A 35-year old man who dreams of becoming a world-renowned violinist, Ahmed al-Maghraby spends most of his time roaming between cafes and cafeterias along Alexandria's Corniche, playing music for patrons while hoping to achieve his dream.
Maghraby lives in Cairo and travels to Alexandria every year during the summer season to play his violin for Alexandria's holiday goers. Maghraby says that despite playing the violin for 15 years, he plays his best in Alexandria's atmosphere, which helps him to express his feelings.
Magraby graduated from the Arab Music Institute, and chose the violin as his major. Maghraby says he used to work in casinos on al-Haram Street, but always felt the casino atmosphere did not suit him. Maghraby also did not want to be part of a band, so he sought popularity on his own.
Maghraby left his work at the casinos and continued his music career as a roaming violinist. Maghraby says he ends up with a few pounds change every day from passersby who appreciate his art.
Maghraby denied that his work resembles begging. "Playing the violin on the street is a hobby. It exists in European countries and it is not a form of begging," he says.
"I chose Alexandria specifically because its atmosphere inspires me, and I feel like, when I am there, I am in a European country," he says. "I chose to be a roaming violinist in search of fame because in casinos the focus is always on the singer."
"I want to work abroad, in Turkey specifically, where roaming musisians are not harassed or ridiculed as in Egypt," Maghraby continues.
Maghraby says his dream to travel to Turkey has nothing to do with politics, but rather he knows that people in Turkey will appreciate the type of art he performs.
Maghraby said most holiday goers ask him to play Umm Kuthum's songs, and some ask for songs from old Shaabi singers, like Ahmed Adaweya.
Of his idols, Maghraby says he dreams of becoming as famous as composer Omar Khairat.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
