyya"

"Guevara Mat" (Guevara is Dead)

"Sheddo Osorak" (Build Your Palaces)

"Ya Filastiniyya" (O Palestinians)

"Sabah El-Kheir Ya Ward" (Good Morning, Roses)

"Ana Roht El-Qala’a" (I Went to the Citadel)

"Nixon Baba"

"Ba’arat Haha" (Haha’s Cow)

"El-Hamdu Lillah Khabatna Taht Batatna" (Thank God We Landed on Our Potatoes)

⚖️ Suppression and Imprisonment

Arrested several times due to his oppositional songs.

Banned from appearing on official media for many years.

Became a symbol of popular resistance and freedom of expression.

🕊️ Death

Spent his final years in seclusion in a humble room in Cairo's historic district of Al-Ghouria.

Passed away on June 7, 1995. His funeral was attended by a large crowd of admirers.