Imad Abu Ghazi: "Shadow Archive" is a Research Necessity Imposed by Official Document Restrictions.. Hosting Sheikh Imam at Cairo Arts Faculty in 1968 Changed His Popular Trajectory

Dr. Imad Abu Ghazi, former Minister of Culture, stated that the "Shadow Archive" approach adopted by American researcher Andrew Simon in authoring the book "Mass Media: The Cassette Culture in Egypt," published by Dar Al Shorouk, represents in itself a challenging research task and a strenuous scientific work. He considered that the restrictions imposed on access to the National Archives and other archival institutions push researchers to seek alternative and more diverse sources for writing history.

During the book signing and discussion event for "Mass Media: The Cassette Culture in Egypt," organized by Dar Al Shorouk at the Consulate building on Thursday, with a notable attendance of intellectuals and those interested in cultural and social history, Abu Ghazi pointed out that Sheikh Imam's experience underwent clear transformations in his popular trajectory. He explained that Sheikh Imam began as a voice circulated among the elite and leftist circles, where his fans would record his songs performed at homes and among friends.

He added that hosting Sheikh Imam at the Faculty of Arts in 1968 marked an important turning point, as his popular base expanded to include various social classes, and his songs began to be recorded, copied, and circulated inside and outside Egypt.

He noted that he attended Sheikh Imam's last concert at the Journalists' Syndicate, confirming that the hall was packed with attendees, reflecting the extent of his popularity. He pointed out that his appearance anywhere was enough to attract a wide audience.

The event was attended by journalist Mohamed Basal, editor-in-chief of Al Shorouk newspaper; artist Saad Hajjo; Osama Arabi; director Layali Badr; journalist Ghadeer Hussein; Amr Ezz El-Din; Carmen Al-Tawarji; Nadia Abu Al-Ala, founder of the Al Shorouk Readers Club group; Mohamed Al-Shammaa; Nancy Habib, publishing manager at Dar Al Shorouk; along with a number of writers, journalists, and those interested in cultural affairs.

In the book introduction, it was noted that the cassette tape, which today seems like a piece of the past, was in the last quarter of the twentieth century a significant cultural, political, artistic, and economic activity. It provided broad alternatives in singing, thought, and public discourse, from Umm Kulthum and The Beatles to Ahmed Adaweya, Sheikh Imam, and Sheikh Kishk. The book, through six chapters, documents how cassette technology contributed to dismantling the monopoly of official media before the era of satellite channels and the internet, transforming from a mere entertainment medium to what can rightly be described as "mass media."