Who is the Egyptian singer in Pepsi?
Unwrapping the face of Pepsi Egypt’s star-studded campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Introducing Amr Diab – Pepsi Egypt’s Legendary Voice
Amr Diab — often referred to as the “Father of Mediterranean music” — is the Egyptian singer prominently featured in Pepsi Egypt’s 2024 advertising campaign. In Pepsi’s blockbuster TV ad, Diab’s presence adds cultural weight and nostalgic resonance. The commercial spotlights him alongside Egypt’s top celebrities, including footballer Mohamed Salah, actor Ahmed El Sakka, and Lebanese singer Nawal El Zoghby, turning it into a star-studded extravaganza.
A Closer Look at the Commercial
The campaign video opens with Arabic percussion and vibrant visuals of Diab savoring a Pepsi during Ramadan evenings—a seasonal peak time for advertising. A rapid succession of cameos from elite Arab entertainers underscores Pepsi’s ambition to be the go-to drink in Egypt. The production draws social attention, with TikTok posts going viral on “Diab’s infectious performance and energy” .
🎥 Watch the Ad Here
You can find the full-length Pepsi commercial on YouTube—search “Amr Diab Pepsi Egypt ad 2024” to experience the energy firsthand.
Why Pepsi Chose Amr Diab
Pepsi Egypt’s decision to cast Amr Diab stems from three key factors:
Pan‑Arab appeal: Diab transcends national boundaries, resonating across the Middle East and North Africa.
Nostalgic familiarity: With a career spanning over three decades, his image evokes memories and trust in consumers.
Cultural credibility: His blend of traditional Arabic and pop elements mirrors Pepsi’s aim to stay “modern yet rooted.”
Other Egyptian Celebrities in the Campaign
Pepsi’s campaign went beyond music, featuring figures like:
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool and Egypt’s football icon.
Ahmed El Sakka – Leading actor in Egyptian cinema.
Nawal El Zoghby – Lebanese singer who also has historical links to Pepsi (featured in a 2000 campaign) .
Comedian Karim Mahmoud Abd El Aziz and others.
The star-filled lineup crafted a unifying, celebratory vibe across the Arab world.
The Backlash: Boycott and Political Sensitivities
Despite its popularity, Pepsi faced public backlash in Egypt. Critics accused the company and participating celebrities—including Amr Diab—of insensitivity toward Palestinian suffering amid regional tensions. The hashtag #StayThirsty boycott gained momentum, provoking social media reactions and spikes in Pepsi Egypt’s sales drops.
Historical Ties: Pepsi and Arabic Pop Icons
Pepsi’s relationship with Arab pop stars is long-standing:
In the 2000s, Nawal El Zoghby became Pepsi’s face, even singing to a Pepsi bottle in her music video.
In 2014, producer Hassan El Shafei contributed to Pepsi Beats of the Beautiful Game, the FIFA World Cup album.
Tamer Hosny, dubbed “Star of the Generation,” acted as a Pepsi Arabia ambassador, endorsing the brand in multiple campaigns.
This roots Pepsi’s approach in a deep history of cultural collaboration.
📊 Table: Timeline of Egyptian Musicians in Pepsi Ads
Period Artist Role & Highlights
Early 2000s Nawal El Zoghby Appeared in ads, sang in music video with Pepsi bottle
2014 Hassan El Shafei Contributed to FIFA album Pepsi Beats…
Pre‑2020s Tamer Hosny Brand ambassador for Pepsi Arabia
2024 Amr Diab Central star in Ramadan-themed commercial
Marketing Impact & Cultural Reach
The campaign leverages Ramadan’s high consumer engagement, maximizing reach amid formative seasonal ads.
Featuring iconic public figures adds emotional resonance and boosts brand recall.
The backlash highlighted social responsibility concerns, leading some Egyptians to reevaluate brand alliances.
Fan Reactions & Media Coverage
Social media responded with polarized views: positive nostalgia vs. calls for boycott.
TikTok fans celebrated Diab’s charisma—while others joined protests under #StayThirsty.
International outlets like TRT World and Insider MENA extensively covered the controversy.
🎬 Example Clips
YouTube recap of the main ad, capturing key cameo moments.
TikTok compilation, highlighting cultural commentary and memes.
Conclusion: Why the Egyptian Singer Matters
Amr Diab’s involvement in Pepsi’s campaign isn’t just about celebrity—it’s a strategic alignment of star power, cultural legacy, and brand identity. His portrayal:
Bridges generations of Egyptian and Arab audiences.
Infuses Pepsi’s image with regional authenticity.
Sparks cultural dialogue—a hallmark of effective advertising.
Whether you love the resonance or critique the politics, the use of Amr Diab in Pepsi’s 2024 campaign underscores the potent mix of celebrity influence and regional pride.