Quartertones | Music from the Arab World

The afikra عفكرة Channel
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Quartertones is a music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, classical, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to work from across the region and genres that is defining the scene in the region, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.

  1. 5D AGO

    From Classical Arabic to Synths: TootArd's Journey From the Golan Heights | Quoz Arts Fest 2026

    Music group TootArd discusses their unique blend of Arabic scales, reggae, hip-hop, metal, and synth music in this conversation at Quoz Arts Fest 2026. The artists explore their musical evolution, from growing up on Arabic classical music to experimenting with Western genres and instruments, and how their roots remain a constant influence. Band members Hasan and Rami Nakhleh, who come from Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, also touch on the political undertones in their fun, danceable music that addresses serious situations while keeping the vibe uplifting. They share the story behind their recent track featuring Lynn Adib and her daughter Sara, a lullaby released during the war in Gaza. Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://www.instagram.com/quozartsfest/   01:09 The Golan Heights Reggae Tattoo 04:15 From Arabic Classics to Hip-Hop and Metal 07:37 The Unfinished Business of the Quartertone Guitar 09:30 The Magic Trick of Party Music and Political Subtext 12:00 The Korg PA600 and '90s Wedding Synth Sounds 17:39 The Greats of Arabic Synth Music 20:36 The Lullaby with Lynn Adib and Sara   TootArd is a genre-fluid duo comprising visionary brothers Hasan and Rami Nakhleh, celebrated for their boundless creativity, consistently reshaping their musical landscape with each new release. Their artistry is a fusion of global pop hooks and quarter-tone melodic lines, crafting a distinctive blend of disco and dance music that draws inspiration from the rich musical traditions of SWANA and beyond. The duo effortlessly melds retro funk elements with a contemporary, high-sheen sonic palette, resulting in a captivating and boundary-pushing musical journey. Their music transcends geographical borders, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying their status as a dynamic force in the global music scene. Connect with TootArd 👉 https://instagram.com/tootard   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊  https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

  2. MAR 3

    Visual Art, Beirut's Soundscape & the Struggle to Create | Nasri Sayegh Jr. at Quoz Arts Fest 2026

    Visual artist, performer, and DJ Nasri Sayegh Jr. discusses his practice and the profound influence of music on his work and life at Quoz Arts Fest 2026. He opens by sharing the urgent, improvised creation of his installation for the festival, "You Ain't Never Been Blue," which features 100 suns drawn in one night in Beirut. He speaks candidly about the two-year hiatus he took from producing art due to the painful situation in Gaza and Lebanon, exploring the existential question of what art means today. He describes the daily struggle of making the emotional journey from his kitchen to his studio—a distance that felt like "crossing hundreds of kilometers" since October 7. The conversation also delves into his deep connection with music, exemplified by his creation of the community platform radiokarantina during the 2020 pandemic. The platform, named after an area in Beirut, grew from a simple joke among friends to a large party with mixes contributed globally, serving as a vital space for connection during periods of violence and uncertainty in Lebanon and Palestine. Nasri shares the music that shapes his soul, featuring tracks from Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and the Rahbani Brothers, and reflects on the enduring role of Fairuz in the Lebanese soundscape.   00:09 afikra's Collaboration With Quoz Arts Fest for a Second Year 01:19 Nasri's Improvisational Visual Art 02:23 The Struggle to Create Amidst Pain 04:36 His Mural "You Ain't Never Been Blue" 07:22 Music as Perpetual Presence and Addiction 08:21 radiokarantina: A Pandemic Party and Meeting Place 12:08 Nina Simone and the Power of Mood Indigo 14:23 Billie Holiday: Sublime Voice Over Pain 15:18 Fairuz and Adoration for the Rahbani Brothers 17:30 Yasmine Hamdan and the Birth of Soapkills   Nasri Sayegh approaches his practice as a way to reassemble what resists erasure. A Lebanese visual artist, writer, DJ, embroiderer, and performer, he works across photography, video, embroidery, text, and objects to interrogate the construction and deconstruction of memory. Excavating archives – family, official, and beyond – he composes visual constellations that evoke an atlas or cabinet of memory. Central to this process is embroidery, which Sayegh envisions as both a suture and a queer gesture of reparation, weaving delicately between absence and recollection, amnesia and resistance. His multidisciplinary works propose a fragile museum where text and image, stitch and pixel converge. He's also behind radiokarantina.  Connect with Nasri Sayegh 👉 https://instagram.com/nasrisays   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊  https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min

