Hosted by Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti, Arabology is a podcast, blog and YouTube program showcasing indie Arabic music and other cultural productions from/about the Arab world.
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
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.
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
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.
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).
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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)
The video recording of Dr. Ramzi Salti's Aug 13 talk about the way in which certain Lebanese songs/musicians can empower/heal us during these catastrophic times is now available online. You can watch below or at youtu.be/pOU8RfC7bUM
Title: Tribute to Lebanese Music from Fairuz to Mashrou Leila
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 remind us of the role that music can play in helping us heal and rebuild the country.
Info: This audio-visual lecture by was recorded by Zoom on Thursday, August 13, 2020 and was presented in conjunction with Sijal Institute in Amman, Jordan. No images/names of attendees appear in this video except where a participant has granted permission.
List of highlighted songs and Musicians (click on time below to move to that section):
00:00 Introduction by Katy W. of Sijal Institute (Amman, Jordan)
Stanford Lecturer and Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti was recently interviewed by Sijal Intern Mohan Chen (M.A. in Arab Studies, Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University) about his Arabic music class at Sijal Institute, his radio show, and his 20+ years of teaching at Stanford.
Here is the link to my July 22 conversation with Fadi Haddad, Director of the iconic Jordanian film "When Monaliza Smiled لما ضحكت موناليزا." This screening + discussion were part of this year's SGS Summer Film Festival, brought to you by the Abbasi Program and Stanford Global Studies.
Details: Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti converses with Fadi Haddad, Director of the iconic film "When Monaliza Smiled" لما ضحكت موناليزا following an online screening of the film. Recorded by Zoom on July 22, 2020 at 08:30 PM in Pacific Time. This film + discussion were part of the SGS Summer Film Festival; Sponsored by the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and Stanford Global Studies.
Film Description: "When Monaliza Smiled" is a Jordanian romantic comedy from director Fadi Haddad that follows an office romance between Monaliza, a young Jordanian woman who doesn't see the point in smiling, and Hamdi, an Egyptian immigrant who offers Monaliza a new perspective on life.
Join us on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 8:30 pm (PST) for an online conversation between Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti and Jordanian Director Fadi Haddad--whose iconic film When Monaliza Smiled can be streamed for free from now thru the day of the event.
When Monaliza Smiled is a Jordanian romantic comedy from director Fadi Haddad that follows an office romance between Monaliza, a young Jordanian woman who doesn't see the point in smiling, and Hamdi, an Egyptian immigrant who offers Monaliza a new perspective on life.
Film Trailer: https://youtu.be/G-L8mQI1xVg
To watch Dr. Ramzi's interview with Director Fadi Haddad, please see below or go to https://youtu.be/ZojLibSdLac
Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar who joined us by Zoom, live from Amman (Jordan), on May 11, 2020.
In this interview, Tamer opens up about his artistic journey, his iconic pieces that pay homage to such Arab singers as Fairuz, Um Kulthum, and Sabah; his solo exhibit in Amman, Jordan (2019); his artistic venture with Jordanian singer Haifa Kama; his recent experience at the Arab Conference at Harvard-(where he helped raise funds for refugees); and his gorgeous new postcard set/series which, in collaboration with Souq Al Hanaa, benefits needy families in Lebanon.
Jordanian American artist Ridikkuluz recently wowed Stanford University by giving an impressive audio visual talk (by Zoom) in which he focused on his Arabic iconography pieces--ranging from Fairuz and Umm Kulthum to the King and Queen of Jordan. The talk, which took place on April 27, 2020, was by special invitation from Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti and attracted a diverse, global audience including Stanford students, faculty, and artists in/from the Arab world who rallied together in support of the young artist whose groundbreaking work served as a way to connect communities by broaching issues related to Arab identity, Arab American art, gender, marginalization and postcoloniality.
The talk--which included a stunning PowerPoint presentation by the artist--was followed by a lively Q&A in English and/or Arabic. Please note that the (edited) video from the talk below now includes English subtitles where needed and that NO STUDENTS APPEAR IN THIS VERSION.
Although Ridikkuluz has amassed a diverse body of work through the years, this talked specifically focused on his "Arabic Iconography" oeuvre including his series on cultural icons and Western (mis)representations of the Other.
RIDIKKULUZ (ᴘʀᴏɴᴜɴᴄɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ : “ridiculous”/ʀɨˈᴅɪᴋəʟəᴢ/ ʀɪ-ᴅɪᴋ-ə-ʟəᴢ) b. 1994 is a New York-based, Jordanian fine artist working in painting, sculpture and video. His work encompasses identity, duality and intense emotion all while bridging the gap between Western and Arab culture. Using a surrealistic context infused with an urban influence, his provocative portraiture projects the vulnerability of the artist’s insecurities. Through his artistry, he inverts the systemic equation of counterfeit-confidence and privilege amounting to success with transparent diligence and the beauty of weakness. RIDIKKULUZ attempts to build a space of simplicity where the complex cultural symbolism of his objects and figures can have the same weight of paintings that appeals to the upper echelon of society.The Rowaq al Balqa foundation in Jordan gave him an artistic premise early on; he furthered his studies abroad in France, Spain and Italy. RIDIKKULUZ’s work has since been featured in the music videos of Lupe Fiasco and Kiing Sky. In 2018, He was interviewed by Amman Radio for his depiction of the Royal King and Queen in Jordan. Press features include The Journal News, Aziz Art Magazine, the Daily 49er, Hors Centre: French Embassy & Queens College Newsletter and most recently in Arts Westchester Magazine. RIDIKKULUZ has exhibited in Westchester, New York City and Jordan.
Rania Kurdi's new show, titled Ma3ZOOM, available on her YouTube Channel
Rania Kurdi is back with a new season of The Rania Show called Ma3ZOOM which she is making available via her YouTube Channel. Starting on April 24, 2020--and for the entire month of Ramadan--she will be releasing a new episode every night at 8:30 pm (Amman time) where she will resurrect her iconic characters who are funnier than ever! Watch trailer below or at https://youtu.be/P27rJc70g6c
The premise behind this season's episodes is that each of her beloved 5 characters--Um Rami, Ola, Ghalia, Arwa, and Sasha--will be attempting to learn a new skill via Zoom by hiring real life experts from various fields--from sports to learning English.
The playlist includes all the episodes that have aired thus far and is being consistently updated; click on the icon to the top right of the screen below to watch all episodes in succession.
A memorable event commemorating the life and works of Lebanese poet Jawdat Haydar took place at Stanford University on February 27, 2020 and included remarks and speeches by Dr. Khalid Obeid, Rima Makdisi, Dr. Alexander Key, Dr. Rula Yazigy, Dr. Ramzi Salti and Mr. Ed Shiner.
The video segment below features Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti reading some of the Jawdat Haydar's own words (in Arabic) and reciting 3 of Haydar's poems (in English): "To A Friend" and "Lebanon" and "Mahatma Gandhi" (taken from the book 101 Selected Poems by Jawdat Haydar, Vantage Press, New York, 2006). This excerpt includes main video footage by Tadashi Moriguchi and close up video footage by Thoraya B. Edited by Ramzi Salti. Watch below or at https://youtu.be/_FJ4y2q3fgI
Below are some photos from the event which was filmed in its entirety and and will be available soon elsewhere.
Mr Ed Shiner
Dr. Ramzi Salti
Dr. Rula Yazigy
Dr. Khalid Obeid
Dr. Alexander Key
Below are some of poet Jawdat Haydar's works which were recited and read during the event:
