JadaL Releases New Rock Cover of Dalida's "Helwa Ya Baladi"

Jordanian Arabic Rock band JadaL, which was formed in 2003 by Composer/Music Producer/Guitarist Mahmoud Radaideh, has just released a new single that revives one of Dalida's most celebrated songs "Helwa Ya Baladi" but with a rock twist. The project/song carries the name of JADALIDA (Jadal+ Dalida) and is available below on YouTube at https://youtu.be/_bQBGeFmsc8

The original song, recorded by Dalida back in the 1970's, can be viewed below or at https://youtu.be/RT37BZ6VjYw

Auditions for Betty Shamieh's Play 'As Soon As Impossible' on Feb 23-24 (Stanford TAPS, Online)

FEBRUARY 23 + 24 2021 06:00-09:00 PT | ONLINE IMPORTANT DATES Audition Dates TUE+WED FEB 23+24 from 6-9PM PT Callbacks THU FEB 25 from 6-9PM PT Performance Dates THU-SAT July 8 -July 17 Roble Studio Theater Auditions for As Soon As Impossible will be held via Live Zoom Auditions. Actors will be slotted into 45-min to 1-hour long small-group auditions. To be slotted, actors will need to fill out their audition form here.  If you are unable to attend auditions live via zoom, please email tapsinformation@stanford.edu for separate accommodations.

WHAT TO PREPARE

The Director has prepared sides, available for viewing/download on this page under “Resources.” Actors should familiarize themselves with all parts on the sides provided.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Multiple casting of characters is under consideration. In this case, actors would play their character “in rep.” Understudies are necessary and needed in this rehearsal process for all four roles.

Layla, Ramsey’s granddaughter, age 18 [might appear black, brown, or white]

Extroverted, confident, and funny. Quick witted with astute, sharp, and sometimes cutting observations of others. Often uses her intellect to deflect her feelings around not belonging and being scared of the future. Layla enjoys playing pranks, seeking revenge, trying to lose her virginity, and fantasizing about marrying rich.

Drew, Arthur’s grandson, age 18 [any ethnicity]

Drew is an old soul who would much rather hang out with grandpas than people his own age. Gentle, starting at Berkeley in the fall, in the closet. Not quite comfortable in his own skin; booksmart and looking forward to finding more of himself at college

Ramsey, an Arab-American man in his late sixties [might appear black, brown, or white]

Your quintessential professor – gentle, proper, and possibly a little elitist. From the Middle East, teaches Arabic at Berkeley. Just wants his granddaughter to graduate from high school. Sees the generation and cultural gap between him and his granddaughter more and more each day.

Arthur, an American man in his mid-seventies [will be played by Professor Rush Rehm]

Relies on street and business smarts since college wasn’t for him. Owns a construction business and is doing quite well. Set in his ways, but finds excitement in seeing Layla grab life by the horns. May have voted for George W. Bush — but did he vote for Trump?

As Soon As Impossible — A new play by the Roberta Denning Visiting Artist Betty Shamieh — is a comedy that explores the relationship between two older men, Ramsey and Arthur, an Iraqi-American and a WASP. Their annual summer fishing trip is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Ramsey’s granddaughter, Layla, who claims to be on the run. With Arthur’s suspicions raised, Ramsey may get more than he bargained for when he begins to plan Arthur a surprise birthday party. A play about friendship in a time of war. This play was originally commissioned by Second Stage with support from the Time Warner Commissioning Program. Theaterworks of Silicon Valley will be workshopping this play in preparation for the Stanford production in the first half of 2021 under the direction of Samer Al-Saber and the supervision of New Works director Giovanna Sardelli.

 

Though the performance will be mounted in the Summer, rehearsals for this production will officially begin in the Spring. Undergraduate actors will need to enroll in TAPS 122P, and agree to a potential in-person Summer term sponsored by a $500/w VPUE Grant for June 21st through September 6th, 2021.

Auditions for As Soon As Impossible will be held via Live Zoom Auditions. Actors will be slotted into 45-min to 1-hour long small-group auditions. To be slotted, actors will need to fill out the audition form available on the audition website.

WHAT TO PREPARE

The Director has prepared sides, available for viewing/download on the audition website under “Resources.” Actors should familiarize themselves with all parts on the sides provided.

Stanford TAPS seeks to build a diverse cast for this production and encourages members of any race, gender identity, and ability to audition. If any accessibility accommodations are needed please email tapsaudition@gmail.com for assistance.

