Born in Cairo, Hossam’s musical career began at the age of three when he was given his first drum, an Egyptian tabla. Hossam’s passion and talent for percussion was furthered with the help of leading Cairo teachers and a move to Saudi Arabia and contact with Bedouin tribes gave him a rich insight into the cultural origins of Middle Eastern music. After a move to England and success as a jazz drummer Hossam turned full circle, back to the thrilling rhythms of the Middle East.

Hossam’s exciting percussion soon caught the imagination of the likes of Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (former Led Zeppelin) and other leading world artists, such as: Yesim Salkim, Celick Erici, Cheb Khaled, Tarkan, Rachid Taha, Faudel, the Gypsy Kings…with whom he collaborated and whose albums he enriched with his percussion and arrangements.

Hossam himself released 20 albums of Egyptian dance music for ARC Music, and in November 2001, at the label’s 25th anniversary, he was awarded a special platinum disc for being their topselling artist, with over 200,000 sales.

His extensive discography includes: Afro-Celt Sound System, Marc Almond, Joan Armatrading, Ash, Claudio Baglioni, Big Country, Bond, Chick Corea, Pino Daniele, Anne Dudley, E.L.O., Celick Erici, Faudel, Peter Gabriel, Boy George, Gypsy Kings, Deborah Harry, Greg Hunter, Jay-Z, Kamal Kaçet, Alexandros Karozas, Cheb Khaled, Donal Lunny, Mathilda May, Loreena McKenitt, Maryam Mursal, Luciano Pavarotti, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Procol Harum, Rolling Stones, Rachid Taha, Tarkan, Barbara Thompson, Mari Wilson and Paul Young.  Film Soundtracks: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Saint, Stargate, Stealing Beauty, Wings of a Dove.