Music—its sustaining power and raw energy—might well be our last hope for healing in a world that sometimes seems beyond repair. At least that’s how Hakim sees it. Dubbed “The Lion of Egypt,” he is one of the Arab world’s greatest musical stars and an increasingly vibrant presence on the international scene as well. 

“I feel I am a vehicle to help build bridges through my music,” the 44-year-old singer observes. “All people love to laugh, enjoy, dance, and I think my music makes them feel good...And with this it can open dialogues which can bring about understanding much more than any speech or politician.” 

It helps that Hakim’s music functions as such thrilling art. His exhausting stage presence has been compared to James Brown for its sweat-dripping dedication, and few performers on the current pop market wield such a fierce command of timing and dynamics. Those lucky enough to make it to the free Central Park concert will also be treated to his astonishing 15-piece orchestra.

“My percussion section is one of the finest in the Arab world, and within my orchestra we have master musicians on Kawala [traditional wood flute], accordion and three percussionists, including Dohla, Daf and tabla.” 

Not that organizing all of them for a U.S. date was easy.

“I am grateful that the U.S. believes I am important enough to issue me the proper visa and work permits, but it is certainly not a perfect process and maybe should be revised for artists from foreign countries to make it a little easier. We are only here to share our art.”

But somehow Hakim has never done things the easy way. His stardom came after long years of struggle.

“I always loved music. My family was against it, but it was part of me. I loved going to the cafes hearing music. It is also a major part of the Arab way of life; music surrounds us.”

Fortunately for him, Arabic pop is on the rise worldwide, and many of Hakim’s recent performances have experimented with outside styles in vital, invigorating ways. On his hit 2002 CD, Talakik, he recorded a high-voltage duet with Puerto Rican diva Olga Tanon, and the rapper Kemo also stepped in for an appearance.

“I hope that Arabic music can be as naturally accepted as Latin or hip-hop in the next five years,” he notes with optimism. “I see it... I feel it will.” 

July 8, Central Park SummerStage (at E. 69th St. & 5th Ave. or W. 72nd St & CPW), 3-6, Free.