Professor SAMER AL-SABER, Assistant Professor at TAPS, is a director, writer, and scholar. As director, his work was seen in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East and includes the Middle Eastern premier of Arthur Milner’s Facts and an Arabic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His written work appeared in Alt.Theatre, Performance Paradigm, Critical Survey, Theatre Survey, and other academic and trade venues, including the anthology Stories Under Occupation and Other Plays from Palestine, co-edited with Gary English. BETTY SHAMIEH (Denning Visiting Artist for Spring 2021) is an Arab-American playwright. Her American premieres include: The Black Eyed (New York Theatre Workshop), Fit for a Queen (Classical Theatre of Harlem), The Strangest (The Semitic Root), Territories (Magic Theatre) and Roar (The New Group). Selected as a New York Times Critics Pick, Roar is widely taught at universities throughout the United States. A graduate of Harvard College and the Yale School of Drama, Shamieh was named a Guggenheim Fellow, UNESCO Young Artist for Intercultural Dialogue, and a Radcliffe Playwriting Fellow. A Mellon Playwright in Residence at the Classical Theatre of Harlem, her works have been translated into seven languages. www.bettyshamieh.com

All 13 Seasons of Ramzi Salti's Arabology Radio Show Available on Souncloud (101 Episodes)

All 13 seasons of Dr. Ramzi Salti's Arabology podcasts are available on Soundcloud, for a total of 101 episodes.  Listen below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sets/podcasts

Currently in its tenth year, this radio program/podcast began airing on KZSU 90.1 FM in 2011 with the aim of highlighting various cultural productions from/about the Arab world, with a special focus on indie/alternative music.  The show is presented in English with commentary by its host, Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti.

With the beginning of the pandemic back in March 2020, the show has had to change formats and is now available as a series of audio-visual YouTube interviews with groundbreaking Arab musicians, poets, artists and more.  To stay up to date with the latest episodes, please subscribe to Arabology's YouTube Channel at  https://www.youtube.com/c/RamziSalti

We are looking forward to resuming the audio posdcats as soon as the radio station reopens this year inshallah.  In the meantime, feel free to peruse/enjoy all previous Arabology podcasts by listening below or going to https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sets/podcasts

arabology · All Arabology Podcasts

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أميرة البيلي والقصيدة التي أبكت مصر(أنا مليت)

أميرة البيلي شاعرة مصرية من مواليد محافظة الاسكندرية بدأت كتابة الشعر من ٢٠١٤ واستمرت في تطوير اسلوبها في الكتابة والالقاء وتميزت في الفترة الاخيرة بأسلوبها الخاص.  وقد نالت قصيدتها "أنا مليت" والتي أبكت مصر بالمركز الاول في مسابقة ابداع الاسكندرية.  يمكنكم مشاهدة الفيديو أدناه أو عبر الرابط التالي: https://youtu.be/GHPjwlPUTCg

كلمات القصيدة

تعبت فَ قمت كلمته مانا بنته هيفهمني ويفهم اني محتاجة يكلمني ويسمعني ويفهم اني مخنوقة وحضنه بس هيساعني فَ كلّمته.

الو ؟ هوانت ليه ساكت ؟ ألو فيا حجات ماتت ! الو تعبانة في أسمعني .. 

يرد يقول وايه يعني ؟ ما كل الخلق تعبانة ..وايه يعني ملامحك لسة بهتانة ما عادي كلنا مرضى ..

جرحني بعجزي عن اني ارد القسوة ليه لكن .. انا قلبي مهوش داكن عشان يقسي ويكره حد.. 

مهواش حد فـ ليه جرّح .؟ وزعلني ياريته ما رد ، وليه اتغير بقا بارد وليه شارد بعيد عني 

ما كان بيقول زمان اني مراته وام لعياله وقالي اني هبقاله انا باقية لكن هو الي بيعافر ليخسرني كسرني لكني حبيته.. 

ياريتني ما كُنت حبيته ووهبته القلب واديته حنين عمره ما كان يحلم بحد يحبه يوم قدي .. 

خلاص عدي ودوس علي كام مرة وعيد من تاني في الكرة وعلقني بحبال بايشة مانا عايشة وهبلة وساكتة وبطنش

كأن دموعي شئ عادي كأن فراقنا شئ عادي وهذا الوضع مش عادي فـ اسمعني انا ماشية ..

انا كُنت فـ هواک طايشه ضعيفه وروحها كات بايشه وحالک لسه ميسُرش وحالي معاک مهوش ولابد 

يرد يقولي مش غلطان ومانتيش قادرة تتعاملي مع تعبي ...

انا مليت انا الهبلة اللي شوفتک بيت..وقولت ابويا وحبيبي يا سيدي كفاية والله دانا اتخميت وفكرتك هتبقالي السند والاهل 

مهواش سهل بأن البنت يوم تعشق ولو تعشق بتوهب روحها وحياتها وتتحمل وتتجمل عشان تحلوا في عيونه فـ ميبصش فيوم برا خلاص برا انا استحملت ميت مره وسيادته غاوي يتعبني يا سيدي ما تمشي وتسيبني بـ تتعب قلبي ليه وياک !

بتكدب ليه وتتمارض وتتعصب وبتعارض وتخلق مُشكله تافهه.. 

دة قلب البنت لو شافها بتتكسر عشان واحد بيقفل وقتها بابه ومبيفتحش فـ متجرحش عشان قلبي شال ياما.. 

وبرجع تاني من الأول واعدي كلامه فيطول ويخلق فيا مليون شق وقلبي حقيقي مل الدق 

ألفت الموت وعايش زق ولسة سيادته بيحدف عليا الجرح..

