The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast | Powered by afikra

Thomas Attar of Al-Qasar Band joins The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast ahead of their performance at the Tamaas Festival on January 29th. Attar strives to make music that reflects the complexity of modern, multicultural, and transnational identities. Growing up in Paris before moving to the US, he shares the origins of Al-Qasar, a collaborative project that was an intentional response to a "white rock scene" that felt disconnected from everyday life, aspiring to make music with a deeper connection to the human experience. He discusses the term "Arabian fuzz," which he uses to describe the band's sound. He credits his early musical influences, such as The Beach Boys and 70s Arab rock bands like those on the album Hard Rock from the Middle East, for training his ear to accept later Arab sounds. The conversation touches on the issue of the term "World Music" as a marketing term.

Al-Qasar is performing at The Arts Center as part of the Tamaas Festival on January 29. Get your tickets 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2026/january/tamaas-festival.html

 

0:00 Introduction: The Genesis of Al-Qasar: Revolutionary Poetry and Psych Rock

1:59 Early Musical Influences

4:24 Growing Up in Multicultural Paris

7:20 The Disconnect of the "White Rock Scene"

12:34 Making Revolutionary Music in a World of Social Ruptures

12:41 Al-Qasar's Collaborative and Global Sound

15:33 Defining "Arabian Fuzz"

17:21 The 70s Arab Psychedelic Rock Scene

21:09 Rejecting "World Music" and "Fusion" As Terms

24:06 Al-Qasar's Diverse Audience and Outreach

26:24 The Analog Production Approach

32:52 The Art of the Cover Song

36:09 Dream Collaborators

38:31 The Challenge of Making Revolutionary Music

41:26 Navigating Censorship and Self-Censorship for MENA Artists

44:14 Abu Dhabi Show Details

 

A French-American producer, Thomas has been involved in about 40 releases, performed on five continents, and composed for TV & film. His recent collaborations with Sudanese-American innovator Alsarah and Malian legends Cheick Tidiane Seck and Mamani Keita push the limits of the culture while being deeply embedded in groove and tradition. On BBC6, Iggy Pop called his song with Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) “Pretty bitching”. His involvement with North African artists Dina El Wedidi and Emel Mathlouthi is a testament to this very personal approach. In 2025/2026, Attar is adding his touch to the albums of two significant Mozambican artists, Stewart Sukuma and Selma Uamusse, both of whom he is recording and producing between Maputo and Lisbon. Among other projects, Thomas leads Arabian Fuzz psych rock outfit Al-Qasar (Glitterbeat/Wewantsounds), an explosive mix of North African trance music, heavy Middle Eastern grooves and Western psychedelia (the collective notably featured members of Tinariwen). Receiving high praise from the music press (BBC6, Uncut Magazine, Wire), Al-Qasar has toured North America, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with notable appearances at Sziget, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, WOMADs, Mawazine, Paléo, and TransMusicales. On the second of two Egypt tours, Thomas collaborated with musicians of the zar tradition, an ancient healing ritual achieved through hypnotic drumming and mystical trance. 

Connect with Thomas Attar 👉 https://instagram.com/thomasattar

 

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

 

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 

https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
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In the lead up to her performance at Tamaas Festival on January 29, musician Yasmine Hamdan joins Mikey Muhanna on The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast to discuss her return to music after a significant hiatus. Yasmine, who's considered an icon of music for a generation of Arab listeners, explains that her time away was essential for reconnecting with her purpose, moving beyond career strategy, and focusing on the core of her art. She tells us about the emotional and political factors that contributed to her needing a break, including the theft of Lebanese people's money and the Beirut Port explosion. She addresses the current challenges in the music world, citing the "Spotifyification of music" and the burden of uncompensated, invisible work (like being your own an agent and promoter) that artists are now required to take on. She also shares her creative process for the new album "I remember I forget", which she feels speaks to the diaspora experience, and the vital role of trusted collaborators, whose feedback gave her the energy to finish the record. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining a comfortable relationship with oneself while creating, her "rock and roll" experience performing at Tiny Desk, and her excitement about performing for the diaspora in Abu Dhabi with scenography collaborators Elias and Yousef Anastas from Radio Alhara and Wonder Cabinet.
Yasmine Hamdan is performing at The Arts Center as part of the Tamaas Festival on January 29. Get your tickets 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2026/january/tamaas-festival.html
 