  3. FEB 19

    26 Years of Shaping Music & Culture in the Arab World | DAM at Quoz Arts Fest 2026

    Palestinian hip-hop group DAM is often credited as the first rap group in the Arab world. Now 26 years into their career, the band members join us on the Quoz Arts Fest stage to discuss the group's evolution and how they navigate personal expression amidst political tragedy. The conversation covers the mixed emotions of performing while their people are suffering through a genocide, the honor and privilege of presenting Palestinian culture and music to the world, and the delicate balance of prioritizing their artistry versus their Palestinian identity. The artists also share their views on the evolution of Arabic hip-hop, the new generation of Palestinian rappers, and how AI and algorithms affect artists promoting messages of social justice. Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://www.instagram.com/quozartsfest/ Follow DAM 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dampalestine/   0:00 Introduction to DAM: Pioneers of Arab Hip-Hop 1:33 The Unique Vibe of Performing as a Group 2:28 Processing Emotions and the Absence of Art During Tragedy 4:47 The Privilege and Mixed Emotions of Performing Amidst Genocide 6:03 The Evolution of the DAM Lineup and Sound 11:00 On the New Generation of Palestinian and Levantine Hip-Hop 13:17 Maysa Daw on Switching Personalities in Solo Work vs. DAM and Kallem  16:31 Navigating Identity: Palestinian First, Artist Second 18:54 Tamer Nafar's New Album and the Price of Spotlight on Palestinian Art 22:44 What to Expect From the Dubai Show 24:26 Future Plans: New Album and Continuing to Make Music 26:09 The Essence of Arabic Rap and Staying Loyal to Lyrics 28:32 Fighting Algorithm Bias and "Algo Tunnels" 31:30 Motivation vs. Discipline in the Creative Process   Tamer Nafar is a Palestinian rapper, actor, screenwriter and social activist, and the founding member of DAM, the first Palestinian hip-hop group. He grew up in Lyd, discovered hip-hop and became the world’s first Palestinian rapper. His lyrics and activities reflect the Palestinian struggle, women’s rights, and the promotion of alternative art within a conservative society. In addition to music, Nafar co-wrote and starred in the award-winning film Junction 48.  Connect with Tamer Nafar 👉 https://instagram.com/tamer_nafar Mahmood Jrere is a Palestinian hip-hop artist and entrepreneur, and one of the founding members of DAM. He was born and raised in the impoverished city of Lyd, where he witnessed drug-abuse and violence on a daily basis.  Along with the two other founding members of DAM, he began putting what they saw outside their window onto paper. Connect with Mahmood Jrere 👉 https://instagram.com/mahmoodjrere Maysa Daw is an indie musician, singer-songwriter, and the latest member of DAM and of the band Kallem. Influenced by rock, hip-hop, soul, neo-jazz and more, she fuses different genres, and explores personal, interpersonal and collective experiences, stemming from her own view of reality.  Connect with Maysa Daw 👉 https://instagram.com/maysadaw   DJ Bruno Cruz is a Palestinian musician, electronic DJ and producer living in Haifa City in the north of Palestine. He started his career in music in 1998 and has become one of the most prominent names in the Palestinian underground scene. Bruno is the co-founder of Ministry of Dub-key and the official DJ of DAM, and has been playing his own music infused with his unique style all over the world in festivals such as Fusion Festival in Germany, Glastonbury in the UK and many more. Connect with DJ Bruno Cruz 👉 https://instagram.com/djbrunocruz Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊  https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min

  4. FEB 18

    Fusing Carnatic Music & Contemporary R&B | Gayathri Krishnan at Quoz Arts Fest 2026

    South Asian-American artist Gayathri Krishnan discusses her journey, her unique musical fusion, and her performance at Quoz Arts Fest this year. She delves into the tradition of Carnatic music—a classical form from South India—and how her extensive training in it influences her contemporary R&B and neo-soul sound. She shares her start in music, her influences from Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber to contemporary R&B artists like Cleo Sol and Brandy, and Indian musician and producer Sid Sriram, and the challenge of blending traditional and modern styles. She speaks about her collaborative approach to songwriting, her commitment to the raw, unfiltered experience of a live performance, and her hope to inspire audiences to embrace their truest selves.  Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://www.instagram.com/quozartsfest/   0:23 Early Musical Background and Obsessions 1:14 What Is Carnatic Music? 5:02 The Setup of a Carnatic Performance 5:39 The Show at Quoz Arts Fest 6:14 Navigating Music Fusion: Honoring Tradition in Modern Sounds 8:00 Feedback on Fusion: The Carnatic Community Response 8:45 Influences and Finding Confidence: Sid Sriram 11:03 The Collaborative Approach to Songwriting 13:02 Live Performance vs. Studio Recording 17:06 The Festival’s Role as a Cultural Melting Pot 17:48 Defining Impact and Seeking Inspiration 19:42 On Spiritual Music and Lyrical Intent 20:56 Upcoming Project: An EP About Family   Gayathri Krishnan is a singer-songwriter and producer from Los Angeles who merges her traditional roots with contemporary flair. Drawing from her upbringing in Carnatic music — the classical South Indian music system — and her exploration of modern R&B influences, Gayathri’s sound, her introspective songwriting, and lush harmonies were evident in her debut EP "Create to Express (2020)," which amassed six million cumulative streams solely as an independent release. On-stage, Gayathri leaves an indelible impression rich in soul, melodic vocals, spirited energy, and fusion in elements of Bharatanatyam — a classical style of Indian dance.  Connect with Gayathri Krishnan 👉 https://instagram.com/gayathriikrishnan   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns   FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556 » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452   THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    What is the Future of Saudi Music & the Arabic Music Industry? | COO of MDLBEAST

    We sit down with Ahmed Alammary (otherwise known as DJ Baloo), the Chief Creative Officer of MDLBeast and a leading music figure and thinker in the region. We discuss the origins of MDLBeast and its goals for transforming the music industry in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. MDLBeast was born from a brief for a three-day music festival in 2019. Since then, it has evolved into a multi-layered music brand with an ethos centered on amplifying music culture across various platforms, including events, venues, record labels, radio channels, and music conferences. Given that Saudi Arabia was previously considered a "music desert" with no industry, music education, rights, or dedicated venues, the organization's involvement is seen as having incubated so much value and accelerating the development of a music industry. The conversation also touches on the dramatic shift in how the international community views Saudi music, moving from initial backlash to a point where artists and management companies are now actively seeking collaboration. This change has fostered a significant regional conversation and is credited with fading stereotypes, with Arabs starting to look at each other differently.   0:00 When Restrictions Fuel Creativity: MDLBeast's Genesis 3:50 The Chief Creative Officer’s Role in Shaping Vision 6:03 Saudi Arabia as a "Music Desert" and the Lack of Infrastructure 10:09 The Building Blocks of a Thriving Music Industry 15:03 The Core Difference Between XP and Soundstorm 18:42 Overcoming Domestic (and International) Backlash 20:35 Creating a Regional "Musical Glue" 22:50 The History of the Underground Saudi Music Scene 27:37 The Economic and Professional Focus of the New Industry 30:30 Artistry and Local Palettes: The Role of Record Labels 33:25 Identifying a Unique "Saudi Sound" 35:35 Beyond Electronic Music: Hip-Hop, Indie, and Heavy Metal 37:45 The 10-Year Vision: Saudi As a Music Destination 40:30 Culture Building Over Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 46:37 Navigating Censorship Through Creativity 51:38 Potholes to Avoid: The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition   Ahmed Alammary aka AlBaloo is the Label Head and DJ at Gabu Records and Chief Creative Officer of MDLBeast, and a leading music figures and thinkers in Saudi Arabia.  Connect with Baloo 👉 https://instagram.com/a_baloo   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉  https://instagram.com/mikey_mu FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Huda Asfour With a Performance by Mohamed Abozekry | Habibi Festival 2025

