Mayam Mahmoud

Mayam Mahmoud is an Egyptian rapper and women's rights activist. She grew in popularity at the age of 18 while performing on the TV talent show Arabs Got Talent in October 2013. Mahmoud's work on the show led her to the semi-finals, where she was then voted off. Nevertheless, Mahmoud continued to rap and perform for audiences. As Egypt's first veiled rapper, Mahmoud's lyrics express the fight for women's rights and condemn the enduring problem of sexual harassment in Egypt. In London, on March 20, 2018, Mahmoud won the Index Arts Award for her work.

Biography

Life and career Mahmoud first began rapping at the age of 10, after her mother had introduced her to poetry. Her family was uncertain whether rapping was suitable for Mahmoud as she was a female, and the rap industry was dominated by males. As she continued to rap amongst her family they began to show more interest and respect for her gift. Soon after, her family allowed her to record a mastered track in Alexandria, Egypt. She said, "if I’m going to add anything new to my life it has to go with my initial choices".

Impact Mahmoud's popularity came about in a very political time in Egypt. The Arab Spring specifically had changed the atmosphere immensely. It created a strong movement among the youth and Mahmoud is prime example of it doing so.

When music in Egypt deviates from societies norm it has been known to receive immense criticism. Mahmoud has faced both positive and negative remarks for her work. Some were angry, and believed she was misrepresenting Islam, while others felt a strong connection to her lyrics and supported her with messages on Facebook.

As a female rapper Mahmoud hopes her success will influence women, particularly in Egypt, and urge them to challenge the patriarchal customs and prejudices that exist. "According to a UN survey released in April, 99.3 per cent of Egyptian women reported being sexually harassed, causing 91 per cent to be fearful in the street." Mahmoud said, "every time we don't say anything, we make the problem bigger. Maybe the reason harassment is worse here than many other places is because we choose to shut up – and then they think they can do it more and more."