Ramzi Salti's Arabology

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/topsongs2016 Arabology has just spotlighted the Top 20 indie/alternative Arabic Songs of 2016 during a special year-end episode which aired on KZSU 90.1 FM on Dec 10, 2016.  You can hear the podcast below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/topsongs2016 Presented with commentary in English by Stanford Lecturer + Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti, the show featured an amazing array of independent Arab musicians coming from Iraq, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria--including several Arab musicians living in Sweden, France, Israel, Canada and the USA. Out of the Top 20 Arabic songs, 7 were by female vocalists, 7 by male musicians, and 6 by groups/bands. The list also featured 2 live tracks and one duet in Arabic + Spanish. This year's "Top 20" list boasted musicians that sing in a variety of musical genres--from Jazz and Hip Hop to Rock and Ballads, to a hybrid variety that

Read article at  http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/12/07/the-ambassador-of-arabology Many thanks to Karla Kane and The Palo Alto Weekly for publishing such an in-depth article about my Arabology radio show in this week's issue (online + print) You can read the article at http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/12/07/the-ambassador-of-arabology Interview focuses on groundbreaking Arab msuicians and media personalities whose work has been highlighted on the show, from Mashrou' Leila's Hamed Sinno to Tunisian singer/songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, to the 'Egyptian Jon Stewart' Bassem Youssef to...Olivia Newton-John! Read full article at http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/12/07/the-ambassador-of-arabology

Ahmad Joudeh: Dance or Die Back in 2014, I had the chance to interview, by phone, a dancer named Ahmad Joudeh who was then living under the harshest of circumstances in Syria. At the time, he was cautiously thrilled to have the chance to participate in the Arabic version of So You Think You Can Dance where he did quite well (though he did not win). You can watch his audition below or at https://youtu.be/5acMbA0Mqx0 Ahmad was applauded by the judges on the show, particularly legendary dancer Pierre Dulaine who immediately believed in Ahmad's dream and the power of dance to heal. Ahmad recognized Mr. Dulaine's kindness and encouragement during my interview with him which aired on KZSU 90.1 FM in 2014. You can listen to that interview below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ahmadjoudeh2 Judge Pierre Dulaine also spoke to me about Ahmad in a separate interview which you can hear below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/pierredulaine2#t=12:57 It was ver

The latest Arabology podcast (aired Nov 25, 2016) is now available below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology106 This new episode, hosted in English by Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti,  featured an amazing array of groundbreaking Arab musicians singing everything from ballads to Hip Hop to Electronia. Playlist for Arabology 10.6 (25 November 2016) DJ: Ramzi S. 1. Murder Dance Machine/Levant Disco Song/ Maxi 45 Music & Records 2. Keybe, Duo Zone+ & Usif / Atini El nai (Zone+ Version)/Souq Records 3. Alaa Wardi /Yawrood/ Madinat Al Salah 4. Rami Mishriky/ Eternel la perfection/ Single 5. Labess/ Au bord de l'eau / Tout Va Bien/ Autoproduction 6. Rebal Alkhodari/ 3ajaban li-ghazalan/ Al-Tawshih Al Hadith 7. Mohamed Mansour/ Hoboot fel Daght (Pressure Drop)/Single 8. Lena Chamamyan/ Kissat Ishq/ Lawnan 9. Tania Saleh + Hazem Shaheen/ Eini Fi Einek/ Live at Al Genaina Theatre 10. Al Sayyed Darwish/ Rad al Shaab/ Single/ Hani Sawah 11. Raskalb/ Yamma/ T

Rania Kurdi in 'Weslat' video clip Rania Kurdi aka the Arab Tracey Ullman has just released a new song and video that humorously deal with so-called celebrities and superficiality in the media. Titled 'Weslat' [Message Received], the video features Jordanian rap artist Amer Al-Taher and is brilliantly directed by Zaid Bawab. It showcases Rania in playing different characters doing what she does best--satirically commenting on so called celebrities who are more concerned with image than content. You can watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/81LSOsP3GJs For more about Rania Kurdi see https://www.facebook.com/RaniaKurdiOfficial