    Oud player, singer and musician Huda Asfour takes the stage on Habibi Festival's fifth and last night of 2025, performing new tracks she wrote during the genocidal campaign on Gaza, and a track called "From the River to the Sea" which she Wrote as a response to the May 18, 2021 strike in Palestine. The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet also take the stage for a second night this festival.   0:00:00 Huda Asfour Takes the Stage With Her Oud 0:09:48 Asfour Introduces a New Track  0:14:10 Asfour Performs More Tracks From She Wrote During the Genocidal Campaign on Gaza 0:31:37 Asfour Performs a Track She Write "From the River to the Sea" As a Response to the May 18, 2021 Strike in Palestine 0:36:19 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Takes the Stage for a Second Night This Festival With New Track "Teach Me" 0:49:47 Mohamed Abozekry Celebrates The Sextet's Last Show in Their US Tour and Introduces the Musicians on Stage 0:51:00 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Perform Another New Track: "Still Longing" 0:59:08 More Tracks From the Sextet 1:08:22 "Roh El Fouad" Track from the Latest Album With the Same Name 1:23:38 Performance Continues 2:12:00 afikra Quartertones Takes the Stage for a Conversation with Huda Asfour   Huda Asfour is a Palestinian oud and qanun player, composer, educator, social entrepreneur, and engineer. Born into a musical family, she began her formal musical training at 13, and later studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Gaza and the Edward Said Music Conservatory in Ramallah, where she was mentored. Connect with Huda Asfour 👉 https://instagram.com/hudasmusic Mohamed Abozekry is a Franco-Egyptian musician who entered the Arabic Oud House in Cairo at a very early age and received his teaching from Naseer Shamma. At the age of fifteen, he became the youngest professor of Oud in the Arab world. He formed several groups, including the Mohamed Abozekry Sextet and received the first prize at the international Oud competition in Damascus in 2009. In 2010 he formed the quartet Heejaz which also includes Guillaume Hogan (guitar), Anne Laure Bourget (percussion) and Hugo Reydet (double bass).  Connect with  Mohamed Abozekry 👉 https://instagram.com/m.abozekry   Hosted by Hiba Al-Ashtal FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2h 24m

  7. 12/03/2025

    Mai Elgizouli With a Special Appearance by Alsarah & Performance by Rasha Nahas | Habibi Festival 2025

    On the fourth night of Habibi Festival 2025, Sudanese artist Mai Elgizouli takes the stage with a dynamic, deeply emotional first "serious" show in New York performing a set of acoustic songs that explore themes of sadness, power, and hope, including a deeply personal tribute to her late brother and the strong women of Sudan. She follows with a nuanced and candid conversation with afikra Quarertones, joined by celebrated Sudanese musician Alsarah. They discuss their long-standing friendship and artistic collaboration and delve into May’s journey from visual artist to musician, the unexpected amount of work required for a professional set, and the immense privilege of having a family that provides a space for emotional and artistic expression in a place like Sudan. They also reflect on how being in New York and witnessing the current war has impacted Mai’s work, concluding with a powerful message for the audience: to simply feel their feelings. Palestinian musician Rasha Nahas also takes the stage for a second night in this year's festival.   0:00 Mai Elgizouli Performs a Tribute to Her Brother: "Ba'eed 'an Al Ahzan" (Far From Sorrows) 4:40 Performing "Ramadi" (Gray) 10:47 Mai Introduces Her Band & Performs "Al Gawiyya": a Song for Strong Women & the Sudanese Revolution 17:20 Performing "Bi Darbi Ma Bamshi" (Never Down That Path Again)  23:34 Performing "Shabah" (Ghost) 29:32 Performing "Al Furaq": the First Song She Wrote 37:06 Rasha Nahas Takes the Stage for a Second Night 43:57 Rasha Nahas Introduces the Band & Performs "Desert" From Her First Album 50:09 Rasha Nahas Performs "The Clown" 56:46 Rasha Nahas Performs "Nbeed" (Wine) 1:02:24 Rasha Nahas Performs an Unreleased New Song "Khalas" From an Album Which Will be Out Next Year 1:07:13 Rasha Nahas Performs Her Latest Single "Ghanneeli" (A Song Written During the Genocide in Gaza) 1:14:00 Rasha Nahas Performs Another Unreleased Song: "Once Upon a Time in Palestine" 1:24:20 afikra Quartertones Invites Mai Elgizouli and Special Guest Alsarah on Stage 1:26:05 Alsarah’s Obsession and Mai’s Artistic Mastery 1:29:13 Mai’s First "Serious Show" in New York 1:30:58 Family Support & Surviving Trauma in Sudan 1:33:36 Art, Critique & Dealing With War While in New York 1:37:37 The Message: Feel Your Feelings   Mai Elgizouli is an award-winning film director and multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Omdurman, Khartoum in a family of artists. Her music carries the tenderness of Sudanese Arabic and the nostalgic pulse of Sudan's 1980s sound. Connect with Mai Elgizouli 👉 https://instagram.com/mai_egizouli   Hosted by Suzanne Gaber 👉  https://instagram.com/suzannegaber FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 39m

