Amina Onsy was born and raised in Cairo; her relationship with her city is one of love, curiosity, and movement. She describes herself as being in a “constant dance” as she navigates all walks of life, negotiates with the rules, lives amid contradictions, and interacts with all Cairo residents. Cairo exhausts her, surprises her, and nourishes her, and this relationship shapes the way she views the world.

Her mother, uncle, and aunt were actively involved in the 2011 revolution in Egypt. Shortly thereafter, the country went through a complex period of transition, caught between hope and uncertainty, during which Amina suddenly lost her mother amid widespread instability and insecurity. By the age of 14, she had become very independent.

She studied sociology and community development before carving out a career that bridges culture and humanitarian work. She has worked notably with development initiatives, including the Aga Khan Music Program, as well as with Mada Masr, Cairo’s only independent newspaper. For nearly a decade, she has also been active in the arts sector. She has notably collaborated with Maqamat and choreographer Omar Rajeh.