Palestinian-Jordanian singer, songwriter, and producer Dana Salah shares her journey graduating from Duke University to DJing in New York City and writing songs in Jay-Z's studio to transitioning to creating and performing songs in Arabic. She discusses the impact of DJing on her music writing, and the importance of staying connected with her culture. She reflects on her musical influences and the challenges of blending modern and traditional elements in her work. The conversation covers her songwriting process, her response to the current situation with Palestinians, and anecdotes around her tracks "Weino", "Ghazaleh", and "Ya Tal3een", delving into the Palestinian "tarweedeh" style of singing and writing.  

00:00 Introduction 

01:31 Early Career Struggles and Successes

03:32 DJing and Musical Influences

09:17 Songwriting Process and Inspirations

13:58 Transition to Arabic Music

19:36 Performing and Connecting with Audiences

22:15 Balancing Nostalgia and Cultural Identity

24:04 Strategic Decisions and Creative Process

25:08 Balancing Multiple Roles in the Music Industry

26:55 Discovering and Recovering Palestinian Folk Songs

29:37 Emotional Connection to Music and Family

38:26 Production Techniques and Song Preferences

45:35 Influences and Future Aspirations

Dana Salah is a Palestinian-Jordanian singer and songwriter blending Arabic folk with modern pop. After starting her career in New York as King Deco, she returned to Jordan to embrace her Arab roots. Known for hits like Weino and Rajieen, she’s a leading voice in contemporary Arabic music and was the first female Jordanian artist featured on a Times Square billboard.

Connect with Dana Saleh 👉 https://instagram.com/danasalah

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 

https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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, we're joined by Palestinian composer and musician, Issa Boulos who tells us about his deep connection to Jerusalem and Palestine, and how his upbringing influenced his approach to music and life. Boulos recounts his unique experiences growing up in a small town, his family's musical traditions, and the cultural life in Ramallah. He delves into the evolution of Palestinian resistance music from 1967 onwards, sharing insights about key musical acts and their impact. He also reflects on his imprisonment, the intricate relationship between music and political resistance, and his subsequent move to the United States, where he pursued his studies in music composition and ethnomusicology, and continued to document the Palestinian narrative through his work. The conversation explores Boulos's bold approach to integrating Middle Eastern musical elements with Western orchestration, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity and representation.

00:00 Introduction 
00:29 Early Life and Connection to Palestine
02:41 Musical Family and Cultural Influences
07:19 Palestinian Resistance Music and Popular Acts
17:43 Challenges and Political Expression in Music
27:53 Life in the US and Continued Musical Journey
29:03 Returning to College 
31:37 The Drive to Compose Music
33:21 Documenting the Palestinian Narrative
34:37 Prison Experience as a Musician
38:16 Musical Reflections from Prison
49:06 Cultural Integration in Music
01:03:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Issa Boulos is an internationally recognized composer, lyricist, and ethnomusicologist known for blending traditional instruments with modern composition. His work spans orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, with commissions from major ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Silk Road Ensemble. He has composed for films, plays, and musicals, earning acclaim in the US, the Middle East, and Europe. Boulos holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from Leiden University and has taught at the University of Chicago. He co-founded the Qatar Music Academy and currently manages the Harper College Community Music and Arts Center while serving as adjunct music faculty.

Connect with Boulos 👉 https://www.instagram.com/issaboulos/

Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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, we're joined by Barbara Lebrun, the author of "Dalida: Mythe et Mémoire." We explore the remarkable career of Dalida, the iconic singer who rose to fame in the mid-20th century. Born in Cairo to an Italian family, Yolanda Gigliotti's journey to stardom began when she moved to France in 1954. Initially adopting an Italian persona to navigate the complexities of the French music industry, she later embraced her Egyptian roots, becoming a symbol of Franco-Arab friendship. The episode delves into her rise as a Mediterranean sensation, her multi-lingual career spanning various languages including Arabic, and her tragic end in 1987. We also discuss the scholarly perspective on her impact and how her posthumous recognition has evolved over the years.

