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Arabica The Arabic-speaking world has played a critical role in the Afropop story, and Afropop Worldwide has produced many programs that explore Arab music, both on its own terms and in specifically African contexts. Here, you'll find five examples, programs on Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Lebanese music, and--one of our favorites--a trip from Ethiopia to Spain through vocal music.

A Visit To Cairo

Program Log: Introduction to Cairo, Africa's largest city, the original "city that never sleeps". Georges introduces Warda, a popular Algerian-born vocalist residing in Cairo. Cairo's modern-day problems. Intro to Shaabi (meaning "of the people"), the popular roots music of modern Egypt. The music often addresses the themes of everyday survival. Cairo's Dya, a 17 year old shaabi star. Oum Kalsoum, the most beloved voice in the Arabic-speaking world. Ghil ("generation") music, a popular youth music, explained by one of its leading stars. Fati Salama, a leader of an Arabic-Far East "fusion" group whose name means "things come from the east". Contrast between Fati's music and the more pop-oriented ghil music. Abdu Dagr, violin master & king of taqsim (improvisatory form), and also a craftsman and oud-maker. Upper Egypt, "Land of the Pharaohs" also known as Nubia. Mohammad Munir, one of the region's leading artists. Upper Egypt, "Land of the Pharaohs" also known as Nubia. Mohammad Munir, one of the region's leading artists.

The Moroccan Mosaic

Program Log: Morocco as cultural crossroads- Brief cultural and political history of Morocco. Georges takes us into the music scene. Moroccan pop star Abdel Wahab Dukele, and his incorporation of traditional and pan-Arabic sounds. The 1970's sees groups returning to their Moroccan roots for inspiration. Groups also begin to take on more social and political themes. The Gnawa, a spiritual brotherhood with its roots in the Songhai empire. Brought to Morocco mainly as slaves, they were valued as musicians and able to preserve their heritage through their music. Randy Weston speaks about his collaborations with Gnawa musicians. Stories of Gnawa musical healing ceremonies. The Berbers, a pre-Islamic people of Morocco. Examples of Berber musical styles. Description of a Gnawa "lira", or spirit ceremony, usually held in a private home. Also describes the "hadla", a ceremony for women only. Moroccan musicians on the international scene. Also, international musicians who have popularized Moroccan sounds abroad.

Two Tenors Of Arabic Music

Program Log: Explanation of taarab, an Arabic concept for communal musical joy. Introduction to Sabah Fahkri (Syria), Wadi Al-Safi (Lebanon), and Simon Shaheen & Qantara (Lebanon). Arab influence on the "Afropop story"- migration of instruments, styles and compositions from Mesopotamia into Africa. Sabah Fahkri, "Syria's Frank Sinatra", talks about his musical roots and background. Sabah shares his thoughts on what makes a successful vocalist in the Arabic world. Background of Wadi Al-Safi, "The Voice Of Lebanon". Wadi speaks about what he feels his role is in society. A look at Iraq's popular vocalist Kazem Al-Saher. A look at Iraq's popular vocalist Kazem Al-Saher.

Cheb Khaled Live

Program Log: Introduction. Georges sets the stage. Start of show in New York's Central Park. Brief story of Khaled's emergence in the mid-'70s against the backdrop of a conservative Muslim society in Algeria. "Cheb" (translates as "young guy") sings two of his most popular tunes. Khaled live in France. Khaled as hero to young Arab immigrants in France and elsewhere. By this time, the Algerian government has banned most rai concerts.

Vocal Styles From Spain To Ethiopia

Program Log: Georges describes the trail of our journey. We begin in Spain, sometimes referred to as "Africa's northernmost country". Examples of flamenco singing. History of Andalucia, from the Moorish occupation to the dispersion of the Moors across North Africa during Christian rule. Heading east to Algeria, where Spanish musical influences took hold and can still be felt in today's rai movement. Melisma, a style of bending and varying notes with voice. The late Oum Kalsoum, the Arab world's most popular voice. Egypt's Nubia region; selections by Hamza el Din. Ethiopian vocalist Aster Aweke.