Dr. Ramzi Salti Interviewed about His Teaching Career, Radio Show, and Arabic Music

Watch video at https://youtu.be/tjkA2K34rNs

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.

You can watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/tjkA2K34rNs

Video Reording: Ramzi Salti in Conversation with Director Fadi Haddad (July 2020)

Watch video at https://youtu.be/ZojLibSdLac

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.

Watch the discussion below or at https://youtu.be/ZojLibSdLac

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.

Watch the discussion below or at https://youtu.be/ZojLibSdLac

Film Discussion + Free Screening of "When Monaliza Smiled" on July 22, 2020 (Stanford by Zoom)

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.  

Please RSVP by clicking here to receive a link to watch the film anytime you like (free) as well as the Zoom link for the 7/22 talk.

This film screening + talk are part of the SGS Summer Film Festival; with thanks to the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies + Stanford Global Studies Division

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.

Film Trailer: https://youtu.be/G-L8mQI1xVg

Please CLICK HERE to get the link to watch the film online at any time and to RSVP for the July 22 event.  Hope to "see" you all there.

Arabology Online: Interview with Jordanian Artist Tamer Al Ahmar (May 2020)

Watch video at https://youtu.be/AdRdwnio0UQ

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.

Watch the video below or at this link: https://youtu.be/AdRdwnio0UQ

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.

For more about Tamer Al Ahmar: 

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tameralahma... 

2. Facebook: https://facebook.com/tameralahmarart 

3. To purchase Tamer's work: https://society6.com/tameralahmarart 

4. Contact the artist directly at tamer.alahmar@gmail.com 

To purchase Tamer's Eid/Holiday Postcard Set (where all proceeds go to support a family in need in Lebanon), check out Souq Al Hanaa at links below: 

1. Buy through Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/listing/80636313... 

2. Check out Souq Al Hanna on Instagram: https://instagram.com/souq.alhanaa 

To read Dr. Ramzi Salti's previously published articles about Tamer Al Ahmar, including past radio interviews, see below: 

1. "Jordanian Artist Tamer Al Ahmar Revives Cultural Icons in Unique Ways" available at https://www.arabology.org/2017/05/tam... 

2. "Tamer Al Ahmar's Art Exhibition in Jordan a Huge Success" available at https://www.arabology.org/2019/12/tam... 

To listen to Dr. Ramzi's Salti's previous radio interviews with Tamer Al Ahmar: 

1. "Interview with Tamer Al Ahmar aka the Arab Andy Warhol" available at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/tame... 

2. Radio Promo for Tamer Al Ahmar's Exhibition in Jordan (December 7-31, 2019): https://soundcloud.com/arabology/tame...

Artist Talk at Stanford: Jordanian American Artist Ridikkuluz Re-imagines Cultural Icons from the Arab World

Video at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

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.

For more on Ridikkuluz, see his website at ridikkuluz.com and/or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

Watch the edited version of the talk below or at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

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 with his piece titled "Stop Staring" ©Ridikkuluz

The King and Queen of Jordan ©Ridikkuluz

Ridikkuluz poses with his renowned piece featuring Arabic cultural icons
©Ridikkuluz 

ABOUT THE ARTIST (see https://ridikkuluz.com)

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.

ARTISTS WHO ATTENDED RIDIKKULUZ'S STANFORD TALK

Watch video at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

This Stanford talk by Ridikkuluz attracted a diverse global audience, ranging from such distinguished Stanford faculty members as Thouraya Boumehdi to such Arab artists as Sadouf, digital artist Tamer Al Ahmar (see Tamer Al Ahmar Art), Fares Rizk, and even a shoutout by Jordanian icon Rania Kurdi of The Rania Show).

FOR MORE ON RIDIKKULUZ:

• Website at ridikkuluz.com 
• Follow on Instagram 
• Follow on Facebook.

Stanford Commemorates the Life and Works of Lebanese Poet Jawdat Haydar

Some of the event attendees - Photo by Tadashi Moriguchi

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:

Arabology Interviews Yusor Hamed (2019)

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews singer/songwriter/producer Yusor Hamed about her artistic journey + musical career. Features live A cappella + piano performance by Yusor.

Listen to the interview below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/yusor

Interview includes the following songs:
1. Lma Tkoni Hadi - لما تكوني حدي
2. Wa7di Bemshi - وحدي بمشي (produced during BalaFeesh Female Music Production with Zeid Hamdan & Khaled Nimry)
3. Yusor x The Synaptik Sholi Jarali - يسر و السينابتك شو الي جرالي
4. Khayfeh min bokra(ft. Majda Asad) خايفة من بكرا

Watch this special video of Yusor playing an impromptu segment from وحدي بمشي below or at https://youtu.be/apZxR95oxfA

Listen to the interview at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/yusor

Check out Yusor on Soundcloud: @yusor-n-hamed

Tamer Al Ahmar's Art Exhibition in Jordan a Huge Success

Tamer Al Ahmar at his first solo exhibit in Amman, Jordan (December 2019)

When Arabology radio host Dr Ramzi Salti first interviewed Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar back in August 2018, the renowned digital artist's work was beginning to making a lasting impact on the artistic scene all around Amman. Since then, his unique digital ouevre--which has constantly aimed at re-imagining various cultural icons from Fairuz to Marilyn Monroe--has continued to take off in Jordan and beyond, including an invitation to showcase his work at Annual Arab Conference at Harvard University in March and a groundbreaking collaboration with Jordanian singer Haifa Kamal who hired Tamer to design the cover art of her new album.  

The success of Tamer's work--a result of almost a decade of artistic expression--has now culminated in his first solo exhibition “Lessa Faker” which is taking place at Jacaranda Images in Amman from December 7-31, 2019 .  The exhibit enables anyone to both view and order all of the artist's design which he has made available as high quality prints and in different sizes--including the framed prints that are currently on display.

Here is a radio promo for the exhibition which aired on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University) and includes personal message from the artist himself.  More exhibit info at this link:

Here are some recent pictures of Dr. Ramzi Salti's visit to Tamer Al Ahmar's exhibit where he was greeted by the artist himself who graciously signed some of his prints and promotional material.

The exhibit is taking place from December 7-31, 2019 in Amman at Jacaranda Images, located at 18 Omar Bin Khattab St, next to book@cafe, First Circle, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan.  The event is free and open to the public.

You can also check out this audio-visual interview with Tamer Al Ahmar (in Arabic) courtesy of  MazajFM below or at https://youtu.be/KP17F4rWR7c

Read Arabology's previous article about Tamer Al Ahmar at https://www.arabology.org/2017/05/tameralahmar.html

You can listen to Arabology's August 2018 radio interview with Tamer Al Ahmat below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/tameralahmar2

For more about the artist:
https://www.instagram.com/tameralahmarart/
facebook.com/tameralahmarart

To purchase Tamer's work see society6.com/tameralahmarart or contact the artist directly at tamer.alahmar@gmail.com

معرض " لسه فاكر" للرسم الرقمي للفنان تامر الأحمرمستمر لنهاية الشهر في جاكاراندا اميجيز جبل عمان

Arabology Interviews Jordanian Author Hazem Tabbaa

Listen at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/hazemtabbaa

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Hazem Tabbaa, a Jordanian author who discusses his debut novel A Place for Peace as well as his latest work Four Steps Behind which takes a closer look at societies’ perceptions of women and was loosely based on his maternal grandmother’s journey from Berlin to Amman.

Listen to the interview below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/hazemtabbaa

The interview includes an excerpt from each book, read by the author himself.

Recorded in Amman, Jordan in August 2019 and aired on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University) in November 2019.

Hazem Tabbaa's books are available through his website at www.hazemtabbaa.com or on Amazon (Kindle and/or Paperback) at THIS LINK.

PROMO VIDEOS:

Arabology Interviews 'The Arab Sinatra' Omar Kamal (November 2019)

Listen at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal2019

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews 'The Arab Sinatra' Omar Kamal about his new album "Show Me the Light" as well his upcoming show at the Aldwych Theatre in London on 24th November (supported by Abu Dhabi Festival). Tickets at www.nederlander.co.uk/whats-on/omar-kamal

Listen below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal2019

This interview includes the following song excerpts from Omar Kamal's new album "Show Me The Light" ℗© 2019 Estuana Records:

1. Ya Ana Ya Ana (3:32)
2. Wicked Dreams (9:36)
3. Atyaf El Leil (15:01)
4. Um Kulthoum Swings (22:53)

Arabology Interviews Jordanian Indie-Rock Band Ayloul

Listen at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ayloul

This interview recorded in Amman, Jordan on August 31, 2019 and aired on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University) on November 17, 2019.

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Ayloul band members Ra'ad Tabari and Yosour Al-Zou'bi about their groundbreaking new album "Salute to Al-Ghor" سلّم عالغور and the band's musical journey through the years.