ايجازاً فـ الكلام والشرح خبطني وموجه كان عالي 

يهاجم بس افعالي كأني عدو بيحاربه كأن القسوة كاس شاربه كأن حقيقي حيلي اتهد وروحي اتنسلت من الشد 

وليه الشِّعر فعلا جد بيفتح في الجروح لينا وليه الحزن مالينا  فـ حد يقولي ايه العلة ؟

كأن القلب فيک كافر مالوش ولا دين ولا مله.. 

وهبتك ضلع احلامي عوجت الضلع فـ كسرته .. 

خسرت الكل علشانه واديني كسبت وخسرته ..

كتبت الشعر من تعبي قراه لكنه مهتمش 

وكالعادة بيتغاضي ويتغابي وبيطنش . 

مسكت الفون ، كتبت رسالة من تعبي بقوله فيها اخبارك ومبتسألش مفيش داعي لأعذارك ، انا عارفة اني مش فارقة.. 

مجرد بس بطمن عليک يعني لـ وهله قلبي يوجعني واحس بإنه مش مُهتم كأن دموعي صارت دم نزيف متتالي مبيهداش.. 

انا مادة فـ دستور باش وبضحك بس من برا وروحي لسة مضطرة تبين عكس مافيها وفرحة روحي مش ليها ..

ختاما للي من تعبه خلاص ناوي يغيب ويسيب..

إن يوم قررت تروح لطبيب متجبش علاج.. علشان والله ما هيفيدك هيزيدك من وجعك اكتر. 

وكأنك بتحاول تمنع فكياك ان الدنيا تمطر.. 

ملخص كل ادويتك متتعشمش فـ اسمعني ملخص كل ادويتك متتعشمش بلاش عشمك يزيد يعني.

ده لما تعبت كلمته وقولت بأن انا بنته هيفهمني وأبسط رد كان منه بأنه باعني ووجعني.

10th Anniversary of Dr. Ramzi Salti's Arabology Program Features All Episodes on Soundcloud + YouTube

All 13 seasons of Dr. Ramzi Salti's Arabology podcasts are available on Soundcloud, for a total of 101 episodes.  Listen below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sets/podcasts

Currently in its tenth year, this radio program/podcast began airing on KZSU 90.1 FM in 2011 with the aim of highlighting various cultural productions from/about the Arab world, with a special focus on indie/alternative music.  The show is presented in English with commentary by its host, Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti.

With the beginning of the pandemic back in March 2020, the show has had to change formats and is now available as a series of audio-visual YouTube interviews with groundbreaking Arab musicians, poets, artists and more.  To stay up to date with the latest episodes, please subscribe to Arabology's YouTube Channel at  https://www.youtube.com/c/RamziSalti

We are looking forward to resuming the audio posdcats as soon as the radio station reopens this year inshallah.  In the meantime, feel free to peruse/enjoy all previous Arabology podcasts by listening below or going to https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sets/podcasts

Below is a YouTube playlist featuring all 12 of Arabology's audio-visual interviews which were conducted by Dr. Ramzi Salti in 2020-21.  Click on the icon in the top right of the video window for the entire playlist or go to this link.

Ramzi Salti Recites Andalusian Poem رمزي سلطي يلقي قصيدة يا شقيق الروح

Watch video at https://youtu.be/BKezCg5K438

Dr. Ramzi Salti recites a poem titled “Ya Shaqiq Al-Ruh  يا شقيق الروح” [Brother of My Soul] by Andalusian poet Ibn Sanā' al-Mulk (1155–1211). This poem belongs to the muwashahat genre, a branch of Arabic poetry that is exclusively associated with the time of Al-Andalus or Islamic Spain.

الدكتور رمزي سلطي يلقي قصيدة يا شقيق الروح للشاعر الاندلسي أبو القاسم هبة الله بن جعفر بن سناء الملك الذي ولد في مصر سنة 550 هـ -608هـ. وقد غنت له فيروز مقطعاً من هذه القصيدة بتوقيع الأخوين رحباني لحناً يمكنكم سماعه في نهاية هذا الفيديو

You watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/BKezCg5K438

يا شقيقَ الرُّوحِ منْ جَسَدي أهوىً بي منك أم لَمَمُ؟

 ضِعْتَ بين العَذْلِ والعَذَلِ وأنـا وَحْـدي على خَبـَلِ ما أرى قلبـي بمُحْتـَمـِلِ

