Ahmed Fouad
Negm

Awardee

Country

Egypt

Ahmed Fouad Negm promoted free expression though literature.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Literature
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2013

Profile

Ahmed Fouad Negm (1929-2013) was a poet based in Egypt. Known for his vernacular Arabic verse that resonated with the everyday Egyptian, Negm's works often voiced the struggles and aspirations of the common people, merging satire with profound social commentary.His collaboration with composer Sheikh Imam Issa produced some of the most powerful protest songs that became anthems during pivotal moments in Egypt's history, including the 1970s labor movements and the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Negm's poetry tackled themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the fight for freedom, leaving a lasting impact on Arab literary and cultural landscapes.