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/pierredulaine2016 Listen to Arabology's NEW radio interview with legendary ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/pierredulaine2016 This NEW radio interview with legendary ballroom dancing champion Pierre Dulaine showcases his new book "Take the Lead" in which he recounts his life--from his birth in Jaffa (يافا) in 1944 to a Palestinian mother and Irish father, to his childhood in Jordan, to his Dancing Classrooms Global Initiative, to his films ( Dancing in Jaffa  and Take the Lead  starring Antonio Banderas), to his judging experience on the Arabic version of So You Think You Can Dance - يلّا نرقص and Dancing with the Stars - رقص النجوم ). In this interview, Pierre Dulaine also reveals intimate details about his personal life for the first time as he broaches topics ranging from identity politics to sexual orientation. Listen to interview at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/pi

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal Arabology's interview with Omar Kamal aka "The Arab Sinatra" was recorded on November 18, 2016 at KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University).  It includes a sample of Omar's English songs and such Arabic songs as 'Mawtini موطني'. Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal This interview coincides with the release of Omar Kamal's first single with Sony Music titled "Love Never Looked So Good"--a classic take on the Michael Jackson hit featuring the same guitarist that worked on Michael Jackson’s ‘Dangerous’ album (Tim Pierce).  Omar also discussed his forthcoming album--produced by Dave Pierce and Bob Rock--which was mixed by 23-time Grammy award winner Al Schmitt of Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Omar Kamal in Rome Omar's single "Love Never Felt So Good" is accompanied by an elegant video clip which was filmed in Rome.  The video has already ama

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/bassemyoussef Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews satirist/columnist/TV Host Bassem Youssef, aka the Egyptian Jon Stewart, at Stanford University on Nov 7, 2016--one day before the elections. Listen below or at  THIS LINK   arabology · Interview with Bassem Youssef (Nov 2016) In this interview, Bassem discussed his time in residency at Stanford; his TV show Al-Bernameg (a satirical news program which ran from 2011 to 2014); his current project titled 'The Democracy Handbook'; and his upcoming book and documentary. Listen/share/download at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/bassemyoussef PICTURES WITH BASSEM YOUSSEF AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY: Bassem Youssef at KZSU 90.1 FM Dr. Ramzi Salti (left) with Dr. Bassem Youssef (Nov 2016) Stanford University 2016 https://soundcloud.com/arabology/bassemyoussef

Emel Mathlouthi at Bing Concert Hall (Stanford) on Oct 5, 2016 Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi aka the Voice of the Tunisian Revolution, thrilled audiences at Stanford University when she came to the campus on Oct 5-6, 2016 where she conducted a lunch talk at the Markaz (moderated by Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti), an unforgettable concert at Bing Concert Hall, and a student matinee, also at the Bing, the following day. These events were made possible by Stanford Live, the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and the Institute for Diversity in the Arts as part of a series called Islamic Voices. A strident songstress whose intensity is cloaked in mellifluous vocals, Emel Mathlouthi is also known for her role as a leading artist in the Arab Spring. Born in Tunis, she was shunned from her country's official airwaves but rose to prominence through social media. She released her first album, Kelmti Horra (my word is free) in 2012, garnering lavish praise from critics and fans

Emel Mathlouthi aka the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" brings her songs to Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University on Wednesday Oct 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm. The concert is preceded by a talk by Dr. Ramzi Salti and Prof Joel Beinin at 6:30 pm.  PRE-CONCERT TALK: At 6:30 pm, Ramzi Salti, host of the podcast Arabology, and Professor Joel Beinin set the stage for Emel Mathlouthi by discussing the Tunisian Revolution, how it launched the Arab Spring, and how her music became its soundtrack. Tunisian singer and activist Emel Mathlouthi earned the title "the voice of the Arab Spring" with her 2007 recording My Word Is Free  كلمتي حرة—and in the process became her country's Joan Baez (her role model). "I see art as a very revolutionary way to change mentalities,” says the Tunisian-born Mathlouthi. This potent artist is a singer of compelling, confessional impact, whose music embraces suffering, love, and an ache for home. Though her roots are in folk

