February 2025
A graduate of the Institute of Arabic Music, an award-winning artist, a mother, and a voice that defines her generation—Amal Maher is the kind of musician others aspire to become. With an impressive catalogue of hit songs over the years, she has cemented her place as one of the Arab world’s most beloved voices of all time. In a heartfelt conversation, Enigma’s Yasmine Shihata delved into her journey, her artistry, and what lies ahead.
There’s something unique about Amal Maher that goes beyond her talent. It’s why her fans launched online campaigns, refusing to accept her silent retreat from the music scene for a while. It’s not just her extraordinary voice or charming presence—it’s the way she makes you feel, the raw emotions she pours into every song. As we started the interview, it was clear she doesn’t just love what she does—she lives it. That rare, intangible magic is what has made her one of Egypt’s most adored voices to have ever graced the music scene.
Maher’s magic as a singer isn’t just in her breathtaking voice or her cute face—it lies in the way she touches hearts, turning every song into an intimate conversation with the world. From her early years, when her voice was nurtured quietly by those who believed in her only, to the powerhouse she is today, Maher has never followed a prescribed path, nor was she after fame or recognition; it’s always about the authenticity of her voice and the emotions she carries. When she stepped away from the music scene in 2021, she did so without fanfare. And when she returned, it wasn’t with grand promises or loud proclamations. She simply did what she was born to do: sing. Because for her, music isn’t about comebacks—it’s about emotions, about connection, about the unshakable bond she shares with those who listen. After two years away, she quietly reemerged with Ana Kwaiesa (I Am Okay), a five-song album that spoke volumes, marking her first release since Asl El Ehsas (The Essence of Emotion) in 2019. No explanations. No embellishments. Just music—the purest language of all.
For someone whose voice has captured the hearts of millions, it may come as a surprise that Maher herself didn’t initially recognise her talent. “I was not the one who realised that I had a special voice,” she says with a humble laugh. “I was very young—four, I think—my father was the one who did. Then, my mentor at school, Mohamed El Milegy, was the person who discovered my voice and told my father that he needed to support me in singing professionally.” With the strong belief of those around her, Maher’s path was set in motion, leading her to the Institute for Arabic Music, where she took her first real steps toward her music journey.
Maher’s musical journey was heavily influenced by the legendary voices of the past. Growing up, she was surrounded by music that would shape her artistry and voice. “I listened to Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Fairouz, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Warda,” she says. “These legends had a big influence on my talent. I learned a lot from their journeys—their song choices, what suited my voice and what didn’t, what I could perform, and what made people connect with what I sang.” However, Maher was also keenly aware of the unique challenges that came with following the footsteps of such legendary figures.
Maher’s ability to draw inspiration from the past while forging her path has been one of the keys to her success. She admits that there was a time when she felt the weight of those comparisons, but she also learned to embrace them. “The comparison makes me happy and afraid at the same time,” she confesses. “It’s an honour, of course, but it also brings pressure. However, it has shaped my musical style over time. I experimented with what worked for me and discarded what didn’t. In the end, I realised that the key was to interpret these songs through the emotions of Amal Maher, not just mimic what others had done.” And this approach has resonated deeply with her fans. “I’ve received many comments saying, ‘We’re hearing these songs for the first time as if they were Amal’s own,” she shares. “That’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive because it means people are connecting with the emotion I pour into my music. That’s the essence of what I do.”
Maher’s career is also marked by defining moments that helped shape her as an artist. But when asked about the most significant milestones, she is quick to point out that no single event stands alone. “I can’t say there was just one moment,” she reflects. “Every project, every album, every performance has contributed to my journey. Some projects have moved me one step forward, while others have propelled me ten steps at once.” However, if she had to highlight one album that truly defined her career, it would be Aa’raf Menen (How Do I Know) in 2012. “That album was my breakthrough,” she says, her voice softening as she recalls the experience. “It wasn’t just about the songs; it gave me my style, identity, and artistic character that people recognise till now.”
Another defining moment in her career came with the release of Fi Eh Bainak W Bainha (What’s Between You and Her) in 2006—a song that showcased her talent and marked a turning point in her artistic journey. For the first time, she had complete creative control, a challenge she embraced with excitement and appreciation. “It was my first independent project, and I was nervous. But when the song became a hit, it was more than validation—it was proof that I could stand on my own. It wasn’t just a big step; it was a necessary one.”
As a devoted mother and a powerhouse in the music industry, one might assume Maher constantly struggles to balance her career with her personal life. But for her, it’s a seamless process. “Luckily, my personal life isn’t too chaotic,” she says. “I spend a lot of time at home, with my son Omar, and I go to the gym regularly. I don’t go out much, which has allowed me to maintain a certain balance. The less I’m out, the more I can focus on my work and the projects I’m passionate about.” Perhaps it’s this simplicity in her personal life that keeps her grounded, allowing her to navigate the demands of a high-profile career with effortless grace.
Regardless of everything, Maher’s passion for music hasn’t faded, and she talks about the future with genuine excitement. “There are a lot of surprises coming,” she says with a smile. “I’m releasing a new album for Eid with 10 to 12 songs, each with fresh themes, new music, and different styles. I promise my fans—it will be worth the wait. I know it’s been a long time, but when they hear it, they’ll understand why it took so long.”
