Shik Shak Shook Ones | Powered by afikra

In the season 1 finale of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Deana and Danny are joined by distinguished journalist Menna Shanab, the music editor at YUNG MENA. They delve into content saturation in the music industry, particularly focusing on how it's affecting listeners' perceptions and emotional connections to music in the age of social media. Menna shares her unique journey as an Egyptian-American living in Cairo and her deep connections with the underground music scene. The discussion also covers the growth of the MENA music industry, the potential pitfalls of rapid expansion, and the critical need for authenticity. They explore the role of bands and live music in reconnecting listeners with the human element of music creation. Finally, the episode highlights the importance of giving back to local music scenes and investing in sustainable infrastructure for artists.00:00 Introduction03:09 Menna's Journey in the Music Industry05:41 The Growth of the MENA Music Scene08:33 Challenges and Sustainability in the Music Industry11:18 The Need for Authenticity in Music13:49 The Role of Bands and Live Instruments17:08 The Future of the Music Industry26:23 The Shift from Hits to Strategy26:50 The Role of Marketing and Branding27:23 The Impact on Music Quality28:07 Authenticity in Storytelling28:44 The Value of Live Performances29:07 Challenges in the Music Industry32:18 The Need for Genuine Music Journalism36:24 The Influence of Identity Politics39:10 The Importance of Local Success42:30 The Call for Giving Back47:14 More on Authenticity50:25 Final ThoughtsMenna Shanab is an Ivy League-educated researcher who tells compelling stories of the Middle East to a global audience and synthesizes cultural narratives with market intelligence. Her narrative flair and research acumen have seen her bylines in leading online publications, resonating with a diverse, global audience. She is also the music editor of YUNG MENA. Connect with Menna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mennashnb/ Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

Elia Mssawir is a music industry veteran who has worked with global giants, managing artists and tours and eventually established Big Beards Entertainment. He joins Shik Shak Shook Ones Hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni to offer a candid look at the often unseen aspects of the music industry, covering the hurdles faced by artists, the role of gatekeepers, and the reality of industry contracts. Special segments include discussions about popular artists like Amr Diab and Wegz, as well as the future of streaming platforms. Tune in for a raw episode filled with honest insights and provocative questions.00:00 Introduction 03:39 Music Industry Insights and Personal Experiences06:10 Discussion on Current Music Trends and Artists17:02 Challenges and Realities of the Music Industry34:25 Navigating the Arab Music Industry35:28 The Impact of Streaming Platforms36:37 The Role of Major Labels37:43 The Power of Independent Artists39:01 The Digital Era and Music Consumption42:17 Challenges in the MENA Music Market47:05 The Importance of Accurate Data01:03:51 Advice for Aspiring Artists01:07:20 The Need for Industry Knowledge01:12:56 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsElia Mssawir is a Lebanese music industry veteran who has worked with industry giants like Snoop Dogg and Tinie Tempah while also nurturing emerging Middle Eastern talents. He founded a UK-based music company, booked tours for Middle Eastern artists, and later established Big Beards Entertainment in the UAE. Elia's exceptional contributions earned him the title of Entertainment Manager of the Year in 2019. He led the music for Expo 2020's opening ceremony and launched GXR Records in 2022, where he currently serves as CEO. Elia's journey showcases his passion, expertise, and dedication to talent development.Connect with Elia 👉 https://www.instagram.com/eliamssawir/Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enCurious about Elia Mssawir's episode on 963 podcast that's mentioned in the episode? 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On8K3vJm6to Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni dive deep into the challenges and dynamics of being an independent artist versus having a label backing you. They're joined by artist and producer Rita L'Oujdia, and talent manager Tarek El Mendelek from MDLBEAST Records. The discussion covers the importance of mental health for creativity, managing multiple social media platforms, and the misconceptions about the music industry. The guests share their experiences, including the reality of balancing side jobs and the importance of collaboration and support. They also touch on the cultural divide between North African artists and the rest of the Arab region, and how egos affect the industry. The episode emphasizes the need for more honest conversations about the struggles and true nature of the music industry.00:00 Introduction: Meet the Guests01:52 Current Music Trends and Personal Favorites05:39 The Reality of Being an Independent Artist09:42 Navigating the Music Industry: Labels vs Independence 21:01 Red Flags on Both Sides: Labels & Artists 31:36 Regional Differences in the Music Industry37:03 Final Thoughts and Industry InsightsRita L’Oujdia is a Moroccan-French singer-songwriter and producer who blends cultural influences with multilingual artistry. Born in Oujda, Morocco and raised in Lyon, France, she incorporates Moroccan Darija, French, Spanish, English, and Portuguese into her music. Now based in London, her repertoire spans various genres, including breezy lo-fi and upbeat reggaeton, exemplified in tracks like LFM and Trop Tard that draw on her heritage, contributing to Morocco's growing global music scene.Connect with Rita 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ritaloujdia/?hl=enTarek El Mendelek is a music executive with expertise in artist management, A&R, and touring. He interned at Live Nation in Los Angeles and worked as an artist manager at Grass Fed Music, managing talents like Gavin Haley, August 08, and offrami who has over 110M streams. Returning to the region in 2020, he co-created Music For Beirut, a fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Center, broadcast by VICE’s NOISEY and supported by Google. In 2021, Tarek joined TikTok as Label & Artist Partnerships Manager, contributing to projects like DJ Snake’s “Disco Maghreb.” As of October 2023, he is Artist Manager at MDLBEAST Records.Connect with Tarek 👉 https://www.instagram.com/callmetyro/?hl=en Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

