My Experience with Mahraganat
When I first discovered Mahraganat, I didn’t even realize how much it would shape my love for modern Egyptian dance. I grew up doing street dance, so when I first heard this wild, raw, energetic style of music, it immediately clicked with me. It felt like the Egyptian version of street dance, full of attitude, power, and pure expression.
But honestly, at first, I was so confused. The elegant arms, the delicate tiptoes, the soft hips of traditional Oriental style just didn’t seem to match the heavy beats or bold lyrics of Mahraganat. I remember thinking, something about this feels different, and I love it.
What Is Mahraganat
Before Mahraganat, there was Shaabi. Shaabi means “of the people” in Arabic, and it was Egypt’s street party music, filled with humor, storytelling, and attitude. Over time, young Egyptians began experimenting with those Shaabi rhythms, mixing them with electronic beats, autotune, and rap. That’s how Mahraganat was born, from the people, for the people.
The word Mahraganat actually means “festivals,” and that’s exactly what it feels like when you hear it. It came from the working-class neighborhoods of Cairo and Alexandria, where local DJs and singers began producing music in their homes using laptops and microphones.
A Bit of History
Mahraganat exploded in the 2010s, especially after the Egyptian revolution, and suddenly it was everywhere, in weddings, in taxis, blasting from balconies, and all over social media. It became the sound of modern Egypt, a mix of humor, rebellion, and celebration.
Some of the biggest names in Mahraganat are Oka and Ortega, Sadat, Alaa Fifty Cent, Shobola, Hassan Shakoush, and Omar Kamal, who created the viral hit “Bent El Geran.” Their songs are loud, funny, emotional, and full of life, the kind of music you feel in your chest.
Why I Love Dancing It
Whenever I perform, I always make sure to include at least one Mahraganat song because it brings instant joy to any audience. People can’t help but move, laugh, and clap along. It’s impossible to stay still.
And I’ll admit something, I’m a little bit obsessed. I often find myself following random people from Egypt on Instagram who dance to Mahraganat in the streets. These are everyday people from the poorer sides of Cairo, dancing because they love it, not for fame or followers. They’re the real deal. No fancy costumes or lights, just raw passion and rhythm. Watching them inspires me every single time.
One of my favorites is La. It has that perfect mix of mischief, rhythm, and confidence that makes Mahraganat what it is, wild, fun, and totally addictive.
What to Wear
When it comes to styling for this kind of dance, you don’t have to wear traditional belly dance costumes (although if you do, that’s completely fine). You can wear trackies, trainers, or anything comfortable that lets you move freely. It’s not about the outfit. It’s about attitude and energy.
Try It Yourself
If you want to try it yourself, I’ve got the perfect place to start, my full choreography to Do You Love Me by Saint Levant on BellyFit by Leilah. The song features Fares Sokar, who comes from the Mahraganat scene, so it has that same raw street vibe.
Saint Levant himself isn’t actually a Mahraganat artist. He’s Palestinian Algerian and his sound is more global, a mix of Arabic, English, and French influences, but this track definitely channels that Mahraganat inspired feel.
The steps I use are grounded, bold, and full of character, shoulder drops, chest hits, playful isolations, and quick footwork. Mahraganat isn’t about being polished or perfect. It’s about feeling the music and letting it take over.
My Final Thoughts
So if you’ve never tried it before, give it a go. Turn up the volume, forget the rules, and just dance. That’s what Mahraganat is all about, joy, rhythm, and love.