She takes her time because every song matters. For her, music isn’t just about releasing regular tracks—it’s about creating something real, something people can feel. She’s always been committed to her craft and audience, knowing that the best things aren’t rushed, and the wait always pays off.
As a role model to countless young artists, Maher is often asked for advice, and her answer is both simple and genuine: “Take care of your health—both physical and mental. Always stay alert because your mind is your greatest tool as an artist. Listen to music, experiment with different styles, and never stop learning. But most importantly, find your voice. It’s easy to sing anything and take every opportunity to be seen, but the real challenge is creating something that resonates with your true self and with people. That’s what will make you stand out in the long run.” For Maher, being an artist is about more than just having a voice. Success isn’t easy and doesn’t happen overnight—it takes patience, perseverance, and hard work. It requires flexibility and the courage to stay true to yourself and your art; she believes that if you do, nothing can stop you.
When asked who she believes deserves the title “Egypt’s Voice” Maher responds thoughtfully, “Haha, this is a very tough question! I just want to say one short thing—no one is the voice of Egypt. Every Egyptian with talent, every artist on Egyptian soil, is Egypt’s voice. Egypt does not belong to just one person—it belongs to all.” Her answer reflects a deep understanding of the collective power of artistic expression in Egypt. And that’s exactly what sets Maher apart. She doesn’t concern herself with titles or comparisons, nor does she get caught up in who says what. She has a voice that speaks for itself—strong, genuine, and free from the need to prove anything.
Reflecting on her favourite song, Maher pauses for a moment before saying, “There are many, but Ely Qadra (Who Can Do It) from the Leh Laa? (Why Not?) series was very special.” It’s easy to understand why—released in 2020, the song became a powerful anthem for women, striking a chord with anyone who has ever fought to have their voice heard. She adds, “Also, Eteqy Rabena Feya (Have Mercy on Me) from 2011 is one of my favourites.” For Maher, the songs that truly touch her are the ones that mirror her own life or bring her closer to the stories of others. And when the conversation turns to whether a song has ever moved her to tears, she recalls one that stands out. “I remember Men El Sana Lel Sana (From Year to Year) made me emotional while recording it.”
Maher’s connection to her music runs deep, and it’s this emotional depth that makes her performances so powerful. “Some songs touch me because I’ve lived through similar experiences,” she says, speaking about how her life influences her music. “Other times, I connect with a song by imagining myself in that situation, or by drawing from the experiences of those around me. In the end, we are all shaped by our experiences.” Her ability to pour her emotions into her songs creates a connection with her listeners that goes beyond the music itself, allowing them to feel every word she sings.
Collaboration for Maher is about much more than fame—it’s about the connection between artists. “The most important thing about a duet is finding someone who complements you artistically,” she says. “It’s not just about who you sing with; it’s about finding a subject and a style that suits you both.” For Maher, it’s the music that matters most, and she believes that when two artists align on an emotional level, the result is something truly beautiful. She’s not concerned with the spotlight as she already has it; she just wants her music to shine. And if she could collaborate with anyone from the past, Maher’s eyes light up with excitement. “Oh, so many! Abdel Halim Hafez or Mohamed Abdel Wahab, of course—even if they don’t fit my style,” she says with a cute laugh.
As she recalls the most cherished moments of her career, Maher’s eyes light up with appreciation. “I love all of them,” she says with a warm smile. “When working on an album, I feel like I’m preparing a gift for a loved one.” However, it’s the live performances that bring a unique kind of thrill. “Concerts make me more nervous because they’re live, but after a few seconds, an immediate intimacy with the audience develops, and we start connecting.” For Maher, each moment holds its significance, but it’s that connection with the audience that makes the stage experience truly special.
When it comes to fears, Maher doesn’t hesitate to be honest. “Failure,” she admits simply. It’s a sentiment many artists can relate to, the fear of not meeting expectations or not being able to live up to the love and trust her fans place in her. But it’s also clear that this fear doesn’t hold her back; it fuels her to keep pushing forward, constantly striving for excellence in everything she does. And what brings her the most happiness? “Success,” she answers, her eyes lighting up. For Maher, success isn’t just about fame or accolades—it’s about the fulfilment that comes from doing what she loves and achieving her goals with her strong voice and a mic in her hand.
As the conversation winds down, Maher turns her attention to her fans—the ones who have stood by her through every triumph and challenge, shaping her journey with only devotion. “I want to thank them for their love and trust,” she says with heartfelt gratitude. “Without them, none of this would be possible. I work hard every day to bring them something special, something that resonates because their support is what keeps me going.”
Through every new song she sings and every story she tells, Amal Maher continues to define what it means to be a true artist —one whose music is all about passion, emotion, and connection. And with her highly anticipated album on the horizon, we can’t wait to experience the next chapter of her extraordinary journey.
Photography: Zobian Saad
PR: Ahmed Yassine
Location: AIUIA
Makeup: Nesma Mansour
Hair Styling: Mahdi Sayfaldin