'There’s no such thing as an Arab sound': Meet the DJ spotlighting the Middle East’s underground music

The NationalParty-alignedCenter6 hr. ago

Egyptian writer, DJ, and radio host Nihal Al Aasar uses her platform to showcase the diverse and often overlooked music scenes of the Middle East. Based in London but originally from Cairo, she combines her passion for music with commentary on geopolitical and social issues affecting the region. Through her radio show 'Nile to Bank' on NTS Radio, she challenges stereotypes about Middle Eastern music by highlighting underground artists and blending various genres like electronic, hip-hop, and traditional Arabic sounds. Recently, she performed at an art fair in Cyprus, continuing her mission to break down cultural barriers through music.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural expression and music, which is inherently non-political. It discusses an individual's creative work and does not take a stance on any political issue, nor does it frame the content in a biased manner.

The NationalParty-alignedCenter15 hr. ago

This article explores the Arabic word 'talib,' which primarily means 'student.' It discusses various contexts in which the word is used, including academic settings, employment, and even personal matters like seeking asylum. The article highlights the linguistic connections between 'talib' and related terms such as 'talaba' and 'talab,' all derived from the same root letters meaning 'to seek' or 'request.' Additionally, it mentions the cultural significance of the word in Arabic music, where it appears in songs ranging from nasheed to Algerian rai.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the cultural and linguistic aspects of the Arabic word 'talib,' discussing its usage in different contexts such as education, employment, and music. There is no political framing or bias evident in the content, as it provides a neutral exploration of the word's meanings and us