00:00 Introduction: The Challenges of an Egyptian Artist in France
01:30 Early Life and Career Beginnings
01:46 Rise to Fame in France
03:15 Cultural Identity and Multilingualism
03:48 Personal Tragedies and Their Impact
05:02 Scholarly Interest and Changing Perspectives
06:20 Navigating the French Music Industry
11:06 Embracing Egyptian Roots and Arabic Music
29:29 The Miss Egypt Controversy
34:29 Transnational Success and Limitations
01:05:12 Final Years and Legacy

Barbara Lebrun has been a Senior Lecturer in French Cultural Studies, at the University of Manchester since 2002. Her teaching covers the history, politics and culture of modern and contemporary French society, from the 19th century to the present. Her research is more narrowly focused on French popular music since the 1950s, with special interests in the representation of cultural identities (ethnicity, race, gender, generation...) and their relative commercial success and critical prestige. Her two monographs, "Protest Music in France" (Ashgate 2009; re-ed Routledge 2016) and "Dalida: Mythe et Mémoire" (Le Mot et le reste, 2020), examine contemporary popular music in France from the distinct but complementary perspectives of "alternative" and "mainstream" cultures, with forays into audience research, music festivals, posthumous fame, elitism, and the representation of whiteness, exoticism and cosmopolitanism in metropolitan France. Cautiously, from the self-conscious perspective of white scholarship, she is currently developing a new project on musical representations of racial and other types of diversity in French variétés (mainstream pop), from the 1960s to the late 1980s. 

Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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 special episode of Quartertones in collaboration with XP Air, we sit down with prominent artist Dreamville's Bas, to discuss his journey in the music industry. We talk about the financial challenges of touring, the value of exposure over immediate monetary gain, and the significance of rehearsals and meticulous work ethic exemplified by artists like J. Cole and Drake. Bas reflects on his Sudanese heritage, the cultural pride that comes with it, and how his background influences his music. The conversation also covers Bas’s experiences with evolving music industry trends, including streaming and AI technology, and the importance of artist development and investing in oneself. The episode wraps up with reflections on family involvement in his career, navigating business relationships, and recommendations for fans looking to better understand Bas's musical perspective. Bas also shares exciting news about his upcoming collaboration with the band The Hics from London. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories and valuable lessons for aspiring musicians.

00:00 Introduction 
00:49 First Impressions of Riyadh
01:37 Crafting the Perfect Festival Set
02:32 Dreamville and the Power of Dreams
03:54 The Journey of Artistic Development
05:31 Investing in Yourself as an Artist
08:33 Global Influences and Musical Evolution
13:21 Sudanese Pride and Cultural Impact
18:15 Family Support and Changing Perspectives
20:10 Navigating Industry Challenges
20:36 The Evolution of Music Revenue
21:30 Adapting to Technological Changes
23:23 Crafting a Unique Narrative
26:14 Balancing Art and Commerce
26:44 The Importance of Touring
30:05 Managing Online Presence
32:19 Working with Family and Friends
36:13 Top Album Recommendations
37:05 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

Abbas Hamad, known professionally as Bas, is a French-born Sudanese-American rapper born on May 27, 1987, in Paris, France.At the age of eight, he moved with his family to Jamaica, Queens, New York City.Bas is signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records and Interscope Records.He has released four studio albums: Last Winter (2014), Too High to Riot (2016), Milky Way (2018), and We Only Talk About Real Shit When We're Fucked Up (2023).His music often explores themes related to his Sudanese heritage and personal experiences. ​

Connect with Bas 👉 https://www.instagram.com/bas

XP Air are podcast conversations that were recorded as part of XP Music Futures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December of 2024. XP Music Futures is a one-of-a-kind event that unites people and talent from the music industry through forward-thinking programming. Three days of captivating sessions in various formats, facilitated by diverse speakers, attended by our ever-growing music community. 

