Reviving the Golden Era: Egyptian Cabaret in New York City Through Haus of Dahab’s Vision

Table of Contents

Introduction

New York City’s nightlife has become a stage for reviving the glamour of 1920s Egyptian cabaret, thanks to Haus of Dahab, a collective blending live performances, DJ sets, and queer culture to honor a bygone era. Co-founded by Egyptian Americans Ruth and Nat, the project channels nostalgia for Cairo’s golden age—a time when music halls thrived with comedy, dance, and trailblazing female performers—while addressing modern struggles of identity and cultural preservation .

Cabaret in New York City Through Haus of Dahab’s Vision — What sets this concept apart is its collaborative spirit, free from competition and devoid of ego.” – DJUNKIE, DJ at Haus of Dahab Photo by Pat Plush. Courtesy of Haus of Dahab.

The Legacy of 1920s Cairo Cabaret

Cairo’s 1920s cabaret scene was a melting pot of global influences, where artists like Samia Gamal and Umm Kulthum captivated audiences. These spaces were not just entertainment hubs but battlegrounds for feminist pioneers such as Badia Masabni and Rose al-Youssef, who defied societal norms to shape Egypt’s arts and media . However, rising nationalism and religious conservatism eroded this legacy, leaving little trace of its vibrancy today. Haus of Dahab draws inspiration from this history, reimagining it for a diaspora disconnected from its roots .

Haus of Dahab: A Modern Oasis for Queer Egyptian Culture

Since 2023, Haus of Dahab has hosted electrifying events like Mahraganat Brooklyn, fusing mahraganat (Egyptian electronic music) with techno, hip-hop, and live performances. Their parties at venues like TV Eye and Market Hotel feature DJs like DADA COZMIC and acts such as tanoura dancer Electric Zikrayat, creating an “Egyptian fever dream” that resonates with queer and Middle Eastern communities .

Reviving the Golden Era: Egyptian Cabaret in New York City Through Haus of Dahab’s Vision — From bellydance, maqam music, and mahraganat, to Egypt’s infamous animal body suits and a spinning dervish, Haus of Dahab mixes the eclectic contemporary with thoughtful tradition. Photo by Ollie Wilson. Courtesy of Haus of Dahab.

Key elements of their mission include:

Cultural Reclamation: Offering a space for Egyptian Americans to connect with their heritage through art forms often erased in mainstream narratives.
Queer Inclusivity: Providing a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate their identities openly—a radical act in a context where queerness remains taboo in many Middle Eastern societies .
Community Collaboration: Relying on volunteers and artists like DJ Sultana, who contributed without charging travel fees, to keep the project accessible .

Challenges and Aspirations

Despite sold-out events, Haus of Dahab faces hurdles:

Funding: Ticket sales fund parties, but organizers aim to pay artists fairly and expand into galleries or theater productions .
Safety: While New York offers relative safety, the team navigates risks tied to being queer, Middle Eastern, and female in a world where these identities are often marginalized .

Future goals include touring cities with diasporic communities and establishing a permanent cultural hub. As Ruth notes, “We want to be a beacon for Coptic and Nubian art, proving you can be queer, loud, and proudly Egyptian” .

Why This Revival Matters

Haus of Dahab isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a protest against cultural erasure. By resurrecting cabaret’s spirit, they challenge stereotypes and empower a generation to reclaim their history. As Philo, a performer, explains: “This isn’t just nightlife; it’s a home for those starved of connection to their roots” .

Conlusion

For those seeking a slice of Cairo’s golden age in NYC, Haus of Dahab’s events are a gateway to a world where art, identity, and resistance collide. Explore their upcoming parties on Instagram or dive into the history with Midnight in Cairo, a book detailing the era that inspires them .

Keyword Focus: Egyptian Cabaret in New York City