The Egyptian entrepreneur Mansur ʿAbd al-ʿAl Mansur was well-versed in the latest technology and the most powerful machines. After a stint in Saudi Arabia working in aluminum production, Mansur returned to Egypt in the 1980s with roughly 1,000 cassette tapes in tow. Not content with distribution alone, Mansur soon pivoted to A&R (Artists and repertoire), focusing on the search for and development of artistic talent.