Listen below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ayloul

Interview includes these song excerpts:
1. Nazel Al Ghor نازل عالغور at 0:00-1:26
2. Lahn Baseet لحن بسيط at 5:59-7:34
3. Yawm يوم at 9:24-10:24
4. Bahr Mayyet بحر ميت at 13:19-15:04
5. Mawj موج (Ft Mohammad Abdullah) at 20:43-23:41

Ayloul in Copenhagen

Ayloul - meaning "September" - is a Jordanian band formed in 2013, with members from Irbid. They're known for mixing indie-rock sounds with traditional Arabic ones to form a unique, dynamic style. Their lyrics communicate their take on social-political issues occurring around the region.

Band Members:
- Lead guitar/ Vocal : Ra'ed Al-Tabari
- Guitar/ Vocal : Mounif Zghoul
- Keyboard : Ma'in Mheidat
- Violin : Yosour Al Zou'bi
- Bass Guitar : Abdel Fattah Terawee
- Drums: Hayyan Juqqa
For more info about Ayloul:
Website: ayloulband.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/AyloulBand
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AyloulBand
Soundcloud: @ayloul
Support the band: umusicmena.lnk.to/SalutetoAlGhorAyloul

Slides from Dr. Ramzi Salti's Talk about Lebanon at Stanford

Here are the video highlights + slides accompanying Dr. Ramzi Salti's talk about Lebanon which took place at the Markaz (Stanford University) on November 5, 2019 at 5:30pm.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Watch video highlights from this talk below or at https://youtu.be/R-0_JSc9gyc



SLIDES FROM TALK





PICS FROM EVENT:

  

Ramzi Salti's Talk About Indie Arabic Music at Sijal (in English) Available

In this audio-visual lecture (recorded at Sijal Institute in Jordan in July 2019), Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti talks about the many ways in which the revolutionary music of the Arab Spring continues to fuel a new generation of artists and musicians--from Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.  This video also includes a segment on Palestinian musicians who are creating new musical genres that aim at a better tomorrow.  Video concludes with extensive Q&A session.  Artwork by Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar.

Watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/F5FeL3KssuA



This talk was meant to go along with THIS YOUTUBE PLAYLIST.

This talk spotlights the following segments (chronologically):

01. Katy Whiting Intro (0:00)
02. Ramzi Salti: Intro (02:13)
03. El General (Tunisia) (07:09)
04. Emel Mathlouthi (Tunisia) (11:27)
05. Ramy Essam (Egypt) (15:35)
06. Cairokee (Egypt) (21:20)
07. Ibn Thabit (Libya) (25:38)
08. Mashrou' Leila (Lebanon) (28:57)
09. Zeid Hamdan and Maryam Saleh (Lebanon + Egypt) (37:35)
10. Tania Saleh (Lebanon) (39:44)
11. Omar Offendum (Syria) (43:35)
12. DAM (Palestine) (45:56)
13. Jadal and Autostrad (Jordan) (51:26)
14.  Q & A Session (55:36) featuring questions about Mashrou' Leila (55:59), El General (58:52), 47Soul + El Far3i (1:04:00), Fairuz (1:04:56), Dalida (1:06:06) , and even Olivia Newton-John (1:06:23).

This talk was meant to go along with this playlist:

Ramzi's Salti's PowerPoint Presentation: Music of the Arab Spring (English)

Dr. Ramzi Salti's PowerPoint Presentation about the Music of the Arab Spring (with embedded videos). Artwork by Jordanian artist Tamer Al-Ahmar.

• Click on arrows at bottom left of each image to move forward/backward.
• Click on icon on the bottom to enlarge/full screen.

 

Weekly Night Class in Introductory Arabic at Stanford (Starts September 25, 2019)

To register: https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/liberal-arts-and-sciences/introductory-arabic/20191_ARB-01

Anyone interested in learning Arabic from scratch is welcome to enroll in my weekly night class which is offered via Stanford Continuing Studies starting on Wednesday Sept 25 at 7 pm. No prior knowledge of the language required. More info at this link:

https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/liberal-arts-and-sciences/introductory-arabic/20191_ARB-01

محاضرة الدكتور رمزي سلطي حول الموسيقى البديلة -- معهد سجال

SLIDES FROM MY LECTURE ON INDIE ARABIC MUSIC AT SIJAL (JORDAN)
Artwork by Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar

VIDEO OF MY LECTURE ABOUT INDIE ARABIC MUSIC AT SIJAL (JORDAN)



Dr. Ramzi Salti's audio-visual talk (in Arabic) about indie/alternative Arabic music--recorded at Sijal Institute in Jordan on Aug 26, 2019 محاضرة الدكتور رمزي سلطي في معهد سجال حول الموسيقى العربية البديلة 

Here is a list of the song excerpts that were included in this lecture; please note that two short segments have been muted due to copyright issues (these can be viewed separately on YouTube)

 ها هي القائمة التي تحتوي على الاغاني التي تكلمنا عنها خلال المحاضرة. ملاحظة: لقد تم حذف الصوت خلال مقطعين موسيقيين قصيرين في هذه المحاضرة لكن يامكانكم مشاهدة الاغنيتين مع الصوت عبر الروابط أدناه 

LIST OF SONGS قائمة الاغاني 1
1.  Asmahan "Emta" at 11:13
2.

