In this Quartertones event, we listened to Adnan Joubran as he performed three musical pieces followed by a discussion. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focused on the Arab world. afi...
Jan 25, 2022•28 min•Ep. 175
In this conversation, we talked to Naomi Shihab Nye about her career in prose and poetry writing . Nye is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her work, including the Ivan Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Book Critics Circle, the Lavan Award, the Paterson Poetry Prize, the Carity Randall Prize, the Isabella Gardner Poetry Award, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award, the Robert Creeley Prize, and many Pushcart Prizes. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afik...
Jan 21, 2022•29 min•Ep. 174
In this Matbakh event, we talked to Charles Perry about his career as a translator of several medieval cookbooks from Arabic to English and published widely on the history of food. In 2005 Perry translated from Arabic A Baghdad Cookery Book, also known as Al-Baghdadi’s Kitab al-Tabikh, the only medieval Arabic cookbook known to the English-speaking world. Created by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Hosted by Antonio Tahhan Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tare...
Jan 20, 2022•29 min•Ep. 173
In this conversation in collaboration with Liwan Design Studios & Labs at Qatar Museums, we talked to JILID founder Isa Aljalahma, Creative Dialogue creative director Samer Yamani & Studio 7 Concept Store creative director Asma Derouiche about designing, experimentation & reviving craft. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form interview ser...
Jan 19, 2022•27 min•Ep. 172
In this conversation, we talked to Roger Allen about his career in translating the works of renowned Arab authors such as Naguib Mahfouz. Allen translated Mahfouz’s God’s World , that being the collection mentioned in the published citation of the Nobel Literature Prize Committee in 1988. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form interview series feature...
Jan 14, 2022•32 min•Ep. 171
In this event, we talked to Yara Khoury Nammour and Lara Captan about the future of the Arab script. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Tasmeem Doha 2022: Radical Futures: Tasmeem Doha 2022: Radical Futures is an inclusive and multi-faceted view of the future, one that not only speculates on technological advancements—but on future threats and changes whether environmental, geographical...
Jan 13, 2022•26 min•Ep. 170
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Firas Zreik as he performed three musical pieces: Taksim, Zawraq & Refractions. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focused on the Arab wor...
Jan 12, 2022•30 min•Ep. 169
In this conversation, we talked to Zeina Maasri about her investigation focused on post-1945 anti-colonial struggles, transnational anti-imperialist solidarities and violent conflicts, as complicated by a global Cold War order. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, and media experts who are helping document...
Jan 11, 2022•27 min•Ep. 168
In this Book Club, we talked to Safia Elhillo about her book "Home is not a country." The novel is about family, identity, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Book Club: Book Club is an interview series that calls for afikra community members, who are interested in literature and reading, to spend time reading along with the entire comm...
Jan 10, 2022•24 min•Ep. 167
In this conversation in collaboration with Liwan Design Studios & Labs at Qatar Museums, we talked to the director of TypeAraby Basma Hamdy, graphic designer Zainab Alshibani & curator in residence at the Fire Station Gallery, Qatar Museums Hadeel Eltayeb about archiving techniques and processes. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form intervie...
Jan 07, 2022•50 min•Ep. 166
In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to Festival Co-Founder and Musical Director Yacine Boulares, Festival Co-Founder Meera Dugal, clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, and Joe's Pub Director Alex Knowlton about the ethos of the festival and opening night performance featuring AJOYO. Learn more at www.habibi-festival.com . Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/t...
Jan 05, 2022•41 min•Ep. 165
In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to North African dancer and educator Esraa Warda. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focuse...
Dec 30, 2021•43 min•Ep. 164
In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to musicians of the Moroccan band Innov Gnawa. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focused o...
Dec 30, 2021•26 min•Ep. 163
In this Quartertones event in collaboration with Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub, we talked to Sudanese musician Alsarah from Alsarah & The Nubatones and violinist Haig Papazian. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to ...
Dec 30, 2021•32 min•Ep. 162
In this Conversation, we talked to Ruba Katrib about her work at MoMA PS1 in New York. Ruba was co-founder of the residency and exhibition space Threewalls in Chicago and was awarded a curatorial fellowship from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to support research on artist-run educational platforms throughout Latin America. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Co...
Dec 30, 2021•28 min•Ep. 161
In this conversation in collaboration with Liwan Design Studios & Labs at Qatar Museums, we talked to the director of Liwan Design Studios & Labs Aisha Al Sowaidi about how Liwan was established, its plans and projects, and its future. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, and media experts who are ...
Dec 30, 2021•26 min•Ep. 160
In this event, we talked to Haytham Nawar and Danah Abdulla about the future of education. Tasmeem Doha 2022: Radical Futures is an inclusive and multi-faceted view of the future, one that not only speculates on technological advancements—but on future threats and changes whether environmental, geographical, cultural, or social. Now more than ever, we must ask pertinent questions, raise critical dialogues, and respond with clarity. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi ...
Dec 30, 2021•27 min•Ep. 159
In this Matbakh event, we talked to Sami Tamimi about his career as a Palestinian cook in London. Sami had won several awards such as International Award and the Best Cookbook, James Beard Award, Cookery Book Award, and Dun Gifford Award for ‘Jerusalem.’ Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Matbakh: Matbakh is a conversation series that focuses on food and drink of the Arab world. The ser...
