Karin van Nieuwkerk is an anthropologist and professor of contemporary Islam in Europe and the Middle East at Radboud University, the Netherlands. She is the author of ‘A Trade Like Any Other’: Female Singers and Dancers in Egypt (1995) and Performing Piety: Singers and Actors in Egypt’s Islamic Revival (2013). She is also co-editor of five volumes on Islam, performing arts, and popular culture, including Enjoying Religion: Pleasure and Fun in Established and New Religious Movements (2018).

• Introduction Part ONE: Theoretical Reflections1. On Bio-ethnography 2. Manhood3. “Authentically Egyptian” Masculinity Part TWO Sayyid’s Childhood (1950–65)4. My Father and My Family 5. Working at Weddings with My Father 6. Reflections on Oral History and Gender Part THREE Coming of Age (1965-–77)7. Frustrated Love and Thwarted Ambitions 8. Entering the Trade 9. Performing Masculinity: Sayyid’s Reflections on Being a ManPart FOUR Responsibilities (1977º86)10. Marriage11. Migration 12. Materializing manhood: Sayyid’s reflections on moneyPart FIVE Becoming a Real Man (1987–2005)13. A Respectable Job 14. Working behind Dancers 15. Friendship 16. Female Display of Manhood: Sayyid’s Reflections on wWmanhoodPart SIX Old Age (From 2005 Onward)17. Entering Trades Union Politics 18. Pilgrimage to Mecca 19. Reflections on Manhood in the MakingAfterwordGlossaryBibliography Index

"With a title taken from neighborhood graffiti, this 'bio-ethnography' of sha’bi accordionist Sayyid Henkish illustrates the challenge of living out masculine norms on Muhammad Ali Street, a lower-middle-class enclave for Cairo’s dancers, musicians and street performers throughout the 20th century."—AramcoWorld"An extraordinary work of meticulous scholarship."—Midwest Book Review"Unreservedly recommended for college and university library collections.​"—Al Ahram