Born in Cairo, his musical career began early, when at age 3 he was given his first drum - an Egyptian Tabla.

His passion for percussion was noted by his family (many of whom themselves were in the arts) who encouraged him to master his craft by studying with the leading music teachers in Egypt.

A move to Saudi Arabia introduced Hossam to many of the Bedouin tribes who gave the young Hossam a rich insight into the cultural origins of Middle Eastern music that became the inspiration for many of his later rhythmic directions.

In the mid 1970's he moved to England, and enjoyed great success as a Jazz and Latin style drummer working with many highly respected Jazz Musicians like Andy Shepherd and Geoff Williams. But as he began looking for new directions in percussive sounds, he found himself turning full circle back to his first love the Egyptian drums, and the thrilling dance rhythms of the Middle East. The distinctive sound of Hossam's percussion and the exciting rhythms on his albums caught the imagination of Peter Gabriel who invited Hossam to perform his albums 'PASSION' and later 'US' as well as another soon to be released album.

Hossam has gone on to work with many top musicians including Joan Armatrading and Mari Wilson. In 1984 Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (formerly of Led Zeppelin) invited Hossam to bring together a band of Arabian musicians and work on their reunion album 'No Quarter- Unleaded' which was awarded triple platinum. This led to Hossam Joining Page and Plant on their historic reunion 1995/96 tour of the world. Ever since Hossam has been extensively touring with various artist, such as Pino Daniele of Italy as well as many of the top class Arabian singers like Cheb Khaled, Rashid Taha, Faudel, and Yesim Salkim, the most popular female singer from Turkey.

To date, Hossam has recorded 15 albums of Egyptian Dance and world music with many dedicated to percussion and rhythms of the world.

He has also collaborated on many award winning film soundtracks like: Star Gate, Wings of a Dove, The Saint, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Stealing Beauty, and The Last Temptation of Christ.

Artists that Hossam has worked with include:
Peter Gabriel, Joan Armatrading, Mary Wilson, Boy George, Marc Almond, Deborah Harry, Barbara Thompson, Killing Joke, Gipsy Kings, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, Rolling Stones, Big Country, Procol Harum, E.L.O. and Paul Young.

Hossam, who lives in East Grinstead, is a keen supporter of Narconon's drug education services because he believes that children should be warned of the dangers of drug abuse.

PO Box 265
East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3GN
United Kingdom

e-mail: drumzy@btclick.com