 ما يريـدُ البـَيـْنُ من خَـلَدي وهو لا خَـصْـمٌ ولا حَـكَـمُ 

أيـها الظَّـبْيُ الذي شرَدَا تَرَكَـتْني مُـقْـلَتاك سُـدى 

زَعَـمـوا أنّي أراكَ غـدا وأظـنُّ الـمـوتَ دونَ غـدِ 

أينَ منِّي اليومَ ما زعموا؟

ادْنُ شـيـئـًا أيُّـهـا القـمـرُ كـادَ يمحـو نورَك الخَفَرُ 

أَدَلالٌ ذاك أم حَـــــذَرُ؟

لا تَخَفْ كيدي ولا رَصَدي أنتَ ظبيٌ والهوى حرَمُ 

يـا هشـامَ الحُسْـنِ أيُّ جَــــــوى يـا هــوىً 

أَزْرى بــكــلِّ هـــوى لـم أجــدْ مذْ غِبْـــتَ عــنــه دوا 

عََلَّـمتْـكَ النـَّفثَ في العُقـدِ لحـظـاتٌ كـلُّهـا سَـقـمُ 

هـل بِـــشــــوقـي ردْعُ كلِّ صَبــــا تَجْتلـــيهـــــــــــا آيـــةٌ عَجَبــــــــا 

حين أشـدوهـــــا بـكُـمْ طَـرَبــــــا 

يا نسيمَ الروحِ من بلدي خبِّرِ الأحبابُ كيفَ هُمُ

The literature of al-Andalus, also known as Andalusi literature (Arabic: الأدب الأندلسي‎, al-adab al-andalusī), was produced in Al-Andalus, or Islamic Iberia, from the time of the Muslim conquest in 711 to either the Catholic conquest of Granada in 1492 or the Expulsion of the Moors ending in 1614. 

Andalusi literature was written primarily in Arabic, but also in Hebrew, Judeo-Arabic, Aljamiado, and Mozarabic. This poetic genre remains very popular in the Arab world today, as demonstrated in the works of several contemporary singers, including Lebanese singer Fairuz and the Rahbani brothers who, in the 1970s, released an album of muwashahat under the title of Al-Andalusiyat الاندلسيات (audio excerpt by Fairuz is included at the end of this video). 

This poetic tradition has also made a profound impact on Spain's Generation of ’27, as seen, for example, in the works of Federico García Lorca. 

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/BKezCg5K438

• You can watch Fairuz singing this poem at https://youtu.be/6dnrCGMBzdw 
• You can watch Fairuz's complete Al-Andalusiyat concert below or at https://youtu.be/O3UfnASTpJQ

List of Arabology’s Top 30 Songs of 2020 (Includes Spotify + YouTube Playlists)

In lieu of my annual podcast in which I usually count down the Top 30 indie/alternative songs of the year, I am sharing this year a YouTube Playlist which includes Arabology's Top 30 songs of 2020.  Playlist starts with Number 1 and goes down to 30.

You can listen to the songs, in order, on Spotify below (scroll down after list) or watch all 30 music videos on YouTube.

• Listen to the Spotify list below (scroll down after list) or at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0JNZRpmJuZ3ZIXjm5t3NDP 
  Note that #13,14,29,30 have been replaced by songs by same artist since they are unavailable on Spotify
  
• OR Watch all 30 music videos through our YouTube Playlist below (scroll down) or at:
  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeLWDZIrxtQZklI3a-yVeLURURwz_dJ9R

Arabology’s Top 30 Songs of 2020

Best Indie/Alternative Arabic songs that came out of the Arab world in 2020

1.   Emsallam ft. Adan Wakeem - Aref Innak  مسلّم مع عدن واكيم - عارف إنك 

2.   E M E L - Holm (A Dream) آمال مثلوثي - حلم
3.   Bu Kolthoum - Mamnoun بو كلثوم - ممنون
4.   Elsayed Agamy ft. Yusor - Raka W Raka  السيد عجمي مع يسر - راقة و راقة 

5.   Omar Kamal - Ya Rayeh Sawb Bladi عمر كمال - يا رايح صوب بلادي
6.   47SOUL - Dabke System السبعة و أربعين - دبكة سيستم
7.   Faraj Suleiman - Questions on My Mind فرج سليمان - في أسئلة براسي
8.   Shabjdeed - NKD GLG (Prod. Al Nather) شب جديد - نكد چلچ
9.   Cairokee - Kan Lak Ma’aya كايروكي - كان لك معايا
10. The Synaptik X Maysa Daw - Jowa Beiti السينابتيك مع ميساء ضو - جوا بيتي 

11. Hamed Sinno - Mashaniq حامد سنو – مشانق
12. Aziz Maraka - Mafi Mennik عزيز مرقة – ما في منك
13. El Far3i - Dry Clean (P. Arab Keyz) الفرعي - دراي كلين * إنتاج عرب كيز
14. Lynn Adib & Zeid Hamdan - Ya Habibi Ta’ala - يا حبيبي تعالَ
15. Autostrad - Istana Shwai أوتوستراد - استنى شوي
16. Marwan Asad Ft. The Synaptik X Mohamed Mansour - Qamarhen قمرهن
17. Shabjdeed - MANTIKA (Prod. Al Nather) شب جديد - منطقة
18. Tania Saleh - Ya Reit (I Wish) تانيا صالح - يا ريت
19. The Synaptik (Ft.الفرعي- El Far3i) - Dari- السينابتيك - داري 

