What’s in a scent? A lot, apparently. Dana El Masri explores the intersections of scents, art, culture, and identity in the Middle East, in both historical and contemporary contexts.
All posts filed under “Music”
Shakin’ All Over
Dina Lobo looks at the lost art of raqs sharqi and the legacy of one of its foremost exponents lauded by Edward Said, the Egyptian dancer Tahia Carioca
Like a Rolling Stone
Mina Khanlarzadeh looks at the tasnif genre and how Iran’s Velshodegan have been shaking things up in the realm of classical Iranian music
Kabul Dreams
Kicking out the jams, kranking up the volume: Sulyman Qardash of Kabul Dreams talks punk, rocking in Afghanistan, receiving threats from the Taliban, and getting friendly with Metallica
Maroc and Roll
Find out how Morocco’s Master Musicians of Joujouka have been presenting a heady blend of music and rituals to privileged, select audiences in the heart of the Rif Mountains
Only in London
Joobin Bekhrad speaks with the Artistic Director of the Shubbak festival of contemporary Arab arts and culture about some of the highlights of this year’s edition in London
Hajji Baba of New York City
‘Parviz Khatibi loved his country enough to tell it the truth’ - Leila Jarman and Caitlin Carlson reflect on the trials and triumphs of an Iranian entertainment icon
A Year in the Life
‘Time passes, and every year resembles another’ - Elisa Pierandrei talks to Lebanese artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj about his practice and a new collection of comics
Druze Muse
More than 70 years after her untimely death, a Druze princess-cum-icon continues to inspire. Iain Akerman reflects on the life and legend of Asmahan
The Sound of Pomegranates
Joobin Bekhrad talks to LA-based producer, composer, and DJ Bei Ru about his newly-released second album, Saturday Night at the Magic Lamp