  8. 11/26/2025

    Maryam Turkey and Mohamed Abozekry | Habibi Festival 2025

    Day 3 at Habibi Festival 2025 brings two boundary-pushing Arab artists: Iraqi-American visual artist-turned-musician Maryam Turkey and Egyptian oud player Mohamed Abozekry. They discuss their artistic journeys, creative transitions, and their unique collaborative processes. Turkey details her move into music in New York, where she found a more playful and collaborative creative space. She discusses her new album, which innovatively revives classical Arabic themes of love and lust by repurposing lyrics from forgotten Iraqi folk music. Abozekry reflects on his rapid musical development starting with Naseer Shamma at Arabic Oud House. He shares the challenges and rewards of evolving from a strictly instrumentalist role to embracing singing and composition, which has allowed for a new phase of creative fun and experimentation in his work. The artists share their conceptual themes, from Turkey's exploration of inspiration and freedom in "Ahlam" to Abozekry's method of refining new compositions through touring.    0:00:00 Performance by Maryam Turkey and Band 0:36:23 afikra Quartertones Invites the Two Musicians on Stage for a Conversation 0:37:24 Maryam Turkey's Childhood in Iraq & Transition from Visual Art to Music  0:39:39 Mohamed Abozekry's Journey with the Oud 0:42:13 The Joy of Creative Collaboration 0:45:26 Maryam's Latest Album: Reusing Iraqi Folk Lyrics 0:48:17 Mohamed's Roh El Fouad Album & Using Touring To Try New Arrangements 0:49:36 Maryam's Ahlam: Conceptual Themes, Freedom & Lust 0:52:20 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Takes the Stage 2:07:35 afikra Quartertones Invites the Two Musicians on Stage   Mohamed Abozekry is a Franco-Egyptian musician who entered the Arabic Oud House in Cairo at a very early age and received his teaching from Naseer Shamma. At the age of fifteen, he became the youngest professor of Oud in the Arab world. He formed several groups, including the Mohamed Abozekry Sextet and received the first prize at the international Oud competition in Damascus in 2009. In 2010 he formed the quartet Heejaz which also includes Guillaume Hogan (guitar), Anne Laure Bourget (percussion) and Hugo Reydet (double bass).  Connect with  Mohamed Abozekry 👉 https://instagram.com/m.abozekry Maryam Turkey is an Iraqi-American artist and designer based in Brooklyn, New York. In 2009, she moved with her family as refugees to the United States, where she attended Baltimore School for the Arts high school and learned traditional painting. She continued her art and design education at Pratt Institute, where she earned her Bachelor of Industrial Design in 2017. Shortly after graduation, Turkey was awarded an art residency at Domaine de Boisbuchet where she was mentored by Sabine Marcelis. Turkey’s sculptural practice began then. In 2019 she was awarded an art residency at the Museum of Art and Design, where she developed her ongoing paper clay techniques. She has recently made a transition to a career in music as a singer-songwriter.  Connect with Maryam Turkey 👉 https://instagram.com/maryamturkey   Hosted by Daleelah Saleh   Egyptian-American multi-hyphenate creative, passionate about storytelling at the intersections of culture, activism, and media. Connect with Daleelah Saleh 👉  https://instagram.com/medialeelah FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Quartertones is a music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, classical, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to work from across the region and genres that is defining the scene in the region, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.

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