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Go topBy: 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
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
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer Judeline, born and raised in a small seaside village in the south of Spain, is an emerging artist with a rich multicultural background that greatly influences her music. With roots in both Spanish and Arabic cultures, she has developed a unique sound that blends the rhythmic pulses … Continued
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
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
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
By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer The vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, with its sweeping dunes and harsh, arid landscapes, has given birth to a unique and evocative music genre known as Desert Blues. Rooted in the traditions of the Tuareg people, this style blends traditional Saharan rhythms with modern guitar-driven melodies, creating … Continued
Frank Zappa. Photo source: wikimedia commons By: Rania Basria / Arab America Contributing Writer Music is a universal language, constantly evolving as cultures blend and influence one another. Arab Americans have played a crucial but often overlooked role in shaping the U.S. music scene, bringing Middle Eastern sounds, rhythms, and instruments into genres like jazz, … Continued
By: Layan Srour & Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writers February 3, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the passing of Umm Kulthum, one of the most celebrated and influential singers in modern Arab history. Umm Kulthum’s voice shaped the sound and soul of Arabic music in a way that remains matchless. Half a … Continued
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
By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Salar Ansari has a strong passion for creating music that connects borders and expresses authentic expression. From studying audio engineering in Dubai to shaping Detroit’s music community, his story intertwines culture, innovation, and a deep commitment to promoting collaboration. Salar’s journey highlights challenges, inspirations, and cultural influences … Continued
By: Jack Moran / Arab America Contributing Writer Following the Arab Spring Protests of 2010 and 2011, Tunisian rap and hip-hop music became increasingly popular within the Middle East. This was due primarily to a young rapper, El Général, an artist from northern Tunisia, and the success of his most popular song Ṛayīs li-Blād (Head … Continued
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