QuarterTones | Music from the Arab World

Nai Barghouti joins us for a very special episode of Quartertones ahead of her performance at the Toronto Palestine Film Festival on September 27th which will be her Canadian debut. Speaking from the heart, Nai shares how Palestine underscores the music she makes and performs, her journey to becoming unapologetically Palestinian, and learning the nuanced language of Fairuz's music. She tells us of the raw grief, hope and joy she finds come out of each performance and each audience she connects with, how her flute is her trusted companion on stage, and the step changes that have come for her as a Palestinian musician since October 7th. Mikey also asks her how she maintains integrity, authenticity and fidelity with herself ⁠— especially when it comes to balancing her career.Catch Nai in Toronto on the 27th September 👉https://www.tpff.ca/events-all/naibarghoutiNai Barghouti is a Palestinian singer, composer and flute player. At the age of 14, she launched her professional singing career and completed her studies in classical flute performance at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine, where she discovered a passion for composition.Connect with Nai 👉 https://www.instagram.com/naibarghoutiofficial/?hl=enHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

It's not often that we welcome a film score composer on QuarterTones. So we had a lot to chat about with award-winning composer Suad Bushnaq. We discuss the realities of writing music for cinema, her favorite Arab film scores of all time, and why the best movie soundtracks are those that you don't remember. We quizz Suad on how she chooses a key for her music, what it was like to study at Damascus' Higher Institute of Music after auditioning in front of no-other than the late Solhi al-Wadi, and overcoming one's ego as a creative.Suad Bushnaq is an award-winning film and concert composer with more than 40 film credits to her name. Described as an "incredible artist" by Hans Zimmer, Suad was born and raised in Amman and studied at the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, Syria and later at McGill University. Suad received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Score at the 10th Canadian Screen Awards in 2022.Connect with Suad & listen to some of her music 👉 https://www.youtube.com/user/SuadBushnaqHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

In this episode of QuarterTones, Cheb Mimo joins us in our podcast studio in Beirut along with his cassette player, turntable, and rare records and tapes, to take us on a tour of North Africa's raï, funk, and disco. With each musical interlude, Cheb Mimo introduces both well-known, niche and sometimes forgotten musicians through the past decades. We get a feel for raï as a transgressive genre that evokes a sense of liberation and rebellion. Cheb Mimo shares insights about playing sets with tapes versus records, how and where he goes hunting for musical treasures, and the transformation of raï over the years.Cheb Mimo is a DJ, selector and NTS Radio resident, with roots in Algeria and Tunisia and currently based in London.Connect with Cheb Mimo 👉 https://www.instagram.com/chebmimo_/Check out Cheb Mimo's Radio Show Shakshouka 👉 https://www.nts.live/shows/cheb-mimoSpecial Thanks to The Lick Records 👉 https://www.instagram.com/thelickrecords/& SHRQ GHRB 👉 https://www.instagram.com/_shrq.ghrb_/Hosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

We're stoked to finally be launching our live in-studio sessions in our podcast recording studio in Beirut as an extension to Quartertones. The first is with no other than our past guest Rayess Bek (aka Wael Kodeih), the Lebanese music composer, producer, and performer's behind projects such as Love & Revenge, Aks'ser, and Goodbye Schlöndorff. He plays three tracks from recent projects, explaining the background behind the archival cinematic clips that his music accompanies, how he chooses which films to remix, and whose voices he selects to work with. From Mohammed Abdel Wahab's Ya Masafer Wahdak, Saudi Arabia's Ibtisam Lutfi to Mauritania's Horreya Rayess Bek takes us around the Arab world through his music.Connect with Rayess Bek 👉 https://twitter.com/RayessBekFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra#QuartertonesPodcast #RayessBek #HipHopHistory #dubstep #LebaneseMusic #MusicEvolution #MauritanianMusic

