He started performing religious songs and chants in local gatherings, gaining recognition for his distinct voice and musical talents.

[2] Negm, known for his colloquial Egyptian Arabic poetry and his focus on social and political issues, wrote the lyrics for many of Imam's songs.

The songs of Imam and Negm reflected the struggles, aspirations, and experiences of the working class, and often critiqued the political establishment.

[3] This unique combination of music and poetry resonated with a broad audience, as it gave voice to the challenges faced by many Egyptians.

[4] Following Egypt's loss in the 1967 war, while much of the mainstream Egyptian music of that time expressed a sense of national pride and focused on rallying the people behind the government, Imam's songs took a different approach.

[5][6] His song "Shaq'a Buq'a Ya Dil Al-Far" (شقع بقع يا ديل الفار) became particularly well-known, as it directly called for the people to rise up and overthrow the regime that lost the 1967 war.