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Artist

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Rama Kuwaji

This is the one-hundred and fourth in Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series features personalities from various fields, including entertainment, business, sports, science, the arts, academia, journalism, and politics. John Mason highlights our one-hundred and fourth pathbreaker, Rama Sawaf Duwaji, a Muslim of Syrian origin, an artistic illustrator, and now, wife of the newly elected first Muslim mayor of New York City. Rama’s art is not just a profession, it is a critical part of her world view, especially as an expression of her pro-Arab pro-Palestinian stance.

“You Find Each Other”: 40 Minutes with William Safi

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Translated by Layan Srour How did you first get into music? When I was around ten years old, my brother brought home an accordion. I guess he gave up on that hobby, so I started playing it, and I fell in love with it. I learned everything … Continued

Public Reception and Elite Action in the Film Boycott

By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer More than a thousand film and television artists, including Emma Stone, Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, and Mark Ruffalo, recently pledged to boycott Israeli film institutions accused of being complicit in the genocide and apartheid against Palestine. This phenomenon prioritizes institutions over individuals, emphasizing the importance of … Continued

Refugee Voices Through Art

By: Fayzeh Abou Ardat / Arab America Contributing Writer Arab refugees have survived wars, occupations, and forced migrations that have displaced millions of people. Beyond the numbers and the headlines, refugees have experiences that are frequently disregarded or silenced. Art has emerged as one of the most effective means for displaced Arabs to convey their … Continued

“Art is a Universal Language”: 40 Minutes with Mona Miari

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Mona’s musical journey is deeply rooted in heritage, resistance, and a relentless drive to push artistic boundaries. An internationally renowned Palestinian-American artist, singer, and songwriter, she is known for her pioneering projects and dedication to elevating Arabic music on the world stage. Raised between Chicago and Palestine … Continued

“Rebel with Your Art”: 40 Minutes with Nano Raies

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Nano Raies’s musical path is rooted in perseverance, self-discovery, and breaking boundaries. Hailing from Syria, Nano’s artistry fuses traditional Arabic sounds with bold modern influences. Her journey began in a home filled with the music of both Western and Eastern masters, inspiring a deep connection to her … Continued

“Music Connects People to Identity”: 40 Minutes with Layth Sidiq

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Layth Sidiq is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, educator, and the artistic director of the New York Arab Orchestra. Born in Iraq and raised in Jordan, in a musical household that welcomed artists from across the world, he began his violin studies at the age of four. Trained … Continued

“Make Your Voice Heard”: 40 Minutes with Wanees Zarour

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Wanees Zarour is a Palestinian composer, violinist, oud, and buzuq player based in Chicago. Born and raised in Ramallah, he was immersed in music from a young age, surrounded by a family of music lovers. Over the past two decades, he’s become a central figure in Chicago’s … Continued

“Lead with Your Arabness”: 40 Minutes with Roula David

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Roula David is a creative force in Detroit’s music and nightlife scene, known for her visionary leadership at Spot Lite and UFO Factory. Growing up between Arab and American cultures, she developed a deep, lifelong connection to music that spans hip-hop, house, soul, and jazz. Roula’s journey … Continued

“Tuning into My Heritage”: 40 Minutes with Zekkereya El-magharbel

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Zekkereya El-magharbel is a musician, designer, theorist, composer, and educator, originally from Los Angeles, California, and now based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Raised in an Egyptian household, Zekkereya’s work seamlessly blends diverse cultural influences, drawing from both their heritage and the broader musical world. Zekkereya’s journey reflects … Continued

“I Always Return to My Roots”: 40 Minutes with Dina Amin

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Dina Amin is a Palestinian filmmaker and musician whose work explores identity, memory, and home. Rooted in her experiences growing up in Palestine, Dina blends documentary, experimental film, and genre-fluid music to tell deeply personal stories. Now based in Los Angeles, she continues to draw inspiration from … Continued

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