20. Ramy Essam – Ya Habayebna (Oh You Loved Ones) رامى عصام - يا حبايبنا
21. Souad Massi - Wakfa سعاد ماسي - واقفة 
22. Nour Khan - Hazeena نورخان - حزينة
23. Jamaet Khair Ft. Aziz - El Hob El Bekir جماعة خير مع عزيز - الحب البكر
24. Tamer Nafar - Ili Al-Haq (تامر نفار - إلي الحق (وين بصرفوها هاي؟
25. Kuwaisiana (Ft Plus Aziz) - Bara7a (براحة)
26. Naima Shalhoub - Four (Roumieh Prison Blues) (feat. Excentrik & Marcus Shelby)
27. Massar Egbari (ft Asmaa) - Raghm El Masafa رغم المسافة - مسار اجباري مع أسماء أبو اليزيد
28. Chantal Bitar - Bel Haijr El-Sehi شانتال بيطار - بالحجر الصحّي
29. E M E L + Various Artists - Kelmti Horra (My Word Is Free) - Quarantine Session
30. Layth Sidiq – Grief Is a Journey (Instrumental) ليث صديق – الحزن رحلة 

You can watch all 30 music videos play in order below or by going to this YouTube Playlist link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeLWDZIrxtQZklI3a-yVeLURURwz_dJ9R

Or, listen on Spotify below or at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0JNZRpmJuZ3ZIXjm5t3NDP 

Songs number 13,14,29,30 different on Spotify (same artist but original song unavailable on Spotify)

 

Looking forward to going back to creating new podcasts in 2021.  Happy New Year.

New Year Video Message from Dr. Ramzi Salti's Arabology Program

Watch at https://youtu.be/628MU8iTqzE

A special video greeting to everyone who has ever supported my Arabology radio/YouTube program and many thanks to all the amazing Arab artists who have graciously agreed to be interviewed through the years. Here's to a better 2021!  Watch below or at https://youtu.be/628MU8iTqzE

اتمنى لجميع مشاهدي برنامج عربولوجي عاماً جديداً مليئاً بالصحة والعافية والنجاح والف شكر على محبتكم ومتابعتكم وتشجيعكم عبر السنوات. كما اود أن أشكر كل الفنانين من جميع انحاء الوطن العربي الذين شاركوني بمشوارهم الفني وأعمالهم العظيمة من خلال المقابلات التي أجريتها معهم الرجاء الاشتراك بالقناة ليصلكم كل ماهو جديد

Fairuz's "Khidni Ya Habibi" Translated into English by Dr. Ramzi Salti

Here is my modest attempt to translate Fairuz's song "Khidni Ya Habibi خدني يا حبيبي  " [Take Me Away, My Love] from Arabic into English.  This song has always had a special place in my heart, as does the operetta/musical Petra in which it was initially performed, back in 1978.

I have uploaded a special video of the song, with optional English subtitles, to my YouTube Channel.  To view subtitles, start playing video then click on CC at bottom of video screen/window.  

For bilingual English/version, scroll down.

Watch below or at https://youtu.be/Hi4-DAq72s8

An Egyptian man arrived one night

Carrying with him the mysteries of the Pyramids 

And the sublime color of the Nile 

He appeared out of nowhere 

Just like joy itself 

And he gave us hope.

Take me away, my love 

To a house that has no doors 

Take me away my love 

To the moon that guides the forgotten 

Leave me in a deep slumber 

On a clear, bright day 

Until the nights return, along with our loved ones 

My love, my love, my love 

Take me away, leave me behind 

Joy is on its way 

Your love consumes me 

While you have no companion 

Take me away, leave me behind 

Joy is on its way 

Your love consumes me 

While you have no companion 

O King of all Swords 

You took away the summer 

 I imagine you everywhere 

 Lost in the fog 

Take me away, my love 

Take me away, my love 

Leave me in a deep slumber 

On a clear and bright day 

My love, my love, my love 

There was once a little princess 

Who grew up too quickly 

Jealousy surrounded her 

And she had no wings to fly away 

There was once a little Princess 

Who grew up too quickly 

Jealousy surrounded her 

She had no wings to fly away 

They made her live in Palaces 

Surrounded by vast oceans 

The Princess was too little 

And the oceans (doors) too vast

Take me away, my love 

To a house that has no doors 

Take me away, my love 

To the moon that guides those who are lost 

Leave me in a deep slumber 

On a clear, bright day 

Until the nights return, along with our loved ones 

My love, my love, my love 

English Translation by Dr. Ramzi Salti

Original Arabic Lyrics

An Egyptian man arrived one night Carrying with him the mysteries of the Pyramids And the sublime color of the Nile He appeared out of nowhere and, like joy itself,  He gave us hope. Take me away, my love To a house that has no doors Take me away, my love To the moon that guides the forgotten Leave me in a deep slumber on a clear, bright day Until the nights return, along with our loved ones My love, my love, my love Take me away, leave me behind Joy is on its way Your love consumes me While you have no companion O King of all Swords You took away the summer I imagine you everywhere Lost in the fog Take me away, my love Take me away, my love Leave me in a deep slumber On a clear and bright day My love, my love, my love There was once a little princess Who grew up too quickly Jealousy surrounded her And she had no wings to fly away They made her live in Palaces Surrounded by vast oceans But the Princess was too little And the oceans (doors) too vast Take me away, my love To a house that has no doors Take me away, my love To the moon that guides those who are lost Leave me in a deep slumber On a clear, bright day Until the nights return, along with our loved ones My love, my love, my love

