Cairo According to: Felukah

When Sara Elmessiry, aka Felukah, released her first studio album in 2019, she titled it ‘Citadel’ after the landmark at the top of Mokattam hill. Through laidback vocals, jazzy lo-fi beats, and introspective lyrics, it was a project that oozed with love for and rebellion against the city on every track. In each project since, the bilingual rapper’s personal evolution was mapped onto an evolving understanding of the city which first raised her and then became her muse. Yet, based in New York for much of her career after ‘Citadel’, Felukah’s music became a piece of Cairo to many in the diaspora who longed for the city as she did. Now, five years later, Felukah is once again based in Cairo, and she gave us a glimpse of the city through her eyes.

Here, the rapper, poet, and "Maadi girl till she dies" shares with CairoScene a perfect summer lunch, a bookish date spot, and the otherworldly landmark that isn’t a landmark—but should be.

What’s a place that means Cairo to you?

To be honest, Dreampark was a huge shout when we were kids. I got this scar on my right arm from basically running into a palm tree on my way to the 5D simulator. Also, Wadi Degla Protectorate as a young adult opened my eyes to the necessity of nature and our connection to Earth.Complete the following: Cairo is special because…

it’s a beautiful chaos with the richest history and God on every corner. What’s your favourite neighbourhood? My neighborhood is wholesome and green, I’m a Maadi girl till I dieee.

Best neighborhood in the world (bas bardo 3ayza afok nafsi w afresh sha2a fel zamalek).

Your go-to food spot?

Hoki Poke for the salmon bowl, it’s like the perfect summer lunch.

Your go-to café?

Ratios of course.

I also love Oldish for a journal X Spanish latte moment.  

Your go-to date spot?

Al-Kotob Khan bookstore in Maadi, or Tamara Haus. Ideally both. Then we get on a felucca from Maadi and sing to the moon.What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

The satellite station in front of Fuddruckers Maadi.

Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

Might have to Ask the Birds about that one.  

What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

Fagnoon at 8 years old, we’re making pottery and about to have a mud party. Old Cairo at age 16, beginning to look inward at our beautiful culture and unlock the city’s secrets.