Stay tuned for more XP Air 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@xpmusicfutures.mdlbeast

Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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 inspiring Emel Mathlouthi joins Tanya Khoury on the Quoz Arts Fest stage in Dubai for a riveting discussion on music, cultural roots, and breaking gender norms in the music industry. Emel shares her journey of proving that women can excel in music production, creating her all-female album "MRA," and the significance of connecting with audiences through heart and authenticity. 

This special episode of The afikra Podcast was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or Quartertones. Make sure to check them out!

00:00 Introduction by Big Hass
02:29 Emel Mathlouthi's Performance Insights
04:01 Creating the Album "MRA"
07:02 Global Performances and Cultural Influences
09:39 The Symbolism of the Eye
10:52 Inspiring the Younger Generation
13:49 Collaborations and Inspirations
15:24 Upcoming Performance Highlights
16:57 Literary Inspirations 

Emel Mathlouthi is a Tunisian-American singer, songwriter, musician and producer. Her music combines a range of influences — bringing together protest songs, North African percussion, cello, electronic textures and western musical tradition. 

Connect with Emel 👉https://www.instagram.com/emelmathlouthi/

Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage. 

Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue

Hosted by:
Tanya Khoury 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/DEsC6EIxxgh/?img_index=1

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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

DJ amen RA welcomes the talented Syrian-American rapper, poet and longtime friend of afikra, Omar Offendum, to the Quoz Arts Fest stage. Host Tanya Khoury asks Offendum to delve into topics ranging from the impact of war on art and identity, and the significance of maintaining cultural heritage through creative expression, to the evolving landscape of Arabic hip hop. Offendum shares insights on his music projects like "Little Syria," reflects on the timeless relevance of his lyrics, and discusses his aspirations for Syria's future. This conversation also highlights the importance of intergenerational connections, the role of language in shaping identities, and the vitality of cultural resilience.

This special episode of Quartertones was recorded on the Quoz Arts Fest stage at alserkal in Dubai in January, and is one in five episodes which will be published on this podcast or The afikra Podcast. Make sure to check them out!

00:00 Introduction
02:09 A Journey Through Music and Life & The Weight of War and Guilt
03:28 Little Syria: A Theatrical and Musical Experience
05:08 Reflections on Syrian Americana and Timeless Lyrics
09:44 The Importance of Arabic in Music and Family
14:26 Inspiration from Global Hip Hop Artists
19:14 The Hope for Syria and the Power of Art
24:22 Audience Interaction 
27:30 Closing Remarks and Personal Reflections

Omar Offendum is a trailblazing Syrian-American rapper and poet based in Los Angeles, known for his seamless blend of hip-hop and Arabic poetry. As an architecture graduate, Offendum has uniquely navigated his path, merging art with activism and engaging diverse global audiences. Offendum's contributions extend beyond music: he's a vocal advocate for humanitarian causes, raising millions for relief efforts, and has collaborated with esteemed academic institutions, museums, and cultural organizations worldwide.

Connect with Omar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/offendum/

Quoz Arts Fest is a neighborhood festival by alserkal, where the freshest contemporary culture and creativity collide in one community event that welcomes young, old, families and pets. It features live performances, exhibitions, food trucks, pop-up shops plus a line-up of hands-on workshops, talks, and film screenings that aim to inspire. Artists transform the alserkal avenue's galleries and public spaces with immersive installations, and you get a close-up on them as well as rising musicians and DJs making waves through conversations on stage. 

Follow alserkal 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alserkalavenue
Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://quozartsfest.alserkal.online/

Hosted by: Tanya Khoury 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/DEsC6EIxxgh/?img_index=1