Shik Shak Shook Ones hosts Deana Soni and Danny Hajjar bring us a year-end music review of the Arab music scene. From bangers to blunders they highlight their favorite tracks and albums, artists who surprised them (both positively and negatively), overrated and underrated music, memorable collaborations, and predictions for the music scene in 2025.00:00 Introduction 01:06 Recap of the Year in Music02:03 Current Music Obsessions03:03 Debate on Music Remixes05:27 Favorite Songs of the Year15:01 Favorite EPs & Albums23:26 Overrated Albums & Tracks25:51 Underrated Albums & Tracks29:59 Artists That Surprised Us35:42 Favorite Collaborations38:57 Non-Arabic Music Highlights42:17 Predictions for 202544:32 Conclusion & Farewell Listen to Danny and Deana's mixtape for 2024:Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6C4R7BoVnNbM3LAtZa6Syl?si=f28a20a8bb4a4543Anghami 👉 https://open.anghami.com/9fzreZ9sMPb Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Shik Shak Shook Ones, Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni are joined by Alya Mooro, author of The Greater Freedom and co-founder of Zola Studios. They delve into the nuances of critiquing art from marginalized and underrepresented communities, particularly within the burgeoning Arabic music scene. Discussing the balance between authentic self-expression and the pressures of representation, the trio explores personal experiences, the impact of cultural and historical contexts, and the evolution of artistic responsibility. Alya shares her journey from music journalism to producing content that reflects the true essence of the SWANA community, shedding light on the importance of honest storytelling amidst external perceptions.00:00 Introduction 03:21 Music Preferences & Affirmations07:16 Responsibility in the Critique of Underrepresented Communities 17:50 Countering Dehumanization Through Honest Representation 21:46 Authenticity in Art 29:09 Navigating Identity in Art & Media37:14 The Role of Criticism Locally & in the Diaspora47:29 Honest Storytelling vs Commodification of Culture 57:54 Outro & Final ThoughtsAlya Mooro is an Egyptian-born, London-raised writer, producer, and bestselling author of The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes. Her acclaimed debut explores the nuanced experiences of Middle Eastern women in the diaspora, earning her recognition as a “Nu-Gen Feminist to know” by Glamour. Alya contributes to publications like VICE and The Telegraph, runs the cult newsletter The Greater Conversation, and uses her platform to amplify diverse voices. With a BA in Sociology and Psychology and a Masters in Journalism, she blends sociological insight with storytelling. She’s currently working on her second book and new TV projects.Connect with Alya 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alyamooro/Alya on Substack 👉 https://substack.com/@thegreaterconversationExplore Zola Studios 👉 https://www.zola-studios.com/The playlist Alya mentions 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Kzv3BwQAD3EtwILaXxSI6?si=7XuRZDqPSQGfBxmtF5IalQTheme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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#AlyaMooro #ShikShakShookOnes #ArabMusicians #ArabicMusic Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni delve into the listening habits of Arabic music fans across the diaspora and the Middle East and North Africa region. Joined by Salam Kmeid, Head of Content Marketing at Anghami, who brings 12 years of industry experience, the discussion covers popular artists, the impact of geography on music preferences, and the unique challenges faced by diaspora artists trying to break into the MENA market. They explore artists like Saint Levant, Elyanna, Amr Diab, Wegz, and talk about how music consumption varies across different regions. Salam also provides insights into major initiatives by Anghami to support emerging talents. Tune in to get a comprehensive look at the Arabic music scene both within and outside the MENA region.00:00 Introduction to Regional Artists00:35 Meet the Hosts and Guest01:42 Diving into Listening Habits02:43 Salam's Musical Preferences06:19 Impact of Diaspora on Music11:43 Top Artists in the Region14:46 New Wave of Popular Artists22:55 Diaspora Fans and Language Barriers23:47 Elyanna's Impact and Diaspora Connection24:16 Challenges for Non-Arabic Speaking Artists25:12 Success Stories: Anees and Others25:43 Audience Demographics and Listening Habits26:44 Funny Story About Elyanna's Cover27:58 European vs US Success for Artists31:16 Focus on Local vs Diaspora Artists32:04 Initiatives to Support Local Talents33:25 Breakthrough Artists and Their Impact41:13 Upcoming Projects and Initiatives43:24 Closing Remarks and GratitudeSalam is the Head of Content Marketing at Anghami. With over 12 years in the music industry, she has led major campaigns, including exclusive deals with global icons like Amr Diab, while championing emerging talents through initiatives like Sawt Jdeed. Salam also spearheaded impactful projects like reintroducing Rotana's catalog and Anghami’s mental health-focused Sukoon campaign.Connect with Salam 👉 https://www.instagram.com/salamkmeid/#Anghami #SalamKmeid #ShikShakShookOnes #ArabMusicians #ArabicMusic #AmrDiab #Elyanna #SaintLevant #ArabAmericans #Diaspora Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

This episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones is an emotionally charged venting session and an appeal for more thoughtful engagement with culture in times of hardship. Hosts Danny and Deana vent their frustrations, share their experiences, and tackle the responsibilities of artists and journalists in reflecting and responding to political and humanitarian events, highlighting the difficulties of detaching politics from music. As people in the music industry, our hosts try to navigate their social and cultural responsibilities, reflecting on their struggle to engage in music amidst the ongoing war on the Palestinian, Lebanese and Sudanese people. They call out artists and labels who claim the importance of their Arab identity in their journey for their perceived silence, criticizing them for exploiting cultural identities without truly supporting their communities. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and genuine activism from artists, and shine the light on music entities and artists who are using their platforms for positive impact and have been as loud as ever about the struggles of people in the region.00:45 Introduction and Context01:35 Impact of Current Events on Music03:35 Frustrations with the Music Industry08:32 The Responsibilities of Artists vs Public Image14:49 Personal Reflections and Accountability30:24 Shoutouts and Positive Examples35:30 Closing Thoughts and Community EngagementTheme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

Who are the best up-and-coming Arab artists we don't know about? In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni drop all of the names you should be listening to. We get to know our two hosts a little better as they share their origin stories, their OG favorites (spoiler: a lot of Shakira), all the emerging artists they've got their eyes on, and where to find them.P.S. Don't hold back! Drop us some comments with your favorite recommendations 👇Discover 👉 @rap_shar3Hosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enDeana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media.Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

The Rolling Stone's 50 Best Arabic Pop Songs of the 21st Century was a big and a controversial ranking to put together. Luckily, Shik Shak Shook One's very own Danny Hajjar was up to the task and will break down the logic behind his choices for the ranking. Joined by special guest Alya Fetyani who's done loads for the Arabic music industry while at Spotify, and his co-host Deana Soni, he rewinds to tell us about what it was like putting this ranking together. Danny reveals how he, along with 15 panelists (including both Deana and Alya), defined what makes a song "Arabic" and on what basis they chose the songs that made it onto the list. Not without heated conversations and a bit of backlash, Danny shares his favorite reactions to the list so far and the conversations it has sparked. Plus, bonus mentions to some of the up-and-coming artists that he says he would definitely include if he repeated the process in ten year's time.Check out the ranking on Rolling Stone 👉https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-arabic-pop-songs-1235000979/abdul-majeed-abdullah-mn-methlak-1235002041/Hosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media.Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.Alya Fetyani is a Saudi-American professional who has worked in the global music industry for over a decade. She is the founder of I Made You A Mixtape, a crowdsourcing project for music discovery. She has also worked at Tidal and Spotify as a marketing coordinator and data Curator respectively. She is currently working as a global music strategy and cultural consultant. Alya Fetyani 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mixtape.media/THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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

Are some Arab musicians really self-orientalizing for the sake of getting streams?afikra is excited to introduce a new music series to our podcast network! For a full season, Shik Shak Shook Ones will be your go-to podcast for a constructive take on current Arabic music and musicians from the region. In this first episode, co-hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni dig right into the topic of self-orientalization and the perpetuation of stereotypes by Arab artists themselves for the sake of streams. Taking "ARABI" by Mohamed Ramadan, Massari and FUTURE as a prime example, Danny and Deana deconstruct the song, its music video and its fall out with their quick quips and biting analysis. They tackle themes of "representation", musicians who try to represent an entire culture but who wind up parodying themselves instead, and why Arab artists fall into the trap of self-orientalizing to please the eyes and ears of Western audiences.ARABI music video 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s3F1GkfZIUHosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media.Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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 Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT 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