Sheikh Imam was born on February 7, 1918, in Giza, Egypt, to a poor family in the small village of Abul Numrus. At a young age, he tragically lost his sight, but this setback did not deter him from pursuing his passion for music and singing.
At the age of five, Sheikh Imam enrolled in a recitation class where he memorized the Qur'an. It was during this time that he began to develop his musical talents and was taught muwashshah singing by the esteemed Sheikh Darwish el-Hareery.
One of the most significant partnerships in Sheikh Imam's career was with colloquial poet Ahmed Fouad Negm. Together, they formed a duo and composed a number of songs that were widely popular among the grassroots population. Despite their popularity, many of their songs were banned by Egyptian radio and TV stations due to their political nature.
Sheikh Imam was known for his political songs that advocated for the rights of the poor and working class. His music often addressed social injustices and called for change. Some of his most well-known songs include "Pretty Egypt," "Che Guevara is Dead," and "It's Been an Honor, Father Nixon."
Sheikh Imam's music continues to have a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in Egyptian music. His songs with political themes resonated with audiences and contributed to the cultural and social discourse of the time.
Sheikh Imam's work was influential not only in Egypt but also internationally. He was known for writing songs with a political purpose, similar to American singer Bob Dylan. His music transcended borders and reached audiences around the world.
Sheikh Imam's legacy as a composer and singer who used his craft to advocate for social change continues to inspire artists and activists today. His dedication to giving a voice to the marginalized and oppressed through his music has left a lasting impact on the world of music and activism.