A week of exotic drums performances has begun in the Egyptian capital Cairo. Bands from 20 countries have joined the festival, and are surprising the public with performances in the streets. Here is Adel EL Mahrouky with more.

Egypt's joyful drums and traditional arts festival began on Friday. For an entire week, the event will move across the Egyptian capital to bring performances from 20 countries to the public at iconic sites in Cairo. As for the opening night, it has become a tradition to hold here at the eight centuries old Salah EL Citadel.

MOHAMED HAMDY EGYPTIAN ARTIST "This festival is an amazing opportunity for us to get to get acquainted with other countries. It's exactly like football, however, art has a bigger role to promote peace among countries. The idea is unique because any music depends on percussions it's what connects the melodies and give it pace. Composition won't come out perfectly without a good drummer."

ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO "Leaders of states always say that cultural exchange bring nations together. And in the history of music, ancient, folkloric or contemporary, Wester or Eastern there is nothing as common as the drum. That's why Cairo is celebrating that unique instrument that unites all nations in the globe."

Egypt is one of the most populous countries in the Arab world and Africa. Performing here gives bands quite an amazing exposure. It is what has gradually made this festival one of Egypt's most popular cultural events.

OSAMA HEMEID PALESTINIAN ARTIST "Honestly it's a great honor for us to join this Festival for the first time. We're thankful to Egypt for inviting the state of Palestine. The festival is attracting the media and everyone. We're seeing first world countries keen to participate in it."

The festival has an open-door policy. With no tickets required it is accessible to anyone, no wonder the opening was over packed. With no seats available many had to stand during the entire show, but everyone enjoyed it.

NOUR KHALED AUDIENCE MEMBER "I think it engages people from all over the world to come and see we're diverse. I like how cosmopolitan it is right now. You see everyone from all over the world coming, sharing one interest which is music. I find this very appealing. Apart from politics and all diversity that is happening in the world, still people are engaging in one thing that unites them, this is a blessing and I find it beautiful."

AMIN BAGHDADY AUDIENCE MEMBER "My friends encouraged me to come. I'm actually taking percussions class so that's why I was interested to know the different kinds of percussions all over the world. I feel that everyone here is speaking one language. We can all feel the beat so you don't feel weird when you listen to other music."

For an entire week that festival will be bringing an international taste to the Egyptian Capital. AMA CGTN CA.