Biography

Donia Massoud (Arabic: دنيا مسعود; born 2 May 1979) is an Egyptian actress and singer. Massoud was born and raised in Alexandria. At the age of 19, she moved to Cairo to the chagrin of her parents. Massoud discovered the stage and theater in Cairo, becoming a singer and actress.During the early 2000s, Massoud spent three years travelling through Egypt collecting folk tales and music. She made recordings of traditional songs and gained access to village weddings and festivals. She was surprised that much of the music dealt with the experiences of women, characterizing many songs as almost bawdy. Massoud released a limited-run album in 2009, Mahatet Masr, and her most popular song "Betnadeeny Tany Leeh" questions why an old boyfriend is calling her since she found a new lover. She toured performing the music in Africa, Europe, and Asia, playing traditional instruments as well as singing.In addition to her music, Massoud joined the theater group Al-Warsha. She considers music to be a similar art form to the dramatic arts. Her stage presence has been compared to that of Soad Hosny. Massoud has starred in several films and television series in Egypt and Sweden, in both Arabic and English. Her roles include the films Galteny Mogremen (2006), In the Heliopolis Flat (2007) and Genenet al asmak (2008).In 2015, Massoud drew controversy for a tattoo on her back that read, "My heart’s feud is with God."