Keti Sharif (Spirit of Egypt Producer & Choreographer)
Festival director, choreographer & film-maker, Keti Sharif resided in Egypt for years, performing with live music & hosting Sphinx Festivals. Author of 'Bellydance', Keti curates Farida Fahmy's website & archives works by Egyptian artists Mahmoud Reda & Shahira Mehrez. Creator of A-Z Bellydance - a Somatic, musically-enriched Egyptian-based dance methodology taught in 40 countries, her aim is to promote & maintain the integrity & authenticity of Egyptian cultural arts & concepts retaining the essence of Egyptian artistry. 

Sam Nascimento (Music Co-ordination & Percussionist)
Sam plays Arabic & Cuban percussion. A pioneering Melbourne & East Coast DJ, event co-ordinator & band manager, he introduced Latin, Arabic & World Music to venues Australia-wide, holding long-term residencies & touring with Grammy award-winning artists & world champion Latin dancers, including Los Van Van & Buena Vista Social Club (Afro-Cuban Allstars). Inspired by the music of his Arabic lineage & living in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait & France, he has a keen eye for authentic cultural detail. In 2019, he toured Egypt extensively to research cultural rhythms & produced the '40 Arabic Rhythms' CD. He is currently teaching percussion & training the Blue Lotus Drumming Ensemble for 2022.

Emad Nosir (Kemengeh Player - Sydney)
 Emad is a respected Egyptian Kemengeh (violin) player from Cairo, with over 40 years experience as a professional musician. He played for famous Egyptian dance artists including Soheir Zaki & Lucy, and has worked with renowned singers Walid Tawfik, Hany Shaker & Karim Mahmoud in Egypt. Graduating with Distinctions from Cairo Music Academy, his career included recording in studios for TV & for well known singers. In 1988 he immigrated to Australia, celebrated as a virtuoso musician. Emad will be performing  recitals at evening events, & at Keti's live music workshops. 

Mohummad Lelo (Qanoon Player - Sydney)
Talented qanoon player Mohummad Lelo is an esteemed musician originally from Baghdad, Iraq, where he taught and specialised in Maqamaat. He will be playing each evening at recitals and also at the live music workshops. The Qanoon is an Arabic Zither which is known to be a master instrument, complex to play and creates an evocative mood. Mohummad shares his skills and knowledge with dancers and audience members at the event.

Jamal Zraika (Tabla Player - Sydney)
Talented percussionist Jamal, originally from Lebanon, has been a favourite tabla player for many bellydancers around Australia for years. he has also appeared on CDs such as Amera's drum solo cd and will be playing each evening at recitals and also at the live music workshops. His drumming is complex, lively & lifts the energy of the room! Join us on Saturday to dance to the sounds of his live drumming.

Kamal Alama (Keyboards & Accordion - Perth)
Local musician Kamal plays keyboards and accordion, and will be joining the musicians to play for us at the Sat night hafla! His Egyptian music is lively and engaging, perfect for dancing the night away to. Kamal previously resided in Sydney and has played with our guest musicians for several years in the past.

Virginia Rizkallah (Melbourne)
Virginia is a renowned Australia/Egyptian dancer with a special feel for authentic Arabic dancing to live music. She teaches guest workshops at the event and performs for the audience, showcasing the Spirit of Egyptian dance arts old and new.