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Artist

“Connect with Your Roots”: 40 Minutes with Firas Zreik

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Firas Zreik’s musical journey is one of passion, tradition, and exploration. A Palestinian composer and qanun player, he blends the rich sounds of Arabic music with influences from jazz and beyond. Raised in a family of musicians, Firas was immersed in music from a young age, which … Continued

The Moon Sets on Eid, Abdel Halim’s Music Shines Too

Yara Marei/ Arab America Contributing Writer “To the same place we go, in the cycle of a lifetime, we are lost, in the cycle of a lifetime…” With these timeless lyrics, Abdel Halim Hafez’s voice transcends generations, stirring emotions of love, longing, and fate. His melodies bring back memories of past Eids, family gatherings, festive … Continued

Nasri Shamseddine’s Voice Lives On: A Tribute from His Loved Ones

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Content Writer Nasri Shamseddine was a renowned Lebanese singer and actor. He was celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and significant contributions to Lebanese folk music and was a longtime collaborator with musicians across the Middle East. He performed in musicals, plays, and films that captured the essence of … Continued

The Timeless Charm of Al-Karak

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing writer Long ago, in the heart of Jordan, a city stood tall on the hills, Al-Karak. It was a place of kings and warriors, where battles were fought and history was made. A mighty castle was at the center of it all, watching over the land for centuries. … Continued

“Music as an Escape”: 40 Minutes with Sommer Forrester

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Sommer Forrester’s journey through music and identity is one of blending cultures, disciplines, and personal resilience. Sommer is an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she leads the music education program. Raised on a rich tapestry of Arabic music and Western classical influences, she … Continued

“One Foot in Tradition, One in the Future”: 40 Minutes with Mike Khoury

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Palestinian American violinist and composer Mike Khoury moves fluidly between rock bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and original works—all while staying deeply connected to his heritage. Based in Redford, Michigan, his music reflects a lifelong blend of influences, from traditional Arabic sounds to avant-garde experimentation. For Khoury, music … Continued

EMEL In Concert: When Music Becomes a Movement

By: David Elkin / Arab America Contributing Writer With her recent album MRA, the Tunisian-born, New York-based musician EMEL continues to redefine boundaries, both sonic and societal. A beguiling blend of ethereal soundscapes, hip-hop grit, and indie-pop allure, MRA is a work of artistic liberation and feminist defiance. The album’s title, MRA, means “woman” in … Continued

“I Listen to the Land Beneath Me”: 40 Minutes with Leyya Mona Tawil

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Leyya’s artistry is a world of movement, sound, and resilience. A Syrian and Palestinian born in Detroit and now rooted in Oakland, California, her creative journey spans music, dance, and experimental performance. She founded Arab.AMP—a platform for experimental live art from the SWANA diaspora and beyond. Her … Continued

“Music is the Glue”: 40 Minutes with Hadi Eldebek

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Hadi Eldebek is an artist and educator committed to connecting his values and passions to his work in the arts, culture, and education in New York City. Born and raised in Lebanon, he draws inspiration from his roots while embracing opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with … Continued

Artists and Filmmakers Redefining Identity and Modernity

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer The globe has historically benefited greatly from the intellectual, artistic, and cultural contributions made by the Middle East. A thriving generation of artists and filmmakers from the area has surfaced in recent decades, drawing attention from all over the world with their examinations of modernity, identity, and … Continued

Mohamed Zakariya: American Master of Arabic Script Calligraphy

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Zakariya’s passion for calligraphy began when he noticed an elegant script while looking into the window display of a rug store on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. Captivated by its beauty, he stepped inside and asked the Armenian shopkeeper, “What is this?” The shopkeeper replied, “It’s a … Continued

The Rahbani Brothers: The Architects of Fairuz’s Legacy

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer People frequently refer to Fairuz, the legendary Lebanese vocalist, as the “Voice of the Arab World.” Her divine voice, combined with her meaningful lyricism and captivating songs, has resonated with audiences for decades. The Rahbani brothers, Asad and Mansour, contributed their brilliance and creativity to her exceptional … Continued

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