Mustapha Abdel Aziz (1931-2002)

Mustapha Adel Aziz was an undisputed virtuoso on the arghul, an ancient instrument comprising a double-piped clarinet with a mouthpiece.

Until his death in May 2002, he was supported by Pro Helvetia Switzerland to pass on his skills to young people. This musician’s brilliant playing reminds us of the noble past of this typical Egyptian instrument (see “music instruments”).

Mustapha Abdel Aziz was born on 22nd March 1931 in El Minya, Upper Egypt. In the 1970s he became famous in Cairo, together with Metqal Qenawi Metqal and Shamandi Tewfick. These musicians were discovered by Alain Weber from France, who made them famous in Europe and recorded and released wonderful CDs under their international touring name “Les Musiciens du Nil”. In the 1990s, Mustapha Abdel Aziz toured with Cie Hilal in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany and Switzerland. One of his rare but fascinating solo improvisations accompanied only by rhythm was recorded during this tour.