Listening to music is an everyday experience for most people. However, aspiring and early-career musicians face various barriers to entry in the music industry, especially in Egypt. Imagine the scenarios. In one, Ahmed El-Sedfy, 26, has just finished performing a gig with his friends. He feels an exhilarating sense of fulfillment. When he returns home and recalls his day, he remembers that his performance was unpaid. Yet, he still deems good because it brings him exposure. El-Sedfy wonders if there are other ways to help him gain recognition, from both professionals in the industry as well as his own family. Then, he remembers how challenging it will be to convince his parents that being a musician is a real job. In the second scenario, Joudi Nox, 26, enjoys posting videos of herself singing on social media. An event organizer offers her a two-song performance slot as the opening act of another artist, at a concert. She is overwhelmed with happiness, but then she worries that her parents will deem her less moral because of it. She agonizes over her choice of outfit, and meticulously constructs her on-stage persona in order…
