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