Arabology 13.2 Podcast Highlights Shubbak Festival 2019, Ft Interviews with Bu Kolthoum, Khansa, Juliana Yazbeck

Listen at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/shubbak

Dr. Ramzi Salti's latest Arabology program (June 2019)  highlights the upcoming Shubbak Festival in England (June 28-July 14) by featuring interviews with Bu Kolthoum (17:59), Khansa (37:05), and Juliana Yazbeck (59:01)--all of whom will be performing at the Festival.

This episode also features an interview with MARSM's Christina Hazboun (8:56) who talks to us about the venue.  More info and/or tickets at marsm.co.uk or www.shubbak.co.uk

LISTEN TO PODCAST BELOW OR AT https://soundcloud.com/arabology/shubbak

Shubbak (meaning ‘window’ in Arabic) is London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture. Shubbak has become a key moment in the arts calendar of the UK and the Arab World, bringing new and unexpected voices alongside established artists to new audiences every two years. This year’s festival takes place in London from 28 June–14 July 2019. Tickets are on sale now at marsm.co.uk or www.shubbak.co.uk

MORE INFO ABOUT EVENTS AT THIS YEAR's SHUBBAK FESTIVAL

The Trace of The Butterfly

Tribute to Legend Rim Banna (1966 - 2018)

 

A pivotal and influential figure in the contemporary Palestinian music scene, Rim Banna’s life was tragically cut short in March 2018 after a ten year struggle with breast cancer. She left behind a rich legacy of 12 albums, made of her own compositions and the careful assembling of traditional songs, children’s lullabies and works of Palestinian poets. Her last work was materialised as a tapestry of voice and music over visual materials from her x-ray scans. Now - a unique commemoration concert debuts at the Barbican by some of her closest musical peers: Tania Saleh (Lebanon) Faraj Suleiman (Palestine), Bu Kolthoum (Syria) and Sabrine Janhani (Tunis).

Date: Tuesday 9th July 2019
Where: Barbican Hall
Time: 8-10:30 pm

About the Project:
This project was conceived by MARSM in conjunction with Shubbak Festival in an attempt to commemorate the works of Rim Banna and spread knowledge and awareness of her legacy within the Palestinian cultural and musical heritage. The project, which was made possible by the generous efforts of partners and funders brings together an elite of musicians who worked and collaborated with Rim Banna throughout her lifetime. Inspired by Rim’s life and works, they have created a treasure of music reflecting on those experiences.

About the Artists:

Rim Banna Listen/ Watch/ Read/ Facebook

Rim was born and raised in Nazareth and studied music professionally in Moscow. She was one of the first musicians to document children’s music and lullabies taking them from the confines of closed rooms to the outside world in 3 albums. She also wove the poetry of giants such as Mahmoud Darwish, Tawfiq Zayyad and Samih El-Qasem into her songs, blending pop, poetry and traditional Arabic sounds, Rim Banna became a voice for peace and equality, collaborating with the likes of jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, Norwegian choir Skruk and Arabic electronica collective Checkpoint 303. Her last album “Voices of Resistance” was a conceptual piece of art uniting her spirit of resistance, poetry and medical scans with Checkpoint 303’s electronic beats and Bugge Wesseltoft’s edgy piano improvisations.

Tania Saleh Listen/ Watch/ Read/ Facebook

Tania Saleh is a contemporary alternative Lebanese singer/songwriter/visual artist. Her lyrics mirror the reality of the Lebanese/Arab social and political turmoil. Since her early debut in 1990, she has experimented with various genres, always challenging herself to explore new styles. Her collaborations are very eclectic: Ziad Rahbany, Toufic Farroukh, Issam Hajali, Charbel Rouhana, Ibrahim Maalouf, Rayess Bek, Khaled Mouzannar, RZA, Nile Rodgers, Charlotte Caffey, Tarek El Nasser, Natasha Atlas and more.
Tania Saleh created a special mural to commemorate Rim Banna and produced a video with music of the whole process. The video can be viewed here.