0:00 Introduction
2:05 Yasmine Hamdan's Comeback: Purpose Over Strategy
3:07 The Challenges of Today's Music World
4:44 The Invisible Work of Being an Artist Today
7:45 Emotional Reasons for Stepping Back
11:35 The Creative Process: Insecurities and Solitude
15:03 The Burden of Representation and Obsession
17:58 The Crucial Role of a Trusted Partner
20:37 Sharing Work: Fragility and Trust
23:23 Consistency and Finding Intention in Singing
26:54 Connecting With Audiences Beyond Language
29:20 The Universal Language of Music
31:09 The Tiny Desk Concert Experience
33:03 Performing for the Diaspora at Tamaas Festival
35:05 The Shift Away From Representation
39:32 Re-evaluating Needs and Finding Center
42:12 On Solitude, Scenes, and Being in the Margins
45:48 Future Collaborations and Artistic Languages
48:51 Excitement for Performing Live
 
Yasmine Hamdan first made waves in the music scene with the pioneering Beirut indie electronic duo Soapkills, which she co-founded with Zeid Hamdan in the late 1990s. Having moved to Paris in 2005, Yasmine collaborated with Madonna producer Mirwais for the Y.A.S. project, releasing the sleeky clubby Arabology album on Universal in 2009. Since then, she has earned international acclaim as a solo singer-songwriter and producer, elegantly entwining far-ranging elements, from pan-Arabic roots and pop and poetic lyrics, to electronica, soul and guitar melodies. Yasmine has collaborated with filmmakers such as Elia Suleiman, Jim Jarmusch, and has toured globally in support of her albums Ya Nass (2013) and Al Jamilat (2017). Her third album was released worldwide on Crammed Discs/ [PIAS].
Connect with Yasmine Hamdan 👉 https://instagram.com/yasminehamdan
 
Hosted by with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
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🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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The artistic director of "Dear Children, Sincerely," which was performed at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi joins us to talk about this powerful theater collaboration between Rwanda and Sri Lanka. Ruwanthie de Chickera shares the inspiration behind the project, its unique approach to intergenerational dialogue, and the profound impact of connecting with elders who witnessed pivotal historical shifts. Ruwanthie also shares personal anecdotes about growing up in civil war-torn Sri Lanka, the unexpected insights gained from interviewing the generation born in the 1930s, and the moving experience of bringing these stories to a diverse audience at NYU Abu Dhabi. Discover how personal histories intertwine with national narratives, revealing the complexities of post-colonial identity, the nuances of human relationships in shaping history, and the enduring power of hope and collective action.
The performance 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/september/dear-children-sincerely.html#tab-0-about
 
0:00 Introduction
1:32 The Artistic Director's Journey Into Theater
3:20 Sri Lanka's Tumultuous Yet Joyful Upbringing During the Civil War
10:12 The Vision: Interviewing Elders Born in the 1930s
11:10 The Significance of the "Independence Generation"
13:10 The Hopes and Realities of Post-Colonial Nation Building
14:51 Pushing Past Nostalgia: Self-Critical Reflections from Elders
18:27 The Structure of the "Dear Children, Sincerely" Project and Productions
20:11 The Emotional Impact of the Transcripts and Near Misses
22:34 History Made by Human Relations, Not Grand Scales
23:51 Nagalingam Edirisinghe's Story: Gold Medal Amidst Riots
29:20 The Hope of Youth in Rebuilding Nations
29:38 Sri Lanka's Lack of National Identity at Independence
30:57 Performing "Dear Children, Sincerely" at NYU Abu Dhabi
34:25 The Legacy of Harshana Rambukwella: A Dedication to Connection
40:03 Transitioning to an Elder: Advice for Younger Generations
41:37 Finding Hope in Global Challenges: The Sri Lankan Uprising
 
Ruwanthie de Chickera is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, theater director, actor trainer, and cultural activist. She is the founder and artistic director of Stages Theatre Group. She has written and directed over 30 original plays and two screen plays. The first play she wrote, at the age of 19, won her international recognition and pivoted her into Sri Lankan theater. Her first film, Machan, is recognized as a watershed moment in Sri Lankan cinema, having won several international and local awards and was screened in over 50 countries. 
Connect with  Ruwanthie de Chickera 👉 https://instagram.com/ruwanthiedechickeraofficial
 
