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...
Artist Talk at Stanford: Jordanian American Artist Ridikkuluz Interviewed by Dr. Ramzi Salti
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.
