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Music

Irshoof: A Taste of Jordan’s Winter Traditions

Yara Marei/Arab America contributing writer. On a cold winter evening inside a small, cozy kitchen, a family gathers around a simmering pot of Irshoof, eager to share a meal passed down through generations. Like many others in Jordan, this dish tells a story of tradition, community, and resourcefulness. With each bite, you taste the rich … Continued

Transcontinental Tones: Arabic Rhythms Meet Latin Vibrations

By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer As a child of an Arab/Latin family, I often experience a whirlwind of emotions during family gatherings. Our table is a delightful mix of Arab dishes like hummus, shawarma, and mansaf, paired with salsa and platters of jalapeños. When it comes to music, I watch as my … Continued

Rhythms of Resilience: How Urban Struggles Shaped Raï Music

By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer From the classic hits “Didi,” “Aïcha,” “1, 2, 3 Soleil,” and “C’est la vie,” the infamous Algerian-Raï singer Cheb Khaled was well-known for his joyful spirit, especially during performances. It is widely recognized that Cheb Khaled is the king of Raï music. Originating from the traditions of … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Anees

This is the sixty-first of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. John Mason, Contributing Writer, introduces us to our sixty-first Arab American Pathbreaker, Anees, a musician, singer, rapper, songwriter, and performer. Anees’ genres are Pop, R&B, hip hop, and pop rap. Born to parents of Lebanese and Palestinian descent, he is an ardent pro-Palestinian activist. Anees is also a proud alumnus of George Mason University.

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

The Value of Traditional Arabic Music in the U.S.

By: Sami Abu Shumays / Arab America Contributing Writer I’ll never forget a conversation I had around 15 or 16 years ago when flying cross-country to perform. A chatty middle-aged white woman sat next to me on the first leg of my flight, engaging me in small talk.  Eventually she asked what I did for … Continued

A Love Song to Eternity: Fairuz’s ‘Bektob Ismak Ya Habibi’

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer The Song’s Significance and Fairuz’s Cultural Influence Fairuz, a Lebanese singing icon, has captured listeners internationally with her wonderful voice and expressive lyrics. One of her most renowned songs, “Bektoub Ismak Ya Habibi,” translates as “I Write Your Name, My Love,” is a heartfelt confession of love … Continued

Rewriting the Music Playbook: Harget Kart’s Art of Fusion

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer Imagine a band that takes the ordinary, lights it on fire, and from the ashes creates something extraordinary. This is Harget Kart—a name that, in the Arabic Jordanian dialect, means “to burn a photo card.” Just as their name suggests, Harget Kart has set the conventional boundaries … Continued

A Glimpse into 19th-Century Syrian Christian Weddings

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Weddings are more than just ceremonies—they are monumental events in one’s life. Have you ever wondered how Arabs celebrated their weddings in the nineteenth century? In his autobiography, A Far Journey, Abraham Rihbany provides a unique and detailed firsthand account of Syrian Christian weddings in Greater Syria. … Continued

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