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
 
Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
 
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
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🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In this episode of the NYUAD Arts Center podcast, we're joined by Widad Mjama, one-half of the musical group Aïta Mon Amour, in the lead-up to their performance at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi. The pioneering rapper from Morocco explores her musical experiences, her early exposure to various music genres in Morocco, and her eventual gravitation towards rap. Widad discusses the Moroccan rap scene and the significant impact of artists like Tupac on her life. The discussion delves into the origins and significance of Aïta, a traditional Moroccan music genre, and how Aïta Mon Amour celebrates and modernizes it. Widad sheds light on her collaboration with Khalil, their creative process, and the challenges of preserving tradition while introducing modern elements. 

00:00 Introduction 
00:55 Widad's Musical Journey
01:53 Discovering Rap and Other Music Influences
05:08 The Moroccan Rap Scene
08:09 Exploring Aïta Mon Amour
09:33 The Essence of Aïta Music
21:54 Creating Modern Aïta
40:04 Performing and Connecting With Audiences
43:32 Upcoming Tamaas Festival 

Widad Mjama is the first female rapper to appear on the Moroccan scene. In 1999, she and her group Thug Gang won the rap-hiphop category at the Tremplin des Jeunes Musiciens competition in Casablanca. In 2014, she co-created the group N3rdistan in France with Walid Ben Selim, drawing inspiration from classical Arabic poetry. For her project Aïta Mon Amour, developed with musician Khalid Epi, she conducted years of research with chikhates (or cheikhat)—women who preserve the Aïta tradition, a centuries-old poetic and musical art from the El Jadida-Safi region. The project blends traditional instruments like the mandole and loutar with electronic sounds, supported by the Shouka label. The project pays homage to the freedom and energy of the chikhates while anchoring itself in a multi-secular heritage.

Connect with Widad 👉 https://www.instagram.com/doudywiddy/

Get your tickets for Aïta Mon Amour at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/february/tamaas-festival.html

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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In this episode of the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center Podcast, we delve into the intrinsic philosophy of dance with dancer and choreographer Omar Rajeh. The conversation spans his journey from founding dance company Maqamat in Beirut in 2002, to developing contemporary dance awareness in Lebanon and organizing the influential BIPOD festival. Omar discusses the transformative power of dance, its societal impact, and the innovative production "Beytna" set to be showcased at The Arts Center's Red Theater on January 30th. He gives his testament to the inclusivity and philosophical depth dance can achieve in our world today.

00:00 Introduction 
00:49 Omar's Journey & Philosophy of Dance
02:01 Challenges & Growth of Contemporary Dance in Lebanon
12:23 The Impact of BIPOD Festival
21:16 Regional Dance Scenes & Collaborations
32:41 Exploring the Beytna Performance
44:30 Future Projects & Digital Platforms
52:24 Conclusion & Upcoming Performance

Omar Rajeh is a choreographer, dancer, and founder and artistic director of Maqamat. Initially based in Lebanon since 2002, he moved and set up his company in Lyon in 2020 to continue to create and develop his projects in France and internationally. He has developed more than 20 choreographic creations and is widely recognized in Lebanon and around the world. His work – inspired by the socio-political concerns that surround it – is always carried with strong compositions and an invested and vigorous physical presence. He also also the founder of BIPOD (Beirut International Platform of Dance), Takween (an intensive training program), Moultaqa Leymoun (a platform that showcases and develops the work of artists and choreographers from the Arab countries), and the co-founder of Masahat network. In 2017, he designed and established Citerne Beirut, a choreographic and cultural center in Lebanon which – following its forced dismantling in 2019 – gave birth in France to Citerne.live in 2020. 

Connect with Omar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/o.rajeh/

Get tickets to the performance in Abu Dhabi on January 30th 👉 https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2025/january/beytna.html

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu
FOLLOW & RATE THE NYUAD ARTS CENTER PODCAST:
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» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bnc6jhwbSGKZyEI6LBuAu?si=4359dabaa57b4e83
» Anghami: https://open.anghami.com/uApM34ABKMb

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl63W_KIMC2HWDoyqRi-2fzN&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.