Fatine’s mother Nadia is a popular chikha – the lead singer and dancer in a group of musicians who perform aita, the popular local music of Morocco, at traditional celebrations like weddings. At 17, Fatine has just graduated from school with high honors and wants to go to university, which would put an end to her own growing role in the family troupe; her boyfriend thinks they should go to Meknes as a couple. It is becoming clear, however, that Youssef just wants to be able to control her – and, above all, stop her singing