1. The song 'Beirut Windows شبابيك بيروت' from Tania Saleh 's latest CD came in at Number 1 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/88fAyLo0oq0 2. This song by Rim Banna titled 'Break Your Fears اكسر خوفك' came in at Number 2 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/XMtEHEhhobk 3. The song 'Hal' by Yasmine Hamdan --which was featured in the film Only Lovers Left Alive --came in at Number 3 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/XDepIDGKC2U 4. The song 'Dawayer (Circles)' by Dina El Wedidi came in at Number 4 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. https://soundcloud.com/dina-elwedidi/dawayer-1 5. Jordanian rock band JadaL 's song 'Wahde Bteshbahek, وحده بتشبهك' came in at Number 5 in Arabology ...
Dr. Ramzi Salti commemorates 50 Years Since the Death of Umm Kulthum-- February 3, 2025 Umm Kulthum (1898–1975) Introduction: A Cultural Icon and the Voice of the Arab World On February 3, 2025, we mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, one of the most influential artists in the history of Arab music. For half a century, her voice has resonated through time, her music transcending generations, borders, and cultures. Known for her unparalleled vocal ability, emotive performances, and captivating stage presence, Umm Kulthum remains a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural pride. Rare color footage of Umm Kulthum by Director Youssef Chahine Umm Kulthum's impact extends far beyond her music. She was a pioneering force in both the cultural and political landscapes of the Arab world, her songs representing themes of love, longing, heartbreak, and social change. Today, as we reflect on her life and legacy, we remember a woman whose contrib...
When Egyptian Singer Sherine released her hit "Sabri Aaleel" in 2003, no one would have ever predicted that, over 2 decades later, the track would continue to be reborn, revamped, remixed and translated into different languages around the world. As a tribute to this iconic song, this article will attempt to spotlight some of the most innovative and groundbreaking resurrections of the song that have appeared through the years. These will include re-recordings in completely different genres, remixes that have become staples at dance parties and versions from Italy and France that take the song to a whole new level. 1. To start, here is Sherine's original version of "Sabri Aaleel" as it was first released by Sherine in 2003. The title, "Sabri Aaleel" (صبري قليل), translates to "My Patience Is Running Low," and the song was initially featured on her 2003 album, "Girh Tani" (جرح تاني). 2. Johanna Morkos is a Lebanese singer and music...
Sin Visa is an independent, poignant film that broaches the topic of immigration in a powerful, thoughtful and unique way. At a time when immigrants seem to be systematically portrayed en masse by so many media outlets, this film succeeds in humanizing the immigrant experience by reminding us all of the individuality and uniqueness of every immigrant that has ever crossed the border.
Sensitively written, in Spanish, by Bassam Kassab, this 81-minute drama takes us upon the often horrifying journey of Marco, a 17-year old Mexican who crosses the border in search of work, security, and a better life. What he finds instead is that the road ahead is filled with treachery, exploitation, and a total lack of humanity.
This is not to say that this film does not offer hope, for the script does introduce us to characters that actually help Marco in overcoming various obstacles while adjusting to his new life. These multi-ethnic characters serve to underline the need for various immigrant communities to support each other and, as such, offer a fresh and realistic alternative to traditional immigrant narratives.
This film was brilliantly directed by Ana Simoes, nicely edited by Egyptian Director Maher Sabry, and features a moving performance by Edgar-Arturo Camacho-Gonzales in the part of Marco. That strong lead serves to keep the film on track and enables us to truly understand the real and constant danger that defines the lives of so many immigrants to the US. The rest of the cast is also quite impressive and, at times, so believable that one starts feeling that one is watching a real-life documentary instead of a fictional drama.
The film's soundtrack is also quite worthy of praise and includes new songs, in Arabic and Spanish, by Lebanese singing sensation Mike Massy. Massy's voice is perfectly suited for the kind of ballads, lamentations and odes that set the somber mood of the film. One of the songs 'Ya Ummi' (written in Arabic by Bassam Kassab and recorded by Mike Massy) is so heart wrenching that several members of the audience could be heard literally sobbing their hearts out.
This film is highly recommended for anyone who is seeking a different way of broaching the topic of immigration all over the world today. It contains some scenes that can be disturbing for some but none of these are gratuitous or sensational in nature. They are, however, quite haunting as one feels the after-effects of this film long after having watched it.
--Reviewed by Ramzi Salti, Ph.D. (Stanford University)
