It used to be the first thursday night of each month that united the arabs - gathering in front of radios, wherever they were - in streets, ahwas (arabic cafeterias), office or home. Listening to the one voice that they all loved - Om Kalthoum and her concert live broadcast. It was the voice and the message of the songs, the feeling it gave all egyptians, old and young!
Now believe it or not, I can feel almost living the same situation with the Bassim Yousif show from CBC channel. Here is what happens a few minutes before the show starts. Girls already prepare the food for the time of the show, take their place in front the TV and wait. So when the kids hear the theme song of the show, they scream "Issea Bassem!" (It's time for Bassem!) and the rest of the family runs and takes their place.
Who is Bassem Youssif and whats his phenomena?
Bassem is an Egyptian comedian with a higher education (rank of doctor) and the host of "El Bernameg" (The Program", a satirical Egyptian news program broadcasted by CBC. The contents of a typical show's broadcast have evolved, which began with a sarcastic take on current political events, and eventually incorporating the hosting of public figures and stars from various fields, as well as various artists' performances.
Sometimes his jokes on Morsi can be so to the point and stingy, that im wondering how hasn't the secret service already jailed him and the Brotherhood hasn't closed the show. I quess he would have such strong support and protection from the people the goverment doesn't want a case that big on their shoulders. And Im glad that the show is ongoing, it shows that the freedom of speech has manifested itself, al least in some part of the society. Something like this would never have been possible in Mumbarak times.
The surprising thing here is, his show really unites so many egyptians, somewhat like Om Kalthoum in old times. Im definately not comparing "The Voice on Egypt" with a modern commedian, but I can see how things that both of these egyptians said out in public affected big crowds and mattered!
Check out his character and style of the show! This one has english subtitles, there's a funny introduction and the live show itself starts at 5.30. Enjoy!
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