Dec 30, 2021•25 min•Ep. 158
HUMANISING CITIES | Featuring: Vilma Jurkute (Executive Director, Alserkal), Charles Landry (author and international authority on urban change), Rupali Gupte & Prasad Shetty (co-founders Bard Studio, founding members School of Environment and Architecture), and Hamed Bukhamseen (Co-founder, Civil Architecture). PART OF CULTURES IN CONVERSATION: PRELUDES & POSTSCRIPTS. The brand new series with Alserkal and powered by afikra. Cultures in Conversation is commissioned by Expo2020 Dubai and...
Dec 24, 2021•39 min•Ep. 157
In this event, we talked to co-founders of DesignEarth Rania Ghosn & El Hadi Jazairy and the co-founders of Foundland Collective Ghalia Srakbi & Lauren Alexander about the future of design. Tasmeem Doha 2022: Radical Futures is an inclusive and multi-faceted view of the future, one that not only speculates on technological advancements—but on future threats and changes whether environmental, geographical, cultural, or social. Now more than ever, we must ask pertinent questions, raise cri...
Dec 21, 2021•27 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, Eddy Maroun discussed the role of the Anghami in promoting music of the Islamic world and his work and perspective given his role at Anghami, as part of Al Burda Podcast series, powered by afikra. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music: The Loyalty of the Poet by Faraj Abyad | Performance was commissioned by MetLiveArts & The Metropolitan Museum of Art" About Al Burda Podcast: Al Burda Podcast, powered by afikra, is a series long-f...
Dec 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 155
In this episode, Faraj Abyad talked about poetry and classical Arabic and played selected songs, as part of Al Burda Podcast series @alburda_uae, powered by afikra. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music: The Loyalty of the Poet by Faraj Abyad | Performance was commissioned by MetLiveArts & The Metropolitan Museum of Art" About Al Burda Podcast: Al Burda Podcast, powered by afikra, is a series long-form conversation with some of the leading and pro...
Dec 15, 2021•58 min•Ep. 154
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Chyno as he performed three musical pieces: 2020 Vision, Kayfouni & Fresh Money. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focused on the Arab wo...
Dec 14, 2021•31 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, H.E. Noura Al Kaabi discussed the role of the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth in promoting Islamic arts and culture in the UAE, among youth. She also talked about the origin, evolution, and genesis of Al Burda. The episode focused on the diverse facets of Islamic arts and culture from different lenses and what can be expected at the festival this year. Tune in to more episodes on Al Burda Podcast, powered by afikra. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ram...
Dec 13, 2021•35 min•Ep. 152
In this Matbakh event, we talked to Wesam Masoud about his creativity in developing and enhancing cooking techniques and flavor pairings. Chef Wesam is known for teaching the basics of cooking techniques, food history and food science in an engaging and idiosyncratic style. Created by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Hosted by Antonio Tahhan Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Matbakh: Matbakh is a conversation series that focuses on food and ...
Dec 13, 2021•23 min•Ep. 151
In this Quartertones event, we listened to Narcy as he performed three musical pieces; SPACE, The Tribe Called Red, and Thoughts and Prayers. Created & Hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Quartertones: QuarterTones is a music show. It is an opportunity to listen to music, across genres, from musicians of and from the Arab world. This series is similar to NPR’s All Songs Considered that is focused ...
Dec 08, 2021•30 min•Ep. 150
In this Conversation, we talked to Mohamad Hafez about his art that reflects the political turmoil in the Middle East through the compilation of found objects, paint and scrap metal. Using his architectural skills, Hafez creates surrealistic Middle Eastern streetscapes that are architectural in their appearance yet politically charged in their content. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About...
Dec 06, 2021•30 min•Ep. 149
In this Double Exposure event, we talked to Hazem Harb and Sama Alshaibi about their work, to discuss and interrogate their motivations, stories behind their photos, and their catalogues. Hazem’s work explores the notion of the land, whereas Sama’s work is concerned with issues of war and exile. Created by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Hosted by Mikey Muhanna & Mohamed Somji Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About Double Exposure: Double Ex...
Dec 03, 2021•34 min•Ep. 148
In this Conversation, we talked to Kareem Sakka about his work in creating an independent media platform presenting news and views relevant to the Arab world. Kareem’s Raseef22 fills a cultural gap in the Arabic-language media landscape, acknowledging both local values and global perspectives. Created & hosted by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/ About the afikra Conversations: Our long-form interview series fe...
Dec 02, 2021•29 min•Ep. 147
In this Matbakh event, we talked to Tarek Alameddine about his experiences in the culinary field between Copenhagen, Egypt, and Lebanon. Tarek believes that Levantine flavors and seasonal produce should be celebrated in the fine dining scene. In the process of creating dishes and designing menus, the ingredients he uses should be in season, wildly foraged, and in synchronization with the time and place. Created by Mikey Muhanna , afikra Hosted by Salma Serry Edited by: Ramzi Ramman Theme music b...
Nov 29, 2021•28 min•Ep. 146