What makes experimental music…experimental? And what does it take to cultivate a thriving musical scene in the context of the Arab world? In this episode of QuarterTones, Sharif Sehnaoui joins us in our studio in Beirut to talk about the genre in the Arab world, the cultural significance and economic value of music, why his work is in itself an act of resistance, and Lebanon's unique position where the music and creative scenes are considered.Sharif Sehnaoui is a free improvisation guitarist and the director of "Irtijal" an International festival of experimental music – and the longer running music festival in Beirut. He also runs two record labels: Al Maslakh & Annihaya.Connect with Sharif 👉 https://x.com/sharifsehnaouiHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#ArabWorld #MiddleEast #ExperimentalMusic #Beirut #Lebanon

This QuarterTones episode is exceptionally in French and is hosted by our Outline host, Sabine Boghossian.We chat with Khalil Hentati (EPI) a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and essential figure in North Africa's alternative, electronic and contemporary music scenes. He shares the stories behind the origins of his collaborations and dives into the musical traditions of North Africa — namely Aïta and Isawiyya – discussing the disappearance of these oral traditions. Khalil talks about the music that inspired him as a teenager, and how "shaabi" music is perceived and understood today. He finally, reflects on the impact of the Tunisian revolution on politics, culture and music, as well as the state of the musical ecosystem in North Africa today.Khalil EPI is a composer and multi-instrumentalist, and an essential figure in the electronic and contemporary effort in reinterpreting traditional and popular North African music, he has been collaborating for years with artists such as N3rdistan, Frigya, Dhamma, Deena Abdelwahed, and Arabstazy. He is also the manager of French-Tunisian label Shouka. (via Bandcamp)Connect with Khalil 👉 https://www.instagram.com/khalilepi/Hosted by:Sabine Boghossian 👉 https://www.instagram.com/sabineboghossianFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#ElectronicMusic #NorthAfrica #NorthAfricanMusic #AlternativeMusic

In this episode of QuarterTones, we're joined by the frontman of pioneering Jordanian rock band, JadaL. Mahmoud Radaideh tells us about how the band popularized the genre in the Arab world, reflecting on his journey as a musician, and the shifting moment when an artist realizes that their work no longer belongs to them solely – but to their audience even more so. With each musical interlude, we hear about the stories behind some of JadaL's best known tracks, learn more about Jordan's music scene, and the short but rich history of Arabic rock.Mahmoud Radaideh is a Jordanian songwriter, guitarist, music producer and vocalist, and the frontman and founder of Jordanian rock band JadaL.Connect with Mahmoud 👉https://www.instagram.com/mahmoud_radaidehJadaL is a Jordanian Arabic Rock Band formed in 2003 by Mahmoud Radaideh. To date, the band has released four albums. Their most recent album was La Tlou' El Daw.Discover JadaL 👉https://www.instagram.com/jadalband/Discover JadaL's music 👉https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgg-xikydVXprYmlVjmqEgHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#ArabicRock #ArabRock #ArabMusic #MiddleEasternMusic

Multi-instrumentalist musician and musicologist Ronnie Malley shares his immense knowledge of Arabic classical music, touring us through the fundamentals of the musical canon and the sounds, songs and rhythms that define it. He tells us about his early exposure to Arabic music in Chicago playing for his father's bands, through thousands of wedding performances, to building a career alongside some of the biggest names in Arabic music. We learn about the history of Arabic music from Al-Andalus, the Ottoman Empire and all the way to India, and how Ronnie seeks to bring these sounds together in his own Arab-American context. To round the interview off, he shares some of the best Arab musicians that we should all be listening to.Ronnie Malley is a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist musician on oud, guitar, keys, and percussion, a music producer, theater maker, and educator. He is also executive director of Intercultural Music Production. Malley’s professional work and academic research focuses on cultures and various musical styles from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and medieval Spain.Connect with Ronnie 👉https://www.instagram.com/ronniemalley/Hosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_muFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh 