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramianis Listen to my interview with Syrian Olympic Swimmer Rami Anis who participated in this year's Olympics s part of the Refugee Olympic Team at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramianis أدعوكم للاستماع الى المقابلة التي سجلتها مع السباح السوري ‫‏رامي أنيس‬ الذي شارك في الفريق الأولمبي للاجئين عبر الرابط التالي:  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramianis During this interview (conducted in Arabic with an English intro) Rami spoke of his journey to Turkey then, by dinghy with make shift tree branches for oars, to Greece and on to Belgium. Rami also discusses his training as a swimmer, his experience at the Rio Olympics 2016, and his thoughts regarding the refugee crisis around the world. Please check out and share my radio interview with this brave 25-year old Olympic swimmer who defied immeasurable odds to make it to the Rio Olympics 2016 as part of the Refugee Olympic Team:  https://soundcloud.com/arabol

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology105 Arabology 10.5 aired on August 18, 2016 and featured indie Arabic music by groundbreaking musicians from Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Sudan (Nubia), Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine/Israel--plus 2 tracks by Zebda the Spy from Cairo, including a special Fairuz remix. Listen to the podcast below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology105 Show also included interview with Arab American author Frank Gelat, author of the bilingual Arabic/English book of proverbs The Forbidden Heights (order your copy at www.forbiddenheights.com/main/book-buy ) This podcast also featured an interview (ft musical excerpts) with Egyptian American Opera singer Ashraf Sewailam who spoke about Opera in the Arab world and beyond. Playlist at THIS LINK .

Here is my exclusive interview with Jordanian artist Sadouf, recorded in her studio in Amman, Jordan in July 2016:  Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sadouf2016  or watch the video at  https://youtu.be/UusSbTLxK5o https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sadouf2016 You can listen to the interview below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sadouf2016 You can now watch a video, featuring photos, from this interview with Sadouf below or at https://youtu.be/UusSbTLxK5o PICTURES IN SADOUF'S STUDIO: You can contact Sadouf by email at sadouf_salem@yahoo.com Sadouf's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158661640821693/ Arabology Interviews Sadouf:  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sadouf2016

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sandmoon Check out my new radio interview with Sandra Arslanian of Sandmoon which was recorded earlier this month via Skype.  Segment includes  2 tracks by Sandmoon: "Home" and "Time Has Yet to Come." Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/sandmoon In this interview, Sandra Arslanian about her album 'Home,' about fleeing her native Lebanon, and about being part of the country’s diverse music scene. Sandra Arslanian was born at the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970’s. Her family fled and resettled in Belgium, where she grew up, went to school, earned a degree in Communications and started working.  Upon returning to Beirut, Sandra launched a musical project which developed into the band Sandmoon, recorded three albums, played the local circuit and some major festivals, and produced several striking videos: www.youtube.com/user/Sandmoonmusic . sandmoon - Things (Official):

soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology104 Arabology 10.4 featured an amazing array of indie music from Jordan, along with exclusive interviews (mostly in English) with Jordanian musicians and Jordan-based filmmakers. This episode was recorded in Amman, Jordan in July 2016 and aired in California on Thursday August 11, 2016. Listen below or at soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology104 Playlist for Arabology 10.4 Thursday, 11 August 2016 11am - 2pm DJ: Dr. Ramzi Salti 1. Tareq Al Nasser (RUM Band)/ Ya Rouh/ Urdun 2. Natalie Saman/ Habbaytik Ana Amman/ Habbaytak Ya Urdun 3. Jadal/ Itha Ihna Rohna/ Malyoun 4. Interview with Muhammad Abdullah of El Morabba3/ Part 1 5. El Morabba3/ Ilham/ Taraf El Khait/ Universal 6. Interview with Muhammad Abdullah of El Morabba3/ Part 2 7. El Morabba3/ Shiber Maii Taraf El Khait/ Universal 8. Interview with Yarub Smarait/ Part 1 9. Yarub Smarait/ Balad Al Mahboub/ Ya Salam 10. Interview with Yarub Smarait/ Part 2 11. Yarub Smarait/

