By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Instead of trying to convince them with words, Bassem Sedawy let the music do the talking. The result? Crowds dancing, singing along and feeding off the energy of his performances.
This week's DJ of the Week is Bassem Sedawy. Tune in today at 10 pm for a full hour of electrifying beats and high-energy music.
NileFM spoke to Bassem about his journey, creative process, challenges and what listeners can expect from his latest set.
Take us behind the scenes of creating your sets. What&rsquo;s your process from the initial track selection right through to the final performance?
I feel like a set is a journey, not just music. You have to express that journey through the tracks you choose.
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What keeps motivating you to push your boundaries and create bigger, better and more unique sets?
It's all about passion. I always want more and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve.
What are some of the biggest challenges you&rsquo;ve faced as a DJ, and how have they shaped you?
One of the biggest challenges was when a lot of people told me a particular set wouldn't get people dancing. In the end, it did, and that taught me to trust my instincts and believe in my vision.
This isn't your first time as NileFM's DJ of the Week! What surprises or special treats can listeners expect from you this time around?
This time is different because I'm exploring a new genre. I was playing something completely different when I started out, so I'm really excited to see how listeners respond to this set.
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What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out on their journey?
I'd say it's 50% talent and 50% track selection and musical instinct. Practise as much as you can, put your energy into it and learn how to read the crowd. You need to know when people want to sing along, when they need strong melodies and when they want something different. Most importantly, always smile and go with the vibe.
Was there a specific set, event or crowd reaction that made you think, "This is exactly where I&rsquo;m meant to be"?
Yes, my most recent set. The crowd's reaction reminded me exactly why I love doing this.
Electronic music is constantly evolving. How do you stay creative and keep your sound fresh whilst staying true to your identity as an artist?
It's all driven by passion. I always try to be different and bring something unique to every set.
If you could describe your musical journey in just three tracks, which songs would you choose and why?
Honestly, I couldn't narrow it down to just three tracks. My musical journey is made up of so many songs, each representing a different stage of my growth as an artist.
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Photo Credit: Bassem Sedawy&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | From Doubters To Dancefloors: Bassem Sedawy On Trusting His Instincts And Letting The Music Speak

The wait is finally over as the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off today, launching a month-long celebration of football, culture and global entertainment. According to FIFA, this year's opening festivities promise major surprises, with ceremonies taking place across the tournament's three host nations: Mexico, Canada and the United States.
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Mexico Opening Ceremony
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony begins on 11 June, just before the Group A match between hosts Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium.
Held in Mexico City, the event will begin approximately 90 minutes before kick-off. The ceremony will feature some of the biggest names in global music, including Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform Dai Dai for the first time. The show will also highlight performances from artists featured on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack, including Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, Man&aacute;, Alejandro Fern&aacute;ndez and Tyla.
Canada Opening Ceremony
Canada's opening ceremony will take place on Friday, 12 June, 90 minutes before the Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
Hosted at BMO Field in Toronto, the celebration will feature performances from Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bubl&eacute;, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, William Prince and other international artists.
United States Opening Ceremony
The United States will also hold its opening ceremony on Friday, 12 June, 90 minutes before its match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Global stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla are set to headline the event, with additional performers yet to be announced. The ceremony aims to deliver a high-energy showcase reflecting the scale and cultural diversity of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from 11 June to 19 July and is being hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament will bring together football, music and global culture on an unprecedented scale, marking the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and 104 matches.
Photo Credit: FIFA World Cup&rsquo;s official page

Your Guide To The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremonies

With just one day remaining before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, FIFA has organised simultaneous countdown concerts across three host cities: Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles. The celebrations begin on 10 June 2026, marking the final global entertainment events before the tournament officially starts.
Toronto The Canadian city will host performances by Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, AHI, Wyclef Jean, and The Beaches, bringing together a diverse mix of international and local talent.&nbsp;
Mexico City In Mexico, the countdown concert will feature legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli alongside Belinda, Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, and Elena Rose, blending global and Latin music influences.
Los Angeles The Los Angeles show will feature Ava Max, Major Lazer led by Diplo, Bia, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido. The event promises a high-energy celebration of music, football, and global culture.
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Performances from all three cities will be broadcast as part of a unified global countdown event, connecting fans around the world ahead of kick-off.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, officially beginning on 11 June 2026 with the opening match between host nation Mexico and South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca. The tournament will run until 19 July 2026, bringing together football, culture, and entertainment on a global scale.
Photo Credit: Andrea Bocelli&rsquo;s official page

Inside The FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concerts Before Kick-off