Fadi Tabbal is a hidden giant of Beirut's alternative music scene. He joins us in our studio in Beirut to talk about the music he's produced over the years, the independent musicians on the rise, and the work that his studio – Tunefork studios – is doing. He compares the music scenes in Beirut, Cairo and Dubai, and explains how there are no records or archives of the alternative music that came before the last decade. He takes us on a journey through the 70s to the 2000s and 2010s, talks about music in the internet age, and tells us how Red Bull shaped the music scene in Lebanon for a period of time.Fadi Tabbal is a Lebanese musician, producer and sound engineer often referred to as "the hardest-working man in Lebanon's alternative music scene." He established Tunefork Studios in 2006 and has produced and recorded some of the most renowned Lebanese and international acts in the contemporary music scene in Lebanon today.Connect with Fadi 👉 https://kr-music.com/Hosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#AlternativeMusic #Beirut #Lebanon #ArabMusic 

From medic to musician, Amman to Palestine, and quitting Ritalin, The Synaptik is a multifaceted musician who has grown out of change and transition. In this QuarterTones episode filmed live in afikra's studio in Beirut, The Synaptik tells us about his adolescence in Jordan defined by frustration and Ritalin, which was prescribed to him at a young age. He shares how the drug impacted him and how his life changed as he weaned off it; what he learnt about himself through music; and why he chose to build his career in Palestine.Laith Hasan, better known as The Synaptik, is a Celebrated Palestinian-Jordanian rapper and hip-hop artist with shows selling out worldwide. He started writing music since he was 17 and living in Jordan and finally moved to Palestine where he currently resides. His albums include Al Qamar Wal Moheet, Ma Qabl Al Tawafan, and Om Al Mawjat.Connect with The Synaptik 👉 https://www.instagram.com/thesynaptik/?hl=enHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#HipHop #RapMusic #PalestinianRap #PalestineMusic 

Emmy-nominated composer Kareem Roustom joins us on Quartertones to discuss all things Arabic music. With musical interludes from across his albums, we talk about the origins of Arabic Classical Music, current and previous perceptions around it, and the pioneers of the genre including Sayed Darwish and Sabah Fakhri. We get to grips with what defines Arabic music, hear about what it's like to get an Emmy nomination, and whether it was fun to work with Shakira and Tina Turner.Check out what Kareem Roustom's been listening to lately 👉 https://www.afikra.com/daftarjournal/kareem-roustomKareem Roustom is a Syrian-American composer whose genre-crossing collaborations include music commissioned by conductor Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, the Kronos Quartet, arrangements for pop icons Shakira and Tina Turner, as well as a recent collaboration with acclaimed British choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh. A musically bilingual composer, Roustom is rooted in the music of the Arab near-east but his music often expresses beyond the confines of tradition. The themes of a number of his works often touch issues of those affected by war and instability.Connect with Kareem 👉 https://kr-music.com/Hosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#ClassicalArabicMusic #Composer #Composition #EmmyNominated

Buzq player and musicologist Farah Kaddour, joins us in the afikra studio in Beirut to give us a tour of her music and her instrument. Alongside musical interludes and live performances, we talk about the specific sound and identity of the Buzq and Farah's individual performance style. She tells us about how she experiments with the sound she's able to create with the Buzq and how playing this traditional instrument is in itself a form of political resistance. Finally she tells us about her first solo project — Badā — which consists of a mix of composed and improvised music.Farah Kaddour is a Beirut-based musician and researcher. She holds a master’s degree in Musicology from the Antonine University. She works mainly in the field of folk and classical Arabic music, and attempts to rediscover and experiment with the sound of the Buzq by shedding light on the intersection between the identity of its sound, and the identity of a new, yet rooted music she presents both as a soloist, and active member on a range of diverse collaborations. As a Buzq player and composer, she is a part of TILT and SANAM. In the summer of 2023, she released with SANAM their first debut album “Aykathani Malakon” on UK-based label Mais Um. She is releasing her first solo album “Badā” on Canadian label Asadun Alay. Connect with Farah 👉 https://www.instagram.com/farah.kad/?hl=enHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh#ClassicalArabicMusic #Maqam #Buzuq #Buzq

