In the working class neighborhood of Ezbat Al-Nakhl in Cairo,  loud electronic music can be heard in every corner. DJ Kani Kosba sets his equiment, puts on his headset and arranges his cheap Chinese loudspeakers in a wedding hall to compete with the other music coming from shops, tuktuks and buses. Between noon and midnight, sounds from clashing speakers fill the airwaves in the neighborhood.

In the working class neighborhood of Ezbat Al-Nakhl in Cairo,  loud electronic music can be heard in every corner. DJ Kani Kosba sets his equiment, puts on his headset and arranges his cheap Chinese loudspeakers in a wedding hall to compete with the other music coming from shops, tuktuks and buses. Between noon and midnight, sounds from clashing speakers fill the airwaves in the neighborhood.

Kosba plays wedding parties, occasions where “taboos are absent,” the DJ told Correspondents. “Social differences between local residents are usually put aside until after the party,” adds Dj Kosba. Kosba is not one of the wealthiest wedding disc jockeys, but nevertheless he knows his limited set of speakers must compete, even outdo, the booming competition.

“The part I like the most in any party is when I see that the guests are not in the mood – they may smoke something- and then I turn the party upside down,” says Koba. Such wedding celebrations often go on for days and constitute a marathon set for Dj Kosba.

Many Egyptian Djs have gone on to find festivals, Al-Sadat, Fifi, or Haha, but Kosba himself does not hold such lofty ambitions.  “People want to have fun, I can play music that makes them dance the whole day,” says Kosba, which he says is enough to give him job satisfaction.  “Why should I play the same Hamada Hilal congratulation song everyweek!”

Wedding to high street

Traditionally Kosba survived off playing weddings but shop openings are becoming equally if not more lucrative.  On shop openings, the owners usually throw a party and hire a DJ as a sort of call to potential customers. Kosba has taken well to this new sector. “I love it when someone calls me to play at a shop opening, because there, I can play whatever I want,” says the DJ. “People only ask for a religious song by Hisham Abbas, some verses of the Quran, and then I can play the mixes I want, no one annoys me with requests.” Shop openings are also open to everyone, an added bonus, says Kosba: “I play the music and those who want to have fun are always welcome”.

Shop openings are not as profitable however as weddings. Kosba makes between 300 and 500 pounds  (33-55 USD) for a shop opening party, depending on the equipment he brings with him.  Kosba charges 500 pounds for playing a wedding, in addition to a percentage from the monetary gifts the bride receives.