Quartertones | Music from the Arab World

afikra

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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20 episodes
Updated May 21

Episodes20

Newest first

May 21 · 1 hr 2 min
Refuge, Rebellion & Resonance | Hamed Sinno
A deep exploration of the shifting relationship between sound, politics, and the visceral search for home with Hamed Sinno. The discussion moves from their childhood in Beirut, where they internalize a sense of being an outsider, to their time at the American University of Beirut (AUB), where they began to understand the expectations of a generation raised for export. Reflecting on the intense collaborative magic of their era with the band Mashrou’ Leila, they share the unique challenges of a mu
April 14 · 22 min
On Reclaiming Our Narrative & the Power of Dabke | Zeyne at XP Air
Zeyne joins Quartertones after her performance at XP Air and discusses her journey from being too shy to share her voice to becoming an artist who finds empowerment in letting her art out. She reflects on the influences of her family who instilled in her a love for music, Arab culture, and the Palestinian cause. Growing up taking vocal and piano lessons Zeyne shares that she only recently started writing lyrics, having previously focused on composing. The conversation delves into the unique powe
April 8 · 18 min
Harissa Pop and Tunisian Music | Soudeni at XP Air
Tunisian artist Soudeni joins Quartertones recorded live at XP Air and talks about her musical journey and the influences that shaped her sound. She introduces the idea of Harissa Pop – her playful way of describing music rooted in Tunisian culture but open to contemporary sounds. The touches on nostalgia, identity, and the challenges Tunisian artists face when trying to be heard beyond their borders.
April 1 · 28 min
Strolling Between Musical Worlds | Kazdoura at XP Air
Duo Kazdoura, composed of Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, who have just won the JUNO Award for Global Music Album of the Year, join Quartertones at XP Air and discuss their award-winning music, which blends Arabic lyrics and maqam with psychedelic rock, jazz, funk, and soul. The conversation covers their beginnings at a Beirut explosion fundraiser, their creative process of fusing their diverse musical backgrounds, the evolution of their unique soun
March 5 · 23 min
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 tha
March 3 · 18 min
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 mean
February 19 · 33 min
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 prio
February 18 · 21 min
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
Dec 30, 2025 · 53 min
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 e
Dec 10, 2025 · 2 hr 23 min
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.
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
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
Nov 26, 2025 · 2 hr 23 min
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
Nov 19, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
Rasha Nahas With a Performance by Maii Waleed | Habibi Festival 2025
Experience day two of the fifth edition of Habibi Festival, hosted at Joe’s Pub in Brooklyn. The evening begins with the festival co-founders, Yacine Boulares and Meera Dugal, welcoming the audience and reflecting on the festival’s mission of celebrating the living, breathing music, culture, and traditions of the Arab region and actively combating their "museumification." The night features contemporary Egyptian artist Maii Waleed in her second appearance this year, joined by a New York-based ba
Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 56 min
Layale Chaker With a Performance by Maii Waleed | Habibi Festival 2025
Habibi Festival is back for a fifth year with performances and talks on stage hosted by afikra, which we'll be releasing on our Quartertones series. Day 1 opens with a solo performance by Maii Waleed, an artist from Alexandria, Egypt, in her debut at Joe's Pub. She sings tracks from her previous EP, including "Neptune" and "Sama", and "Fashi" from her upcoming EP. Then violinist Layale Chaker takes the stage with her quintet, including a pianist, a drummer, a cellist and a double-bassist. She o
Sep 17, 2025 · 56 min
On the 78-Stringed Instrument | Syrian Qanun Player Maya Youssef
Musician and composer Maya Youssef takes us on her unique journey with the qanun. Currently based in London, Maya delves into her early musical upbringing in Damascus to challenging traditional perceptions of the 78-stringed Instrument and developing her own innovative approach to composition and teaching. She discusses the profound connection between the qanun and human emotion, and how music became a form of prayer and healing during personal and global turmoil. Maya also delves into the intri
Aug 20, 2025 · 32 min
Decoding Empires: Akala on Hip Hop & South-South Solidarity
Rapper, writer, and thought leader Akala joins us on Quartertones live at Sole DXB to talk about his early career steps in London, the city's unique blends due to its history, and his drive to connect with diverse audiences. He shares insights into the impact of colonialism and the importance of embracing shared cultural heritage from Shakespeare to his Jamaican influences. We discuss the significance of South-South solidarity and the changing nature of global power dynamics. Akala reflects on t
Aug 6, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Palestinian Singer Lina Makoul: Unmuted, Radical & Community-Built
Palestinian singer Lina Makoul delves into the responsibility of artists to translate public sentiment, the worsening situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the impact of the 900 new checkpoints added by the occupation on day-to-day Palestinian life. Makoul talks about her journey as an independent artist, her research into Palestinian history, and the challenges faced by Palestinian artists under occupation. The discussion also covers the importance of community and creative collaborations, a
Jul 30, 2025 · 48 min
Shu Ma Sar: 1 on 1 with Palestinian-Jordanian Singer Dana Salah
Palestinian-Jordanian singer, songwriter, and producer Dana Salah shares her journey graduating from Duke University to DJing in New York City and writing songs in Jay-Z's studio to transitioning to creating and performing songs in Arabic. She discusses the impact of DJing on her music writing, and the importance of staying connected with her culture. She reflects on her musical influences and the challenges of blending modern and traditional elements in her work. The conversation covers her son
May 28, 2025 · 1 hr
Palestinian Resistance Music & Cultural Heritage | With Legendary Composer Issa Boulos
In this episode of Quartertones, we're joined by Palestinian composer and musician, Issa Boulos who tells us about his deep connection to Jerusalem and Palestine, and how his upbringing influenced his approach to music and life. Boulos recounts his unique experiences growing up in a small town, his family's musical traditions, and the cultural life in Ramallah. He delves into the evolution of Palestinian resistance music from 1967 onwards, sharing insights about key musical acts and their impact
Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Dalida's Rise to International Stardom & Her Rootedness in Egypt | Barbara Lebrun
In this episode of Quartertones, we're joined by Barbara Lebrun, the author of "Dalida: Mythe et Mémoire." We explore the remarkable career of Dalida, the iconic singer who rose to fame in the mid-20th century. Born in Cairo to an Italian family, Yolanda Gigliotti's journey to stardom began when she moved to France in 1954. Initially adopting an Italian persona to navigate the complexities of the French music industry, she later embraced her Egyptian roots, becoming a symbol of Franco-Arab frien