Faraj Suleiman Listen/ Watch/ Read/ Facebook

One of the most promising musicians of the Arab world, Suleiman is a Palestinian composer and pianist whose music is strongly influenced by Arabic/Eastern melodies and rhythms. He often incorporates those scales and modalities in his compositions. In addition to being inspired by his Arabic culture, he is also influenced by Tango and Jazz traditions.

Bu Kolthoum Listen/ Watch/ Read/ Facebook

Born in Damascus to a family of sufi background, Bu Kolthoum is a rapper, music producer, and film director who has been revolutionizing political rap in the Middle East. His 2017 album Bo’Bo’ was completely produced, mixed, and mastered by him. His sound can easily be distinguished amongst other Middle Eastern rappers because of the old-school sound accompanied by tearing bass-lines.

Sabrine Jenhani Listen/ Watch/ Read/ Facebook

Originally a fine artist and painter, Sabrine graduated from the School of Fine Arts in Tunis, but discovered early on her passion for singing and writing. She started off as a singer in rock to move onto jazz singing at famous clubs in Tunis. She imbibed her inspiration from her work in the Tunisian capital while slowly exploring the underground scene there. She went on to become an icon of music through her first project in the group YUMA. Sabrine today composes her own music and writes her lyrics and is working on her latest project named "ZAY" which she released in January 2019.





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Stanford Students of Arabic Perform Fairuz Song On Stage

Watch video below or at https://youtu.be/f76AgFDYTyg

At least a dozen students from Dr. Ramzi's Salti's Beginning Arabic course at Stanford thrilled the crowds on February 21, 2019 by performing Fairuz's "Nassam Alayna Al Hawa" for International Mother Language Day--an event that was organized by the Stanford Language Center and which included various performances by students in different languages.  The video below (filmed with student permission) includes segments from the rehearsal sessions ft Matt Wright and Chris Stock (no students were filmed in this part) and a clip from the actual performance (participating students have kindly agreed to be recorded).

Special thanks to members of the Stanford Middle East Ensemble for making this performance possible.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW OR AT https://youtu.be/f76AgFDYTyg

Watch video from rehearsals : 0:00-2:55 or skip to Performance by clicking here > 2:56-10:23

الدكتور رمزي سلطي يتحدث عن برنامجه الاذاعي الامريكي عربولوجي باللغة العربية Dr. Ramzi Salti Talks about His Arabology Program in Arabic

https://youtu.be/vpSCXqavnrE

يمكنكم الآن مشاهدة هذا الحوار بين الدكتور رمزي سلطي ورامه شققي حول برنامجه عربولوجي الذي يُبث عبر اذاعة جامعة ستانفورد في الولايات المتحدة الامريكية وذلك عبر الرابط التالي.

رامه شققي هي رائدة أعمال سورية، أسست العديد من المشاريع لدعم الشباب في الشرق الأوسط للحصول على تعليم ومستقبل أفضل.

Dr. Ramzi Salti speaks about his Arabology radio show/podcast (in Arabic) as part of the “Digital Media Entrepreneurship Program” run by the VIP.fund in collaboration with Syria Revival Initiative. By special invitation from Rama Chakaki, Founder & Executive Director of the VIP.fund https://vip.fund

Audio only also available below or at at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/vipfund

Video Highlights from Actor Kamel El Basha's Stanford Visit (February 2019)

Watch video at https://youtu.be/nPpCki2ciVA

I just made this video featuring highlights from actor Kamel El Basha's visit to Stanford last month where he spoke about his career + starring role in the Oscar nominated Lebanese film The Insult - قضية رقم ٢٣.  Video includes guest appearances by Zeid Hamdan, Zalfa Rustom and Dr. Touria Boumehdi.

You can watch the video below or at https://youtu.be/nPpCki2ciVA

Kamel El Basha or Kamel el-Bacha (in Arabic كامل الباشا) (born in Jerusalem on 14 March 1962) is a Palestinian theater actor and director and film actor who won the 2017 Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 74th Venice International Film Festival for his role as Yasser Abdallah Salameh in The Insult (also known in Arabic: قضية رقم ٢٣‎, translit. Qadiyya raqm 23, lit. 'Case No. 23') by Lebanese film director Ziad Doueiri.

Kamel El Basha wins Best Actor at Venice Film Festival (2017)

You can also listen to Dr. Ramzi Salti's full radio interview with Kamel El Basha below or at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/kamelelbasha

PHOTOS FROM KAMEL EL BASHA'S STANFORD VISIT (FEB 2019):

Watch video below or at  at https://youtu.be/nPpCki2ciVA