We sat down with Maysa Daw and Tamer Nafar from Palestinian Hip-Hop group DAM for a live recording of Quartertones at Sole DXB in December 2023. We play short clips of music from their albums and talk about representing their home city of Lydda through rap, working with Israeli musicians in “co-resistance” and writing music that goes beyond the occupation as Palestinian musicians. DAM is a Palestinian hip-hop group founded in 1999 by brothers Tamer and Suheil Nafar. Maysa Daw joined in 2015. Connect with DAM 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dampalestine/?hl=enConnect with Tamer 👉 https://www.instagram.com/tamer_nafar/?hl=enConnect with Maysa  👉 https://www.instagram.com/maysadaw/?hl=enSole DXB is an annual footwear, music, art, and lifestyle festival that takes place in the Dubai Design District in Dubai, UAE. It launched in 2011 as a modest gathering for sneaker enthusiasts and has since grown into a regional platform that brings global brands and performers to Dubai.afikra partnered with Sole DXB in December 2023 to facilitate and moderate some talks as part of the festival.Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh 

At Sole DXB in December 2023, Oddisee joined afikra on stage for a live episode of Quartertones. Using his music as an entryway, this conversation journeys from D.C. to NYC all the way to Sudan. We learn about Oddisee's musical influences and how he blends soundscapes from iconic musical eras and his own heritage.With each musical interlude, we dive deeper into Oddisee's creative process, the inspiration and stories behind his music, and how he seeks to explore questions of identity, whiteness, racism and hypocrisy through rap. He shares anecdotes of "being too Sudanese to perform at the Whitehouse" and yet "too American to perform in Amman" post October 7th, as well as instances of other facets of his identity "excusing" his blackness in the USA. This is a captivating discussion that touches on themes of colonialism, cross-culture commonalities and difference, and finding one's place and position in what, ultimately, is a very small world.ODDISEE (Amir Mohamed el Khalifa), is a half Black American and half Sudanese rapper and record producer from Washington, D.C. He is one third of the rap trio Diamond District. He was also part of the Low Budget Crew. Connect with ODDISEE 👉 https://www.instagram.com/oddisee/?hl=enSole DXB is an annual footwear, music, art, and lifestyle festival that takes place in the Dubai Design District in Dubai, UAE. It launched in 2011 as a modest gathering for sneaker enthusiasts and has since grown into a regional platform that brings global brands and performers to Dubai.afikra partnered with Sole DXB in December 2023 to facilitate and moderate some talks as part of the festival.Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by:Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbFOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

In this episode of Quartertones, musician, architect and urban researcher Mayssa Jallad joins us in the afikra studio in Beirut to talk about her latest, deeply researched work “Marjaa: Battle of the Hotels”. The album brings together her passion for music and her background in urban research and architectural history. She recounts her interest in buildings and her relationship to her city, Beirut. She shares how the album was born out of her Historic Preservation master’s thesis, and gives the critical historical context to the “Battle of the Hotels” after which the album is named: a five-month long battle that took place in Beirut between Oct 1975 and March 1976, and the world’s first “urban battle”. Maysaa Jallad is a Lebanese singer, songwriter and urban researcher based in Beirut. Connect with Mayssa 👉https://www.instagram.com/mayssajallad/?hl=enTheme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

In this episode of the Quartertones podcast, we sat down with Rayess Bek (aka Wael Kodeih) to talk about his varied and vibrant musical career. As we traverse his music projects, personas and styles from over the years, the conversation explores the Lebanese music composer, producer, and performer's relationship with Lebanon, hip hop, history, war and colonialism. We listen to tracks from his beginnings with Aks'ser, his audiovisual performance Goodbye Schlöndorff which brings together audio tapes, musical composition and film sequences, and finally his solo endeavors as Rayess Bek.Connect with Rayess Bek 👉https://twitter.com/RayessBekTheme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

