Framing Dissent through Art: The Role of Ahmed Fouad Negm and Sheikh Imam in Shaping Political Consciousness in Egypt and Beyond

This paper examines the political and cultural impact of Ahmed Fouad Negm and Sheikh Imam, two influential figures in Egyptian popular culture and political activism from the 1960s onward. Despite their significant role in shaping political discourse and mobilising dissent, their work has received limited systematic scholarly attention. Drawing inspiration from Cornelius Castoriadis' concept of the "social imaginary," this study offers a comprehensive analysis of Negm and Imam's collaborative output and its enduring influence on political movements in Egypt and the broader Arab world. Using framing theory and historical analysis, the research examines how Negm and Imam interpreted and created mobilising songs around key historical events, challenging official narratives and constructing a counter-narrative that resonated across generations. The paper focuses on their engagement with pivotal moments such as the 1967 war, economic policies of the 1970s, the student-worker movement, and international political developments.

The paper is divided into two main parts. The first analyses Negm and Imam's songs in their historical context, exploring themes of pan-Arabism, anti-colonialism, class struggle, and revolution. The second part investigates their extended impact, exploring the resonance of their work with new generations in the context of the Arab Spring. By examining the duo's role in framing dissent and their influence on political imagination across time and national boundaries, this paper aims to provide new insights into the formation of political culture and the power of artistic expression in mobilising social movements. The paper findings will contribute to our understanding of the interplay between popular culture, political activism, and social change in the Arab world, with potential implications for broader studies of cultural resistance and political mobilisation.