Music has been my Life's companion, in-fact I was told once that Music has probably saved my life.. This is an episode where I discuss the effects of Music on the mind and how our mental health is affected by it. I interview Ms. Tala Al Kurd who is an experienced Psychologist. We base our discussions and experienced knowledge on studies and recent research on this important topic.  I invite you to listen in (it's in Arabic and will be recorded in English Soon). Please share with me what you...

In this episode I interview Archaeologist/History Teacher Kariman Mango and together we explore Cairo's roaring 1920's  -  The limelight is placed on two main singers; Naimah il Masriah and Mounira il Mahdiah. Kariman gives an elaborate historical and political account of the time focusing on the women's feminist movement. We attempt to discover if these women were true artists or simply entertainers. We also delve into whether we should romanticize Cairo's extravagant 1920's or do we place...

This is my first podcast interview with Nasir AlBashir who is a Berkley College of Music graduate, a multi -talented Musician himself and a music producer in Jordan. We discuss love, politics and Jordanian society all wrapped up in Indie and Pop songs. The podcast is in English and we discuss the Indie and Pop Music scene in Jordan. Nasir lists the seven big names in the industry Akher Zapheer, Jaladal, Murabba3, Autostrad, Hana Malhas, Ayloul and Issam Al Najjar. Are these artists able to...

How has Ziad Rahbani been influenced by the music and personality of Sayed Darwish? Can those listeners who don't agree with him put aside his political views and just enjoy his compositions for what they are? Ziad Rahbani has contributed in more than one way to our contemporary Arabic Music library .. His style of compositions have incorporated the old Rahbani school but also he was able to venture into his own Jazz style of compositions. Songs that the young and old could relate to and...

Discovering the compositions of Sayed Darwish has been a pure pleasure and something very educational. An iconic/beginning of the last century Egyptian composer that lived an interesting life both in politics and love.. He revolutionised Arabic music in that he expressed the yearnings of the masses and managed to blend Egyptian folkloric music with Western instruments and harmony. He also wrote new compositions to the old Arabic Muashahat (lyric Arabic classical poetry). Il Helwa...

This is the last episode to a four episode short series on this great singer/artist.  How are we still connected to Um Kalthoum?   In this final one, I explore the intricate political canvas that Um Kalthoum was part of, during Egypt's 1960's. She sang nationalist songs, not just for Egypt but for Palestine as well.  How can we relate to these nationalistic and politically charged songs now a days when so much has changed.   Songs, Links and References Used:  Salou Qalbi...

In this episode I look into Um Kulthum's style of singing and how she induced a state of Tarab in her listeners. Her repetitions, improvisations and heart felt singing intoxicated her listeners. Egypt was the first Arab country to have witnessed an active feminist liberal movement - this was all part of the 1919 revolution. Um Kulthum, through her art, voice and personality embodied independency and power..    Content used,  references and further reading:   Music Links مصر اللتي في خاطري...

Episode Two of (short five minute) four episodes on Umm Kulthum. A personal, reminiscing gentle look into her life, politics and voice. My own personal connection to this great singer.. Why are we still connected to her forty five years into her passing?  Content used,  references and further reading:     Music Links Sound cloud for Farah Zahra https://soundcloud.com/farah-zahra/ra...  Lessa Faker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wAHl...  Agada Alaqak...

I am excited to share with you the first episode of a four (five minutes each) part series on Umm Kulthum.  A personal, reminiscing gentle look into her life, politics and voice. My own personal connection to this great singer..

This is a short teaser ahead of three/ four short video on the life of Um Kulthum and WHY forty years later her songs about love and politics are still relevant today in 2020..

حلقه انتجتها صوت - A collaboration between Sowt and Myself - An unusual connection between Islam and Western Classical Music that saw its origins since the 11th Century. Western orchestral Instruments that Originated from the Asiatic civilization.. Religious ideas that travelled from the Islamic civilizations into the church. The famous Flamenco Dance and culture that came from Arab rural wonderers  الفلاح منكو ,  Even the famous European Troubadour song saw its start from the Arabic word...

This episode is an exploration on the similarities between Early Western Music and Islamic Culture. The 800 year Moslem occupation on Spain left a huge mark on European Music, Orchestra and even way of life. In the narration, I discuss this influence and go deeper to talk about the Virgin Mary in both religion and the section in the Quran where her story is narrated and held in the highest forms.. I also draw similarities in the way the Mary has been respected, depicted and her sanctity in...

Why am I doing this- What fascinates me about Music and a little intro about myself..