ببيروس اللي إجا من الليل حامل غموض الهرم ولون النيل وصل ع غفلة متل الفرح وأعطانا الأمل خدني يا حبيبي ع بيت مالو بواب خدني يا حبيبي ع قمر الغياب انساني بالغفا بأيام الصفا تترجع الليالي ويرجعوا الأحباب يا حبيبي يا حبيبي يا حبيبي خدني ولا تخدني الفرح ع الطريق حبك بيحصدني وما عندك رفيق يا أمير السيف وين أخدت الصيف بشوفك وما بشوفك  وضايع بالضباب خدني يا حبيبي خدني يا حبيبي انساني بالغفا بأيام الصفا يا حبيبي يا حبيبي يا حبيبي في أميرة زغيرة انخطبت بكير رميوا عليها الغيرة وما بتعرف تطير سكنوها قصور خلف سبع بحور وزغيرة الأميرة وكبيرة البواب خدني يا حبيبي  خدني يا حبيبي ع بيت مالو بواب خدني يا حبيبي ع قمر الغياب انساني بالغفا بأيام الصفا تترجع الليالي ويرجعوا الأحباب يا حبيبي يا حبيبي يا حبيبي

Ramzi Salti Interviews +Aziz of Kuwaisiana (Arabology Online, December 2020)

Watch this interview at https://youtu.be/Dd-qunnCnC0

JUST RELEASED:  Stanford Lecturer + Arabology host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews multi-talented Kuwaiti musician +Aziz of Kuwaisiana, a groundbreaking band that fuses alternative Arab/Khaleeji rock with New Orleanian jazz, funk and more. This audio-visual interview was recorded in December 2020 and spotlights the band's amazing new music video ' Bara7a (براحة)' and upcoming EP Chapter 2.

Watch the interview below or at https://youtu.be/Dd-qunnCnC0

About Kuwaisiana:

While there is a spectrum of alternative Arabic music being made today across the Middle East, Kuwaisiana’s sound explores new territory for the Khaleeji dialect (the culture associated with the Arabian Peninsula), which is typically more closed off and protective of its symbols. ⚡ The result is a unique twist to what “Alternative Arab Rock” or a “New Orleans band” can sound like and a highly imaginative journey for listeners. 

Working in Arabic and English, Kuwaisiana is a full-bodied band producing a danceable, dynamic sound that draws on world music and indie rock. Led by Kuwaiti singer-songwriter +Aziz, the 6-piece blends funk, rock, ska with New Orleanian jazz, adding a unique twist to what Indie Arab Rock can sound like. Their followup is scheduled to be released on January 15, 2021.

Current Band Members of Kuwaisiana: +Aziz - vocals/guitar 🇰🇼 Matthieu - Drums 🇫🇷 Sam Levine - Bass 🇺🇲 Dehan Elçin - Trumpet 🇹🇷 Nick Ferreirae - Sax 🇺🇲 Patrick Driscoll - Hand percussion 🇺🇲

Lyrically, +Aziz explores the cultures he knows so well through his metaphor-rich lyrics, which sustain a tension between conversational and a more evocative, poetic perspective. Kuwaisiana is making progress at a time when so much of the world is in flux. Pre-order the EP at link below (to be released on January 15, 2021).

About Kuwaisian's upcoming album (pre-order here)

Born out of +Aziz’s desire to explore parallels between American and Khaleeji cultures, Chapter 2 is his band’s followup EP to Chapter 1, which was released through Universal Music MENA. This new 22-minute EP deepens the band’s exploration of the day-to-day experiences of Arab-American youth and the evolving viewpoints of Khaleejis living in the Arabian Peninsula. It will be self-released on Bandcamp on January 15, 2021 and then published to streaming platforms.

✔️ Official music video for Bara7a (براحة) by Kuwaisiana: https://youtu.be/qXhzKq7syhQ 

✔️ Pre-Order Chapter 2 on Bandcamp: https://kuwaisiana.bandcamp.com/album/chapter-2 

✔️ All Lyrics & Translations: http://www.kuwaisiana.com/lyrics 

To support/follow Kuwaisisana: 

✔️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/plusaziz 

✔️ Website: https://kuwaisiana.com/ 

✔️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/plusaziz 

✔️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kuwaisiana 

✔️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuwaisiana/ 

✔️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kuwaisiana 

✔️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qmZuO0 

✔️ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/plusaziz/kws-bara7a 

Watch Dr. Salti's interview interview with +Aziz below or at https://youtu.be/Dd-qunnCnC0

Ramzi Salti's Talk: Healing through Lebanese Music (EPIC Fellows, Stanford Global Studies, September 2020)

Watch full talk at https://youtu.be/LzAaUrZEq8k

This audio-visual talk by Stanford Lecturer + Arabology program host Dr. Ramzi Salti was presented for the Education Partnership for Internationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Fellowship program (Stanford Global Studies) in September 2020. 