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology104 The August 11, 2016 Arabology Podcast featured my interviews with talented filmmakers in Jordan whose films are truly worthy of your attention. Listen to these interviews via  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology104  (start at 1:43:46) Here is a list of the filmmakers that were interviewed during the show: 1.  Anas Khalaf , Director of  Driving to ZigZigland ,  Searching for the Translator  (short) and currently filming a feature titled  The Translator  in Jordan. Anas Khalaf (left) with Dr. Ramzi Salti Born in Syria, but raised in France, Anas moved to Los Angeles in order to work with Frederic Golchan Productions. Whilst in LA, he co-produced the feature Prospect and also served as First AD on The Adventures Of Frank Dern . With BintFilm, Anas served as Executive Producer on Driving To Zigzigland (Winner Best Film, Amal Festival) and developed Sleeping On Stones (Middle East Screenwriter’s Lab and

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/dinaelwedidi2016 I am happy to share my brand new interview with Egytian indie singer Dina El Wedidi who will be performing in concert on June 14 at El Cid in Silverlake and on June 17 at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley. This interview was recorded on June 13, 2016 and was conducted in English and Arabic.  It includes musical excerpt of the kind of folkloric songs that Dina will be singing in concert. Listen to the interview below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/dinaelwedidi2016

https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology103 The May 24 Arabology Podcast featured songs, in English, by Arab artists from Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Listen below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/arabology103 The show is meant as a continuation of the previous Arabology podcast which highlighted songs in English by musicians in/from Lebanon.  That podcast is at THIS LINK . Arabology Playlsit DJ: Ramzi S. Tue, 24 May 2016 / 1900-2100 Artist Track Album/Label Dina Madi Nostalgia Soul Whispers Dina Madi Malak El Husseiny Somebody Told Me Alters (EP) Malak Malak El Husseiny Wild Summer Hearts Alters (EP) Malak Nathalie Saba Snow This Is Me Sony Music Climax (Lyna Benzakour + Othman Jmad) West Coast Lana Del Rey Cover Diapazone Abir Adn Sunrise Single Diapazone Imane El Halouat Fly Me to the Moon Single Diapazone Haydar Hamdi Soldier of Sound 404 Diapazone +Aziz Oilah: The First Sound Museland III M

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/writteninwater Interview recorded in May 2016. Arabology interviews 2 remarkable singer-songwriters who are considered musical icons and voices for peace in different worlds, oceans apart: May Nasr, from Lebanon; Lourdes Perez, from Puerto Rico. This interview includes excerpts from their new Arabic-Spanish duet CD 'Written in Water.' Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/writteninwater Download 10-track CD at www.cdbaby.com/cd/lourdesperez1 More about May Nasr: www.facebook.com/May-Nasr-31304165110 More about Lourdes Perez: lourdesperez.com/ More about 'Written in Water' CD: THIS LINK. Song Excerpts are from 'Written in Water' CD by May Nasr + Lourdes Perez: 1. Caminare (I Will Walk) 2. Te Llamo/Ounadikum (2 different excerpts) 3. Escrito en Agua/Written in Water 4. Mediterraneo 3. Najwa's House/Baytik Ya Najwa 4. Rompe la Ola/Break the Wave 5. Sal y Azucar/Melh w Su

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramachakaki Recorded in May 2016.   Arabology interview Rama Chakaki, Executive Director of TechWadi, who brings 23 years of technical and communications experience to her passion: investing in social enterprises, using technology for social development and nurturing future social entrepreneurs in the region. She setup Baraka Ventures in 2006 to invest in social and tech businesses. She established Baraka Advisers, a digital communications agency. She also established BarakaBits, the only media venture delivering exclusively good news, changing the narrative in the media to an intelligent, optimistic and empowering one. Rama holds a BS in Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management from George Washington University. She’s a founding member of Arab Women in Computing and the first regional Women Angel investment Network. Listen to interview below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ramachakaki More inf