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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 Quartertones was recorded live on the Sole DXB stage in Dubai on December 13, 2024. Founder of Empire Records Ghazi Shami, and head of Empire Iwana Sohail Nafar explore the challenges and future of the Arab music industry, from Ghazi's connection to Palestinian heritage to Sohail's work with DAM and Empire. They discuss cultural representation, the impact of geopolitics on music, and the potential for Arab music on the global stage, touching on digital distribution, local and global influences, and empowering Arab artists.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:43 Ghazi's Reflections on Being in the Arab World
03:49 Suhel's Journey and Impact
07:47 Building a Festival to Save Homes
11:35 The Evolution of Empire Records
12:26 Challenges and Triumphs in the Music Industry
18:50 The Role of Technology in Music Distribution
22:02 Ambition and Inspiration
28:05 Global Interest in Regional Music
28:26 Challenges of Streaming Platforms
29:20 Empire: A Cultural Hub
32:19 Arabic Music's Untapped Potential
32:36 Local vs Global Music
33:59 Exporting Hip Hop and Social Consciousness
36:47 Artist Development and Authenticity
42:40 Future of the Music Industry
51:33 Q&A Session

Ghazi Shami is a Palestinian-American music technologist, record producer, audio engineer, entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Empire Distribution. Empire Distribution was founded in 2010 in San Francisco, California and now also has offices in New York, Nashville, the UK, and the Middle East.

Connect with Ghazi 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ghazi/?hl=en
Explore Empire 👉 https://www.instagram.com/empire/

Suhel Nafar is the co-founder of Palestinian hip-hop group DAM, which was featured in award-winning documentary Slingshot Hip Hop. Formerly, Nafar was the global lead of Arab music and culture at Spotify and is now the vice president of strategy and market development at Empire Distribution WANA. He is also the music supervisor for Netflix’s show Mo. 

Connect with Suhel 👉 https://www.instagram.com/suhelnafar/?hl=en

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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, we interview award-winning violinist, composer, and educator Layth Sidiq at Habibi Festival in NYC. He shares his journey in Arabic music, and discusses his upbringing in a musical family, the evolution of his career, and his role as the artistic director of the New York Arabic Orchestra. He also delves into the improvisational nature of Arabic music, his album "Son of Tigris" and performs three captivating interludes, providing deep insights into maqam and melody.

00:00 Welcome
05:52 Introducing Layth Sidiq
07:07 Layth's Musical Journey
10:57 The New York Arabic Orchestra
15:37 Performance: Ala Shawati Dijla
20:03 Exploring Maqam and Arabic Music
25:21 Performance: Eastern Waves
34:23 Melody vs Harmony in Arabic Music
37:15 Teaching and Learning Music by Ear
41:56 Final Interlude and Improvisation
49:12 Quick Q&A Session
56:22 Future of Arabic Music
59:18 Closing Remarks and Recommendations

Layth Sidiq is a violinist, composer, educator, the artistic director at New York Arabic Orchestra, and the director at Center for Arabic Culture Youth Orchestra Program.

Connect with Layth 👉 https://www.instagram.com/kubbara/?hl=en

Habibi Festival is back for another year at Joe's Pub, bringing Arabs, comrades, and lovers of music together in New York in these difficult times that our nations continue to endure. And for another year, afikra was on stage to speak to the musicians and bring their conversations and performances to you on afikra's Quartertones podcast.

Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional music of the South West Asia North Africa (SWANA) region, every year Habibi Festival takes listeners on a journey of the sounds wafting through the airwaves and living rooms of cities spanning Marrakech to Baghdad. This performing arts festival (now in its fourth year) is a collaboration between the Director of Joe's Pub Alex Knowlton, artist/composer/curator Yacine Boulares, and curator/producer Meera Dugal who are bonded by the goal of creating more joyful spaces for performance, conversation, and storytelling from this part of the world.

Follow Habibi Festival 👉 https://www.instagram.com/habibifestival

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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

Scavenging for synthesizers, digital vs analog music, and what it means to be a music producer in the AI era. This episode of Quartertones features Egyptian music producer Kubbara in our studio in Beirut. Known for his jazz-influenced, neo-soul sound, he gives us a master class in music production, from discovering and collaborating with artists to blending sounds and the intricate details of putting a song together. We get into the nitty-gritty history of synths, Kubbara's background as a metalhead, and why music isn't about originality anymore. We also discuss whether Egypt is experiencing a golden age of music right now. 