You can watch the complete talk below or at https://youtu.be/LzAaUrZEq8k

Lecture includes the following segments:

1. Intro by Denise Geraci, Ph.D. (0:00) 

2. Intro by Dr. Ramzi Salti (01:49) 

3. Fairuz (17:38-25:00) 

4. Talia Lahoud (25:01-27:59) 

5. Tania Kassis (28:49-31:18) 

6. Mike Massy (31:18-35:24) 

7. Yasmine Hamdan (35:24-40:03) 

8. Tania Saleh (40:03-41:52) 

9. Zeid Hamdan (41:52-45:06) 

10. Fareeq El Atrash (45:06-47:20) 

11. Mashrou Leila (47:20-52:27) 

Artwork by Tamer Al Ahmar

Description: For years, certain Lebanese indie/alternative musicians have attempted to broach themes of socio-economic injustice, corruption, and politics in their work--a prophetic fact that may have much to inform recent events in Lebanon where the capital has been rocked by one of the most violent tragedies in recent memory. By showcasing some of Beirut's most talented indie/alternative musicians, the aim of this talk is to remind us of the role that music can play in helping us to heal and rebuild. 

About Dr. Ramzi Salti: Born in 1966 in Lebanon, he completed his high school education in Jordan in 1983 before moving to the United States where, in 1997, he earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature (Arabic, French, English) from UC Riverside. Since 1999, he has been a full-time Lecturer at Stanford University where he also authors his own blog and hosts a radio program/podcast titled Arabology--which airs on KZSU Stanford 90.1 FM. Podcasts are available at https://soundcloud.com/arabology

You can watch the complete talk below or at https://youtu.be/LzAaUrZEq8k

Dr. Ramzi Salti Interviews El Far3i about His Upcoming Crowdcast Concert on Dec 12, 2020

Watch interview at https://youtu.be/cECHbrGFzBY

Just released on YouTube:  Stanford Lecturer + Arabology host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews rapper/songwriter Tareq Abu Kwaik AKA El Far3i  الفرعي about his upcoming Crowdcast (online) concert on December 12, 2020.

You can watch the full interview below or at https://youtu.be/cECHbrGFzBY

This audio visual interview was recorded on November 15, 2020 and includes footage from the official promo video "El Far3i Real-time 12/12/2020 (Official Promo) الفرعي مباشر"--produced by Arab Drumz, Directed by Raneem Hannoush, Filmed & Edited by Zoe Fayaud. Official promo video is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/BErE55JzzCc 

For tickets + more info about El Far3i's Crowdcast concert on December 12, 2020, please see https://www.crowdcast.io/e/elfar3i 

About the Crowdcast Concert on Dec 12, 2020: 

Arab Drumz Presents “El Far3i Real-time” High Quality Live Streaming Concert from the Specialized Audio-Visual Studio in London T.E.N Studios. Program includes full Acoustic Show Including Popular songs by El Far3i and Exclusive Performances of New Unreleased Songs from His Upcoming Acoustic Album (Nas Min Khashab) 2021 mixed with: 

1. Clips From the Making of "El Far3i Real-time" 

2. Premiere of NEW video clip for Rap/Mahrajan Song “El Far3i - Hayarafo Meen” in collaboration with Egyptian Producer Molotof 

3. Live Chat with the Winner from the Comments Question 

4. Q&A with The Attendees 

Watch official video clip "El Far3i Real-time 12/12/2020 (Official Promo)" below or at https://youtu.be/BErE55JzzCc

Watch Dr. Salti's Interview with El Far3i below or at https://youtu.be/cECHbrGFzBY

For more about El Far3i: 

VISIT : http://www.elfar3i.com/ 

LISTEN:https://soundcloud.com/el-far3i 

BUY: http://elfar3i.bandcamp.com 

WATCH:http://www.youtube.com/far3i 

FOLLOW:https://twitter.com/elfar3i 

LIKE : https://www.facebook.com/A5ook.El.Far3i 

Please subscribe to Dr. Ramzi Salti's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RamziSalti

Ramzi Salti Interviews Hamed Sinno of Mashrou' Leila about his new musical projects, and life after COVID

Watch this interview below or at https://youtu.be/-a2sOF_hhKw

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology host Dr. Ramzi Salti has interviewed Hamed Sinno, vocalist/lyricist of the groundbreaking Lebanese band Mashrou' Leila, who joined us by Zoom on October 9, 2020.

In this interview, Hamed talks about life during COVID, his recent project with Mika to help Beirut, his new song 'Mashaniq' following the explosions in Lebanon, his musical collaborations with Narcy as well as with Hercules & Love Affair, and life after a decade with Mashrou Leila. 

