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Music

A Rising Epicenter of Music in Gulf States

By: Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf states that are bringing forth a new era of music to the region. American metal and rock bands are performing in Gulf countries, some for the first time. Bands including Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and Metallica are performing in the … 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

The Rise of Arab Trap Music

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer Combining the rich textures of traditional Arab sounds with the hard-hitting beats of rap and electronic music, Arab trap music has become a potent and dynamic genre during the past ten years. Originally an underground movement, performers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have transformed … 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

The Everlasting Music of Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab

By: Sami Asmar / Arab America Contributing Writer May 4th marked the Anniversary of Egypt’s Legendary Musician Muhammad Abd al-Wahab Most Arab music influencers lived in the twentieth century and, when making a list, Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab is always near the top. The Egyptian singer and composer (1902-1991) is considered one of the most significant … 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

Alabín, Alabán: When Arabismo Dances Through Gitano Flamenco

By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab American Contributing Writer After the colonization of Moors in Iberia of what lasted about 800 years, it’s by no surprise that we see influences of Arab artifacts, architecture, and cultural habits integrated in Spanish culture making the South of Spain, particularly fascinating for tourists, including visiting one of the 8 … Continued

When Lebanon Manufactured Its Own Vinyl Records

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Before the Lebanese Civil War began in 1975, Lebanon manufactured its own vinyl records. One of the largest local companies producing them was the Société Libanaise Du Disque (SLD). As a major cultural institution, SLD played a central role in preserving, promoting, and advancing Lebanese music … Continued

“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

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