The music scene has found itself at the centre of a heated feud between two of its most prominent figures: pop star Ramy Sabry and rapper Wegz. This ongoing war of words has divided fans and sparked debate about the value of different genres and what it means to truly connect with audiences.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the controversy, the players, and what it says about the cultural divide between traditional and modern music.
Ramy Sabry's Perspective
Ramy Sabry, a well-established artist in the Arab pop world, ignited the feud during an interview on the show Hebr Serry. When asked about Wegz's music, he acknowledged the rapper's success but admitted that he doesn't understand the words of his songs. While he praised Wegz's work ethic and intelligence, his comments implied a disconnect between his understanding of rap and its appeal to younger audiences.
His remarks, although seemingly neutral, were perceived by many as dismissive. His sentiment reinforced the ongoing perception that traditional artists struggle to adapt to the rise of modern genres like rap and hip-hop in Egypt.
Wegz's Response
Wegz, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the rap and trap scene, didn't take Ramy's comments lightly. In a series of Instagram stories, he fired back, accusing him of using his name for relevance during periods of inactivity. He claimed that Ramy gets bored every four or five months and starts talking about rappers on TV, adding that he doesn't understand rap and never will.
The rapper didn't stop there. He directly challenged Ramy's relevance in the industry, ranking him at the 19th spot of famous singers. With a mix of sarcasm and wit, Wegz concluded by teasing the release of his new song, subtly mocking Ramy's ability to comprehend its lyrics.
Sherine Adel's Defense
Adding fuel to the fire, Sherine Adel, Ramy Sabry's wife, entered the feud with a fiery Instagram post. She accused Wegz of using her husband's name to generate buzz for his upcoming release. She didn't mince words, labelling Wegz as "off the grid" compared to Ramy's position in the music industry.
Pop vs. Rap
At the heart of this feud lies a deeper cultural conversation about music genres in Egypt. Ramy Sabry represents the polished, melodic tradition of Arab pop, a genre that has long dominated the region's airwaves. Wegz, on the other hand, is the face of a rap movement that speaks to a younger, more urban audience with its raw lyrics and modern beats.
Ramy's critique of Wegz's unintelligible lyrics resonates with older generations who may struggle to connect with the rapid evolution of music styles. Conversely, Wegz's fiery response mirrors the frustration of young artists who feel dismissed by the establishment despite their undeniable success.
Fan Reactions
The feud has sparked a wave of reactions across social media. Ramy's fans praised him for his candid remarks and defended his achievements in the music industry. Meanwhile, Wegz's supporters celebrated his unapologetic response, viewing it as a bold stand against the traditional dominance of pop stars. The generational and stylistic divide between the two artists has created a polarising discourse, with each side passionately defending its favourite.
What's Next for the Feud?
As the dust settles, both artists are likely to capitalise on the attention generated by the feud. Wegz's announcement of his upcoming song release, paired with Ramy's continued presence in media interviews, suggests that neither party is ready to back down. This confrontation serves as a microcosm of the broader shifts happening in the Egyptian music industry. While pop remains a cornerstone, rap and trap are undeniably carving out their space, creating a vibrant but often contentious dynamic.