Identity, Sound & the Geography of Expression | Yasiin Bey, Jara, Oddisee & Nemahsis

Global icons and independent pioneers Yasiin Bey, Jara, Oddisee, and Nemahsis explore identity, sound, and the fight for artistic autonomy. From the project windows of Brooklyn to the basements of Maryland, these artists reveal how the little rooms of their youth forged voices, powerful enough to fill global stages. In this deep dive, they confront the industry's complex relationship with visual representation, the radical act of independence, and the grounding influence of heritage and faith. The conversation further addresses the necessity of resisting institutional dominance to maintain creative control. Ultimately, these reflections emphasize that true artistic success is found in staying connected to one's earnest internal voice regardless of external pressures.
 

00:00 Introduction

02:16 Musical Spaces and Roots

12:27 Visuals and Music Debate

20:50 Value of Visual Silence

31:03 Visuals for Global Storytelling

37:21 The Shared Human Experience

46:53 Formative Musical Obsessions

49:53 Faith Shaping Creative Identity

52:26 Navigating Artistic Independence

58:21 Resisting Corporate Dominance

01:04:26 Closing Remarks

 

Jara is a pioneering Saudi rapper from Jeddah, widely recognised as Saudi Arabia’s first female rapper. Her work blends personal story, identity and a drive for impact, pairing sharp lyricism with modesty, creativity and resilience. On stage and on record, she challenges stereotypes and expands what it means to be a Saudi woman in hip-hop. Rooted in her community yet outward-looking, Jara’s voice carries from Jeddah to the world.

 

Connect with Jara 👉 https://instagram.com/theycallmejara

 

Nemahsis is a Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics exploring identity and belonging as a hijabi Muslim woman. Her 2024 debut album Verbathim earned critical acclaim and praise from artists like Stevie Wonder and Lorde. In 2025, she launched a sold-out North American tour and won two JUNO Awards, including Alternative Album and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Recently named Women In Music’s Artist of the Year, Nemahsis is redefining independent artistry.

 

Connect with Nemahsis 👉 https://instagram.com/nemahsis

 

Oddisee (Amir Mohamed el Khalifa) is a Sudanese-American rapper, producer, and composer from Washington, D.C., known for his sharp lyricism, soulful production, and socially conscious perspective. Blending boom-bap with jazz, funk, and live instrumentation, he bridges underground hip-hop with global appeal. Rising with Diamond District, his solo work, People Hear What They See, The Good Fight, The Iceberg, has earned acclaim for its honesty and depth. A consistent, respected voice, Oddisee turns reflection into rhythm.

 

Connect with Oddisee 👉 https://instagram.com/oddisee

 

Yasiin Bey is a Brooklyn, New York-born multi-media artist of international acclaim who has produced significant works in various mediums within an ongoing career that spans nearly 40 years to date. He strives to continually refine, evolve and expand his practice across disciplines. This is his first visit to Qatar.

 

Connect with Yasiin Bey 👉 https://instagram.com/yasiinbey

Hosted by:

Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

 

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