The FIFA World Cup is more than just football; it is a global celebration of culture, music, and unity. Over the years, Arab artists have played a significant role in creating some of the tournament's most memorable songs, bringing regional sounds to football's biggest stage.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway, here are some Arab stars who have contributed to the tournament's soundtrack.
Nora Fatehi &ndash; "Siir Siir" (2026) Canadian-Moroccan artist Nora Fatehi joined the World Cup 2026 music line-up with "Siir Siir". Born and raised in Toronto to a Moroccan family, Fatehi brings her North African roots to the global football celebration. Produced alongside Sanjoy and French singer Vegedream, the track features on the tournament's official album.
Elyanna feat. Jessie Reyez &ndash; "Illuminate" (2026) Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna teamed up with Canadian singer Jessie Reyez for "Illuminate". The song blends English lyrics with Arabic influences, showcasing Middle Eastern culture on an international stage as a key single for the 2026 official soundtrack.
Wegz &ndash; "Ezz Al Arab" (2022) Egyptian rapper Wegz became one of the standout voices of the Qatar World Cup with "Ezz Al Arab". The track celebrated Arab pride and unity, serving as a powerful anthem whilst Morocco made their historic journey as the first Arab and African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Myriam Fares &ndash; "Tukoh Taka" (2022) Lebanese superstar Myriam Fares collaborated with Colombian singer Maluma and rapper Nicki Minaj on "Tukoh Taka", the official FIFA Fan Festival anthem for the Qatar World Cup, which made history with its cross-cultural blend of rap, reggaeton, and Arabic rhythms.
Aisha &ndash; "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)" (2022) Qatari singer-songwriter Aisha joined Trinidad Cardona and Davido on "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)", the uplifting lead single from the official 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack.
Fahad Al Kubaisi &ndash; "Dreamers" (2022) Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi shared the global spotlight with BTS member Jung Kook on "Dreamers", a soaring anthem performed live during the spectacular World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
Nora Fatehi, Balqees, Rahma Riad, and Manal &ndash; "Light The Sky" (2022) Produced by RedOne, "Light The Sky" brought together four leading female Arab artists: Nora Fatehi, Balqees, Rahma Riad, and Manal. The anthem celebrated female empowerment and Arab representation during the tournament, whilst paying tribute to the historic inclusion of female referees.
Cheb Khaled &ndash; "C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S" (2022) Algerian music icon Cheb Khaled teamed up with DJ Rodge for "C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S". Released as the official Qatar Airways World Cup anthem, the energetic track blended Arabic musical influences with a global dance beat to welcome fans flying into the region.
Nancy Ajram feat. Cheb Khaled &ndash; "Shagga' Helmak" (2014) Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram joined Algerian star Cheb Khaled for "Shagga' Helmak" (Encourage Your Dream), a major regional anthem associated with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The track focused on unity and the shared passion for football across the Arab world.
Chawki &ndash; "Time of Our Lives" (2014) Moroccan singer Chawki released "Time of Our Lives" to coincide with the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Produced by RedOne, it delivered an upbeat, infectious anthem celebrating the excitement and global community of the tournament.
Nancy Ajram and K'naan &ndash; "Wavin' Flag" (Arabic Version) (2010) Nancy Ajram joined Somali-Canadian artist K'naan on the Arabic version of "Wavin' Flag", one of the most iconic World Cup songs ever produced. The anthem became synonymous with the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off on 11 June 2026, with co-hosts Mexico opening the tournament at the historic Estadio Azteca. Over the following weeks, football fans from around the world will come together to celebrate the sport, culture, and music that make the World Cup a truly global event.
Photo Credit: FIFA World Cup&rsquo;s official page

