Ahmed El-Touni is one of the last great Upper-Egyptian singers of the ritual and sacral repertoire who conduct the dhikr ritual (also zikr; remembrance) in the fresh and dusty starry nights of the Sahara, during which the divine name is repeated with special breathing techniques, leading all participants straight forward into a trance under the guidance of munshid.
His husky voice and his rosary, which coupled with a glass make a unique percussive instrument, render him recognisable anywhere. The master of ceremony is accompanied by a small formation of excellent musicians called takht: ruqq, duff, darabuka, qawal, kamanga and oud all preserve their individuality of expression and provide ornamented, modulated support or dialogue with the singing master