April 2024’s Quartertones Mixtape is all about Sudan. Curated by Khaled Malas from the afikra community team.

Quartertones, Recommendationsafikra DesignMay 31, 2024Mixtape

For classical music lovers and anyone who’s been looking to broaden their musical horizons, get started with what Kareem Roustom’s been listening to lately.

Quartertonesafikra DesignMay 3, 2024MusicComment

Quartertones Mixtape: May '24

May ‘24’s QuarterTones mixtape is a quintessential Iraqi music compilation by shamokamonet, a platform and collective dedicated to sharing stories inspired by Iraq.

Quartertonesafikra DesignApril 26, 2024MixtapeComment

Review of Elyanna's Latest Album: Woledto

A review of Palestinian singer Elyanna’s most recent album Woledto by Kiko Gomersall. Listen as you read track by track, as Kiko draws connections between Elyanna’s music, the diaspora, ideas of distance, longing, and the music of Fairuz. Image via Elyanna on YouTube .

Image via Instagram

Quartertonesafikra DesignApril 24, 2024Music

Syria's Underground Music Scene

Zila Demirijian interviews Philippe Zarif — better known as DJ Boshoco — and Natalie Bahhade — aka DJ Nass, the only woman Djing in Aleppo right now, on Syria’s underground music scene.

Quartertonesafikra DesignApril 18, 2024Syria, Music

El-Massrieen: Egypt's First Pop Band

A Quick Look at Al-Massrieen, the first Egyptian pop band. Founded by Hany Shenouda in 1977, the group brought new harmonies, electronic sounds and instruments to Egypt’s music scene. Image via Habibi Funk & Egyptian Streets.

Culture Posts, Quartertonesafikra DesignMarch 27, 2024Egypt, Music

Carte de Séjour: Protesting Racism in France

Before his solo career, Rachid Taha was part of a band called Carte de Séjour that shot to fame during the 1980s. Their cover of “Douce France” became an anti-racist anthem for Arabs across France. Image via Les Trans.

Quartertonesafikra DesignMarch 20, 2024Diaspora, Music

Quartertones Mixtape: March '24

This month's mixtape, compiled DJ Amen Ra (aka Ramy Abou El Oyoun), introduces us to Egyptian sounds and artists we should have on our radar. The first half of the playlist focuses on the instrumental side of the producers featured & the second half highlights some of his favorite hip-hop artists.

Quartertonesafikra DesignMarch 15, 2024Mixtape

Rayess Bek’s Musical Evolution & Inspirations

Over his career, Wael Kodeih has gone by many names: From Aks’ser, Good Bye Schlöndorff to Rayess Bek, and his music has evolved with it. Here you’ll find the links to all the tracks mentioned in his Quartertones interview.

Quartertonesafikra DesignMarch 7, 2024Music

Quartertones Mixtape: February '24

Our mixtape this month was compiled by record store owner Mohamad Rifaï (aka Rifo) who's behind The Lick Records in Beirut, and features some of his favorite Arabic interpretations of international hits that even your grandad might know.

Quartertonesafikra DesignFebruary 23, 2024Mixtape

Quartertones Mixtape: January '24

A five and half hour long mixtape created by music writer and curator Danny Hajjar to celebrates the voices of some of the best up-and-coming (but also some old favorite) musicians from the Arab world. Make sure to play it at your next party.

Quartertonesafikra DesignJanuary 25, 2024Featured, Mixtape