Multi-dimensional Soundscape of Radio in Egypt

Abstract

Egyptian radio broadcasting has always been strictly controlled by the government since the 1920s. Composed of two sections, this essay aims to explore the multi-dimensional radio soundscape in Egypt and how radio and loudspeakers have been used by the government to serve political goals in both religious and secular activities. The first section centres on Umm Kulthum and how she took advantage of the burgeoning radio to spread her fame and reach out to the mass audience in the Arab world. I also examine how the Egyptian government utilised radio to achieve its political goal of pan-Arabism. The second section discusses the usage of radio and loudspeakers for religious activities, including the Qur’anic recitation and the “call to prayer.” I analyse how governmental control of radio technology affected daily religious events and people’s social identities.