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Arabic Word of the Day

Shami and Levantine Dialect

Arabic:

Benna (m)

English:

Builder

Play recording

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Arab Contributions Naguib Mahfouz began writing when he was seventeen. The appearance of the Cairo Triology, Bayn al Qasrayn, Qasr al Shawq, Sukkariya (Between-the-Palaces, Palace of Longing,...

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Music

Pathbreakers of Arab America— Ghazi Shami

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This is the one-hundred and thirteenth 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 113th pathbreaker is Ghazi Shami, a Palestinian American music technologist, record producer, audio engineer, and entrepreneur. Ghazi has combined technical, engineering, and musical genres in creating his highly successful independent record label, distribution, and publishing company headquartered in San Francisco.

The Lebanese Roots of Surf Rock: Lana Dale Reflects on Her Husband Dick Dale’s Life

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By Ralph I. Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer What do the oud, surfboards, and Stratocasters have in common? The answer: Dick Dale — whose fusion of Arab melody, American rhythm, and electric experimentation continues to reverberate across music and cinema today. With the intention of honoring her husband’s Lebanese heritage, Lana Dale gives a rare, personal … Continued

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

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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

Ziad Rahbani’s Words Still Ring True

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By: Ramsey Zeidan / Arab America Contributing Writer DISCLAIMER: The writer does not seek to endorse or criticize any of Ziad Rahbani’s political stances. Ziad Rahbani, famous Lebanese musician, composer, and political commentator passed away at age 69 just two weeks ago. He was the son of prolific vocalist and musical superstar Fairuz, for whom … Continued

Swingin’ Through the Cedars: When Louis Armstrong Visited Beirut

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By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer In April of 1959, the Lebanese capital of Beirut welcomed a musical legend whose visit would resonate for decades. Louis Armstrong, the renowned trumpeter and vocalist known worldwide as “Satchmo,” brought his distinctive brand of jazz to a city eager for cultural connections. More than just … Continued

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

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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

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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

The Evolution of Modern Dabke Fusions

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By: Ramsey Zeidan / Arab America Contributing Writer The Dabke is an Arab folklore dance characterized by people stomping their feet rhythmically in lines or circles. Often performed in celebratory settings like weddings or parties, the Dabke is a staple in Levantine culture. The historical roots of the Dabke can be traced back to modern-day … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Suhel Nafar

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This is the eighty-fifth 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. Contributing writer John Mason depicts Palestinian Suhel Nafar, musician, producer, and entrepreneur known for promoting Arab and North African music globally and as co-founder of DAM, the first Palestinian hip-hop band. Suhel is well known for empowering the voices of fellow Palestinians.

Mario Parodi – Ottoman-born Italian Guitar Maestro

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By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Mario Parodi was an Italian classical guitarist. But he wasn’t just any guitarist. He was one of the most talented to have ever played. What linked him to the Arab world was the place of his birth–the Ottoman Empire, which at that time encompassed parts of … Continued

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