'Grime’ singers banned

Egypt's union for musicians has issued a ban against local grime singers, claiming that it is protecting the public. The music, known as mahraganat, has become popular among the poor in Egypt with its working class performers attracting millions of followers on social media. It has its roots in the early 2000s when wedding DJs combined folk music and electronic dance music with reggae and rap. However, the Middle East Monitor reports that the Egyptian Music Syndicate says the lyrics promote violence, drugs and alcohol. ‘It is time for the state to give attention to the real arts, and support and back the things that deserve to represent the culture of Egypt. The state is backing the ban,’ said syndicate head Hany Shaker.