Laila, a beautiful, gifted singer and the daughter of a talented oud player, dreams of becoming the most famous diva of the Arab world. Training her in the art of Arabic music, her father, Kamal, also raises her with the liberties usually given to a boy. Laila and Kamal forge a path to stardom against societal norms, putting on nightly performances at Nile front cafes in the city’s music district, where belly dancers open shows and the sweet flutelike sound of the nay beckons patrons. But tragedy and abject poverty stand in Laila’s way. As Egypt struggles to free itself of British occupation, Laila wrestles for her own independence against colonialism, patriarchy, and religious dogma.