Born on September 21,1912 in al-Raml in Alexandria, Muhammad Mahmoud Sha’ban was graduated from the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University in 1939. He studied under the doyen of Arabic literature Dr. Taha Hussein in the Department of Latino-Greek Studies. On Hussein’s recommendations, Sha’ban worked in the Egyptian Radio immediately after graduation as a news announcer.

Over the period 1940-1960 Sha’ban’s voice was associated with the program "Children Talk".

Baba Sharo’s involvement in children programs came just by mere chance when he substituted for an absent announcer. Sha’ban presented the program, creatively using music and sound effects while telling the story, to the great satisfaction and admiration of critics and listeners, children in particular. the program continued for 20 years.

Baba Sharo set the trend of introducing operettas in the Radio such as "The Virgin of the Spring", "The Brunet Shepherd", "Dandurmah" or (Ice-cream), "King Abul-Fassad's wagtail Birthday", and "King Soliman’s Treasures". These operettas and were imaginatively written.

He transformed the tales of "A Thousand and one Nights" to drama, directing more than 900 episodes together with the great Taher Abu Fasha. He also presented a dramatic work titled "The Songs of Al-Asfahanny" based on one of the masterpieces of Arabic literature bearing the same title which continued for 5 years.

In 1948, Sha'ban was appointed head of thematic programs. Four years later he became director of the music program. In 1971, he was appointed head of the Egyptian Radio.

When he retired from Radio, he was appointed consultant to the Minister of Information for two years. Then he taught in one of the Arab Universities.

Muhammad Mahmoud Sha'ban, or Baba (father) Sharo died on January 10, 1999 at the age of 86.

Awards

- 1954 Medal of Merit

- 1976 Medal of the Republic

- A number of awards and prizes in acknowledgment of his pioneer role by the Catholic Center (1980), the Academy of Arts, the Arab Center of Documentary and Short Films, the Egyptian Radio on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee (1984), and the National Council for Children's Culture. He was chosen Honorary Head of the 1st and 2hd Cairo Festival for Radio and TV .