On this episode of Quartertones, up-and-coming musician Ghaliaa discusses her love for music, career to date, and finding inspiration in non-fiction. She talks about her childhood, how she came to be so multi-instrumental, and who her Arabic music inspirations are. Ghaliaa also reflects on the influence of TikTok and other social media on the music industry today and what it means to her to write music in Arabic.Ghaliaa is a Syrian, multi-instrumental and multilingual singer, songwriter and composer whose music blends RNB, hiphop, electro pop, indie and jazz influences.Connect with Ghaliaa 👉https://www.instagram.com/ghaliaaofficial/?hl=enTheme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

In this episode of Quartertone, Karim Nagi takes us on a journey into the world of Arabic percussion and rhythm. He talks about his experience as a musician and how the arts – and percussion in particular – have helped him embrace and grow into his own Arab identity. He shares his advice for musicians who are just embarking on their own journeys, and his top recommendations for albums and musicians to listen to. Karim gives us a fascinating lesson on various aspects of Arab music, walking us through the different iqa’at’, maqamat and taqaseem, and explaining the four levels of mastery of the daff or riq. Finally, he gives us a preview of his latest album Karama which celebrates different styles of music from the Arab world. Karim Nagi is an Egyptian musician, composer, folk dance artist and DJ. His music is influenced by both Arabic traditions and contemporary music from around the globe. He specializes in Arabic hand percussion and music ensemble performance. In 2001, he launched the Arabiqa program which educates children and adults on Arabic culture through music and arts rather than through religion and politics. Connect with Karim 👉https://www.instagram.com/mrkarimnagi/Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59nsHosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gbTHIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC.Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the last of six featuring a conversation with and performance by Yacine Boulares and Sofiane Saidi along with snaps from a performance by Nesrine at Joe's pub.Yacine Boulares is a French-Tunisian saxophonist, clarinetist and composer based in New York. His music explores North & West African rhythms as well as Jazz. He founded the Shems Record label and Habibi Festival in 2020.Sofiane Saidi "the King of Rai 2.0", is an Algerian raï musician who has had a multifaceted musical career to date. Born in the heartland of Rai music, Saidi moved to France in the 90s. His music rethinks and revolutionizes Rai music as we know it.Nesrine Bolmokh is a Franco-Algerian singer, cellist and songwriter who brings the Mediterranean together with North Africa in her music.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKQuarterTones is afikra’s music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including alternative scene or hip-hop, electronic, classical music, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to some of the most interesting work from across the region and genres, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg2zwxYLPXg&list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

We partnered with Habibi Festival for a six-night celebration of ancient + contemporary sounds from Lebanon, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria and more! It all took place from October 1-7 at Joe's Pub in NYC.Each night we taped live conversations with the artists on stage. This special Quartertones episode is the fifth of six, featuring a conversation with and performance by Clarissa Bitar, along with snaps from a performance by Sofiane Saidi at Joe's pub.Clarissa Bitar is a Palestinian oud musician and composer born, raised, and based in Los Angeles, California. They graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Music and an emphasis in Ethnomusicology. As a student, Clarissa won multiple awards for excellence in performance in Ethnomusicology and had the privilege of playing around California with the UC Santa Barbara Middle East Ensemble. To further their studies, Clarissa sought out and learned from prominent Arab oudists including Simon Shaheen, Charbel Rouhana, and Bassam Saba.Sofiane Saidi "the king of Rai 2.0", is an Algerian raï musician who has had a multifaceted musical career to date. Born in the heartland of Rai music, Saidi moved to France in the 90s. His music rethinks and revolutionises Rai music as we know it.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKQuarterTones is afikra’s music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including alternative scene or hip-hop, electronic, classical music, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to some of the most interesting work from across the region and genres, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg2zwxYLPXg&list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra