CAIRO: In the male-dominated Egyptian rap scene, 21-year-old Dareen stands out with her sharp verses and distinctive style, challenging norms and bringing fresh perspectives to the stage.
Hailing from Alexandria, Dareen draws inspiration from her coastal city upbringing, where rap has a rich presence among artists like the popular Wegz. She contrasts the artistic environment of Alexandria with Cairo’s rap industry, which she describes as a thriving sector.
The Egyptian rap scene has witnessed significant growth, with Wegz emerging as the most streamed Arab artist in the Middle East and North Africa on Spotify in 2022. Mark Abou Jaoude, Spotify’s Head of Music for the region, notes the genre’s increasing impact on cultural events and international tours.
For years, Egyptian rap remained underground, but it has now gained mainstream recognition, reflected in party scenes along the Nile featuring Wegz’s music and rap artists securing multinational advertising deals.
Amr Abdelrahim, a music researcher, observes a shift in the professionalization of rap, impacting music production and lyrical content. This generation of rappers sees significant financial opportunities in the industry.
Amid this growth, female rap artists like Dareen are asserting their presence. Dareen’s song “Leila,” expressing disappointment with fellow artists, has garnered substantial views on YouTube.
While female rappers are making strides, they still face societal challenges and a class divide compared to their male counterparts. Abdelrahim highlights the popularity of “Mahraganat” (electro-shaabi) music among Egyptian youth, which contrasts with the more middle and upper-class rap audience.
Female rappers often navigate societal expectations and stereotypes, addressing personal topics and vulnerabilities in their lyrics. Dareen’s album “Kawabes” delves into themes like depression and break-ups, reflecting personal experiences.
However, the journey for female rappers is arduous. Dareen emphasizes the societal pressures and obstacles faced by women in the industry, from familial expectations to harassment.
In Egypt’s conservative society, professions in the public eye, including rap, are challenging for women. Despite this, more women are entering the rap scene, mostly from affluent backgrounds where societal constraints are relatively less stringent.
While women rappers navigate the genre’s expectations, they carve their own path, balancing rap’s assertiveness with societal norms and expectations of respectability.