Press Play above to watch right here

List of short audio excerpts in this interview: 

01- Promiseland by Mika ft Mashrou Leila (08:30) 

02- Mashaniq by Hamed Sinno (09:37 and 14:16) 

03- Are You Still Certain by Hercules and Love Affair (Ft Mashrou Leila) (16:28) 

04- Spacetime by Narcy ft Mashrou Leila (19:23) 

This project was made possible through an artsCatalyst grant from Stanford University; artsCatalyst Grants foster interdisciplinary arts experiences that enhance classroom experiences for undergraduate students. These grants fund guest speaker honoraria and supplemental activity materials. 

Please subscribe to Dr. Ramzi Salti's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RamziSalti

Ramzi Salti Interviews Groundbreaking Arab Rapper Emsallam (October 2020)

Watch video at this link

October 2020--Stanford Lecturer + Arabology host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviewed audio visual artist + rapper Emsallam who joined us by Zoom, live from Russia, in order to take us on a track-by-track journey of his new album Dyslexia (released at the end of Oct 2020).   See list of tracks below.

You can watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/MJrZOBZXSgA

Here is a list of featured audio excerpts from Emsallam's Dyslexia album © Keife Records 2020 

Click on time following each track to go directly to that segment in interview.

01- Emsallam - Ferdy (15:40) 

02- Emsallam - PMWL (17:40) 

03- Emsallam Ft Adan Wakeen - Aref Enak (24:09) 

04- Emsallam - Dasher 7osromna (28:36) 

05- Emsallam - Sea Weed (31:07) 

06- Emsallam Ft Tamer Naffar - Walla 5a6ar 3ala bali (35:18) 

07- Emsallam - La Malamah (36:57) 

08- Emsallam - Made in Mama (39:43) 

09- Emsallam - Ya 3alem el 7al (41:49) 

10- Emsallam - Ana Illy Kan Ma3aya (INTRO OUTRO) (44:49) 

FEATURED VIDEO TEASERS: 

1. Khawa (6:44) featuring Krist Zoubi and Produced by The Archiducer, Sampled from the Syrian Series "Ma Fi Amal" theme song, and one of Emsallam's album The Last Step released 03/09/16 Filmed by Zack Al Kharouf. Edited, Coloured, And Directed By Msallam Hdaib 

2. Dasher Hosromna Written and performed by Emsallam. Produced by Ayman Salhi AKA The Archiducer. Mixed and mastered by Ayman Salhi AKA The Archiducer © Keife Records 2020 https://www.facebook.com/keiferecords... 

3. Aref Innak by Emsallam featuring Adan Wakeem. Co-produced by Emsallam and Ayman Alsalhi AKA The Archiduce. Mixed and mastered by Ayman Alsalhi AKA The Archiducer. Music video directed, shot, edited by Tanya Marar. Title card by Naji Al abbadi Starring: Salma Malhas 

Follow Emsallam:

https://www.instagram.com/emsallamvdie/ 

https://www.facebook.com/EmsallamHdaib/ 

https://www.emsallam.net/

Ramzi Salti Interviews Shahina Osseiran, Daughter of late Lebanese Poet Jawdat Haydar

Watch at https://youtu.be/0BZC5yrZkNI 

Dr. Ramzi Salti audio visual interview with Shahina Osseiran, daughter of late Lebanese Poet Jawdat Haydar (1905-2006), is now available online. Interview was recorded in October 2020 and features an in-depth discussion of Haydar's legacy, including poetry (in English and Arabic) as well a song by Lebanese singer Abeer Nemeh  عبير نعمة  that is based on one of Haydar's poems. See list of covered topics/poems below.

Watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/0BZC5yrZkNI

Watch at https://youtu.be/0BZC5yrZkNI 

Here is a listing of the topics and poems that were discussed during this interview, including a song by Lebanese singer Abeer Nemeh that is based on one of Haydar's poems.  You can start at the beginning or click on time to the left of each listing below to go directly to that segment: 

04:37 Verses about Arab Politicians (Deserts of Despair) 

07:04 Excerpt from poem titled 'Beirut' 

09:31 Discussion about Stanford event commemorating Jawdat Haydar 

10:51 Discussion about Haydar's Arabic Poetry 

10:54 Elegy for Jawdat's son Bassam 

15:41 Song by Abeer Nehmeh titled 'Washwish' based on Haydar's Poem 'Wujudi La Wujud' 

19:26 Arabic verses from Bassam's elegy + translation 

23:15 Discussion about Kahlil Gibran ft poem. 

25:56 Various events and tributes to Jawdat Haydar 

35:47 Reading of Haydar's Poem "To a Friend" (recited by Ramzi Salti)

Watch this audio-visual interview at https://youtu.be/0BZC5yrZkNI
For more about Jawdat Haydar: http://jawdathaydar.org
Subscribe to Ramzi Salti's YouTube Channel at https://youtube.com/c/RamziSalti