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...
Ramzi Salti Moderates Arab America Event Celebrating Literature, Poetry, Art, and Music
In celebration of Arab American Heritage Month (April 2021), Arab America recently held a monumental event titled "Celebrating Arab American Literature, Poetry, Arts, and Music" featuring 5 panelists whose work has much to inform any discourse that centers on Arab American culture(s), identity and history.
The lineup featured such writers/performers as Nathalie Handal, Heather Raffo and Dana Dajani in addition to acclaimed Syrian America calligrapher/artist Dr, Mamoun Sakkal and Iraqi-Jordanian violinist Layth Sidiq. The event was moderated by Stanford Lecurer/Arabology host Dr. Ramzi Salti and was organized by Dr. Amal David and Warren David of Arab America.
Many to thanks to Arab America for this kind writeup about my participation in the event. Complete article available at this link.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
Nathalie Handal, Arab American (Palestinian), award-winning poet, writer, translator, and editor, professor of English and Creative Writing at Columbia University
Heather Raffo, Iraqi American, award-winning playwright, and actress whose work has been seen Off-Broadway, off West End, in regional theater, and in film.
Dana Dajani, Palestinian American, award-winning, author, poet, and actress who performs spoken-word poetry solo in theatrical style.
Dr. Mamoun Sakkal, Syrian American, award-winning calligrapher, artist, and designer of Arabic language typefaces, many of which are widely used as system fonts by Microsoft.
Layth Sidiq, Iraqi/Jordanian American, award-winning violinist, composer featured on Latin Grammy-nominated albums, lecturer of Arab music, director, Arab Music Ensemble, Tufts University. Watch my audiovisual interview with Layth at https://youtu.be/z9f-54LuMqM