This episode was recorded on July 25, 2024 in our Beirut studio.

00:00 Introduction
00:27 Discovering & Collaborating with Nadine El Roubi
02:01 Neo Soul and Jazz Influences
8:26 Interlude 1: Honey Butter
12:46 Musical Journey: From Metalhead to Jazz Enthusiast
23:18 Exploring Synthesizers & Modular Systems
27:04 Interlude 2: Jamming with the 707 Drum Machine
28:20 Analog vs Digital 
22:30 707 Drum Machine: Ins and Outs 
36:02 Interlude 3: Mesh’arif 
39:52 Live Performance & Artist Collaboration
41:27 The Evolution of Music Production
52:16 Is Egypt in a Golden Age of Music? 
55:51 The Future of Music and AI
56:59 Interlude 4, Upcoming Project & Recommendations

Ahmad Kubbara is an electronic musician, sound engineer, producer and composer. He completed a bachelors in sound engineering and music production at Birmingham City University and obtained his masters in acoustics at the ISVR, University of Southampton working on the development of DEAP loudspeakers before returning to Cairo. His studio El Warsha is based right next to the Pyramids in Giza, where he works on music, commercial and film productions. 

Connect with Kubbara 👉 https://www.instagram.com/kubbara/?hl=en

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
Track he mentions 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEQpCfvaWrA

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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

Karim Ziad and Mehdi Nassouli perform at Habibi Festival 2024 and are joined on stage by Yacine Boulares and other talented musicians for a jazzy performance and a conversation with host Mikey Muhanna who asks Karim and Mehdi about their inspirations, musical journeys, and the experience of working together.

00:00:00 Intro & Performance
01:13:11 Fusion of West & North African Music
01:15:51 Yacine on Learning from Karim
01:16:41 Karim's Listening Habits As a Teen
01:18:40 Themes & Legacy in Karim's Music
01:20:10 Yacine on Habibi Festival with Karim
01:24:10 Karim Meeting Mehdi As a Child
01:24:29 Audience Reaction As a Gift

Karim Ziad is a renowned Algerian singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who blends North African music—Chaâbi, Gnawa, and Raï—with jazz and electronica. Formerly a hard rock musician in Algiers, he became an acclaimed drummer in Paris, performing with legends like Cheb Mami, Khaled and Idir.

Connect with Karim 👉 https://www.instagram.com/karimziad66/ 

Mehdi Nassouli is a Moroccan guembri player known for revitalizing Gnawa music and Moroccan traditions. Hailing from Taroudant, he gained acclaim through collaborations with Titi Robin and global icons like Herbie Hancock, blending North African sounds with jazz and world music.

Connect with Mehdi 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mehdi_nassouli/ 

Yacine Boulares is a French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer who merges African traditions, jazz and soul. A Paris Conservatory graduate and Fulbright scholar, he created innovative projects like AJOYO and Night in Tunisia, and founded NYC’s Habibi Festival spotlighting contemporary Arabic music.

Connect with Yacine 👉 https://www.instagram.com/yacineboulares/

Habibi Festival is back for another year at Joe's Pub, bringing Arabs, comrades, and lovers of music together in New York in these difficult times that our nations continue to endure. And for another year, afikra was on stage to speak to the musicians and bring their conversations and performances to you on afikra's Quartertones podcast.

Created with the goal of giving a snapshot of contemporary and traditional music of the South West Asia North Africa (SWANA) region, every year Habibi Festival takes listeners on a journey of the sounds wafting through the airwaves and living rooms of cities spanning Marrakech to Baghdad. This performing arts festival (now in its fourth year) is a collaboration between the Director of Joe's Pub Alex Knowlton, artist/composer/curator Yacine Boulares, and curator/producer Meera Dugal who are bonded by the goal of creating more joyful spaces for performance, conversation, and storytelling from this part of the world.

Follow Habibi Festival 👉 https://www.instagram.com/habibifestival

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

FOLLOW & 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/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK 
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | 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