Chas In Mohammed Ali

In my last visit to Cairo in 2009 I found Hassan El Maghib who many believe makes the best drums in Egypt and he kindly let me try out his stock - including Darabuka, Sumbati, Riqs, Duff and Khisba. Next I check out some drums from Shams Musical Instrument store also found on Mohammed Ali Street. UPDATE !! Ustaz Hasan ( also known as Hasan A. Hasan Ali AND Hassan El Maghib ) passed away of a heart attack on the morning of May 5, 2011. His loss is a great blow to traditional instrument making in Egypt. And he will be sorely missed by all of those of us who knew him and play his instruments. Allah yerhamoo Ya Ustaz Hasan! Ustaz Hasan’s brother, Adel, is now in charge of his shop and has said he plans to continue the tradition of his brother in making traditional fish skin riqqs and clay darbukas. We wish him the best of luck and hope he is able to keep the legacy of Hasan alive for many years to come.