The Arab Music Stars Who Shaped The FIFA World Cup Soundtrack

Blending Western music with Middle Eastern influences, Egyptian band Crashendo has been carving out a unique identity through their creative covers and original songs. The five-member band, comprising Adam, Adham, Selim, John, and Tony, has gained attention for reimagining popular tracks with Arabic instruments, particularly the oud, creating a distinctive fusion sound.
In an exclusive interview with Hisham on "The Watchlist," the band opened up about their musical journey, songwriting process, the role of artificial intelligence in music, and their upcoming album.
The Story Behind Crashendo's Sound
The idea of incorporating an Oriental twist into Western music came naturally. John, who has been playing the oud since kindergarten and has performed at the Cairo Opera House, brought a deep appreciation for Arabic music to the group's sound.
"We wanted to create something that feels familiar but different at the same time," the band explained, highlighting their passion for merging cultures through music.
Finding Their Musical Roles
While Adam handles vocals and bass, Adham and Selim play guitar. John contributes keyboards, oud, and several other instruments, while Tony keeps the rhythm alive on drums.
Speaking about his relationship with the bass guitar, Adam revealed that it was not his first choice.
"I started with guitar, but I wasn't very good at it. Then I tried bass, and it felt completely different. A lot of people don't really notice the bass, but it's such an important instrument."
The Challenge of Writing Original Music
Although Crashendo is widely recognized for its covers, the band says creating original music is far more rewarding.
"Original songs are more fun, but they also require more effort," the members shared. "Everyone has different ideas, and we don't always agree. Usually, we listen to everyone's opinion and follow the majority."
Adam and Selim write most of the lyrics, while Adham occasionally contributes whenever a concept or story captures his attention. The songwriting process itself is far from predictable.
"Sometimes it starts with a guitar riff, a melody, a few chords, or even a lyric. It's not systematic; it's more about inspiration and feeling," they explained.
Balancing Music With Full-Time Careers
Music isn't the band's only commitment. Adam, Selim, and Adham work in marketing, Tony helps run his family's business, and John works as a lawyer.
Despite their busy schedules, the group makes time for rehearsals and recording sessions.
"We usually meet on weekends and sometimes after work during the week. We spend a few hours together and get things done."
How AI Fits Into Their Creative Process
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the music industry, Crashendo admits they occasionally use AI as a supporting tool.
"Sometimes we use it for references, whether it's drum sounds, bass parts, or even finding words that rhyme," they said.
However, the band stressed that AI plays only a minor role in their work.
"We'd say AI contributes about 20 per cent of the process. The creativity and ideas still come from us."
The Challenge of Being Known for Covers One concern the band shares is being recognised mainly for their covers rather than their original music.
"We do worry about that sometimes," they admitted. "On social media, covers usually get more attention than original songs. People are more likely to stop and listen to something they already know."
Still, they see covers as a way to introduce new audiences to their own material.
"We're trying to build a following so people can eventually discover our original work."
What's Next?
Crashendo is currently putting the finishing touches on its debut album.
"We're hoping to finish recording within the next month," the band revealed. "After that, we'll be ready to release it and perform the songs live."
As they continue blending Eastern and Western influences while developing their original catalogue, Crashendo is determined to prove they are much more than a cover band.

Crashendo Opens Up About AI, Their Oriental Sound, And The Secret Behind Building A Band

With its linguistic diversity and multilingual storytelling, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be unlike any previous edition. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams competing for football&rsquo;s most prestigious title.
Beyond the pitch, FIFA is also redefining the cultural experience of the World Cup through music. Instead of relying on a single official anthem, the governing body has launched an ambitious project: the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, an 18-track global music compilation.
One Album, 18 Tracks Through FIFA Sound, its global entertainment and music platform, FIFA has unveiled its most extensive multi-track World Cup music project to date. The album features 18 original songs, bringing together artists from different genres, languages, and cultures.
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Countdown Concerts Across Three Cities To build anticipation, FIFA has organised simultaneous countdown concerts in Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles.
On 10 June, Ava Max will join the lineup in Los Angeles alongside Major Lazer, led by Diplo, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido. The Los Angeles show promises a high-energy celebration of music, football, and global culture. Performances from all three cities will be broadcast as part of the global event.
The Toronto lineup features Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, AHI, Wyclef Jean, and Belinda. Meanwhile, Mexico City will host Belinda, Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, and Elena Rose, while Ava Max, Major Lazer, and Davido take the stage in Los Angeles.
First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show For the first time in FIFA history, the World Cup Final will feature a halftime show, marking a major shift in tournament entertainment. Global superstars including Shakira, BTS, and Madonna are expected to perform at the final, which will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Opening Ceremony in Mexico City The opening ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kickoff at Mexico City Stadium, featuring some of the world&rsquo;s biggest music stars. Artists including Alejandro Fern&aacute;ndez, Belinda, Burna Boy, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, Man&aacute;, Shakira, and Tyla will bring the official World Cup soundtrack to life on stage.
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Official Tracklist Highlights The 18-track album includes collaborations across continents and genres:
Goals &ndash; LISA, Anitta, Rema
Game Time &ndash; Future, Tyla
Illuminate &ndash; Jessie Reyez, Elyanna
Echo &ndash; Daddy Yankee, Shenseea
Por Ella &ndash; Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, Belinda
Three Nations &ndash; 21 Savage, Nathy Peluso, French Montana
No Place Like Home &ndash; Major Lazer, Nelly Furtado, Davido
In the Stars (Remix) &ndash; The Rolling Stones
Show Me &ndash; Ayra Starr, Latto
Mi M&eacute;xico Lindo &ndash; Alejandro Fern&aacute;ndez
Blessings &ndash; Stormzy, Fridayy, Angel
Energy &ndash; Ava Max, BIA
Lighter &ndash; Jelly Roll, Car&iacute;n Le&oacute;n
Siir Siir &ndash; Nora Fatehi, Vegedream, Sanjoy
Partidazo &ndash; Danny Ocean
Champion &ndash; IShowSpeed
Love Always Wins &ndash; Shaggy, Cimafunk, Zema
Dai Dai &ndash; Shakira, Burna Boy
With just days remaining until kickoff, the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins on 11 June 2026, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The tournament will run until 19 July 2026, bringing together music, football, and global culture in a shared celebration watched by millions around the world.
Photo Credit: Shakira's official page

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