My Favorite Posts

Sophia Marikh sings Woman in Love in Arabic

Sophia Marikh Sings Woman in Love (in Arabic)
Emel Mathlouthi wows Stanford University

Emel Mathlouthi Wows Stanford University

Two Arabic Versions of 'Les Miserables' Musical in Arabic

Posted by on
 Egyptian version of Les Miserables by Fabrika music ensemble

The world famous Les Miserables musical, which has been translated from the original French soundtrack and sung into many languages, is now making its way into the Arab world via two different versions--both in Arabic--from Egypt (in Egyptian dialect) to Lebanon (Levantine dialect).

This moving performance from the Egyptian version of the famous musical Les Misérables was recently broadcast during Egyptian TV talk show host Bassem Youssef 's 'Al Bernameg' (Egypt's John Stewert).  It was performed by the Egyptian ensemble Fabrika فبريكا  and was especially poignant because there was a demo outside the studio in support of the fine arts including ballet which Morsi's government (before being overturned) was threatening to ban.

Watch the performance below with Arabic captions which you can follow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB2ddWQlrJ8



A few weeks later, the popular Arab Idol show showcased their own version of Les Miserables in Arabic, this time in the Levantine/Lebanese dialect and featuring the main contestants from this show. Arab Idol is recorded in Beirut and ended this season with the victory of the Palestinian contestant Mohammed Assaf who is included in this performance:

https://youtu.be/BvovWnMFTCw


Now the main question:  Which version do you like best?
Lecturer @Stanford + Host of Arabology Podcast

Listen to Arabology on SoundCloud (All Episodes) ↓

Audio Interviews by Ramzi Salti ↓

Ramzi Salti: Events + Talks (Video Playlist) ↓

Ramzi Salti: Video Interviews (Playlist) ↓

Popular Posts

أميرة البيلي والقصيدة التي أبكت مصر(أنا مليت)

أميرة البيلي شاعرة مصرية من مواليد محافظة الاسكندرية بدأت كتابة الشعر من ٢٠١٤ واستمرت في تطوير اسلوبها في الكتابة والالقاء وتميزت في الفترة الاخيرة بأسلوبها الخاص.  وقد نالت قصيدتها "أنا مليت" والتي أبكت مصر بالمركز الاول في مسابقة ابداع الاسكندرية.  يمكنكم مشاهدة الفيديو أدناه أو عبر الرابط التالي:  أنقر هنا كلمات القصيدة تعبت فَ قمت كلمته مانا بنته هيفهمني ويفهم اني محتاجة يكلمني ويسمعني ويفهم اني مخنوقة وحضنه بس هيساعني فَ كلّمته. الو ؟ هوانت ليه ساكت ؟ ألو فيا حجات ماتت ! الو تعبانة في أسمعني ..  يرد يقول وايه يعني ؟ ما كل الخلق تعبانة ..وايه يعني ملامحك لسة بهتانة ما عادي كلنا مرضى .. جرحني بعجزي عن اني ارد القسوة ليه لكن .. انا قلبي مهوش داكن عشان يقسي ويكره حد..  مهواش حد فـ ليه جرّح .؟ وزعلني ياريته ما رد ، وليه اتغير بقا بارد وليه شارد بعيد عني  ما كان بيقول زمان اني مراته وام لعياله وقالي اني هبقاله انا باقية لكن هو الي بيعافر ليخسرني كسرني لكني حبيته..  ياريتني ما كُنت حبيته ووهبته القلب واديته حنين عمره ما كان يحلم بحد يحبه يوم قدي .. ...

Fairuz's "Khidni Ya Habibi" Translated into English by Dr. Ramzi Salti

Here is my modest attempt to translate Fairuz's song "Khidni Ya Habibi خدني يا حبيبي  " [Take Me Away, My Love] from Arabic into English.  This song has always had a special place in my heart, as does the operetta/musical Petra in which it was initially performed, back in 1978. I have uploaded a special video of the song, with optional English subtitles, to my YouTube Channel.  To view subtitles, start playing video then click on CC at bottom of video screen/window.   For bilingual English/Arabic version, scroll to bottom of page. Watch below or at  https://youtu.be/Hi4-DAq72s8 [Narration] An Egyptian man arrived one night Carrying with him the mysteries of the Pyramids  And the sublime color of the Nile  He appeared out of nowhere  Just like joy itself  And he gave us hope. [Song] Take me away, my love  To a house that has no doors  Take me away my love  To the moon that guides the forgotten  Leave me in a deep slumb...

Lina Makoul's Latest Track Connects Art and Capitalism

Lina Makoul: Exploring the Art-Capitalism Paradox Lina Makoul's Artistic Activism: Lina Makoul has long used  her international profile to address social and political issues close to her heart and her new single, 'Fish Masari,' serves as a prime example.  You can listen/watch below or at this link . Exploring the Art-Capitalism Paradox: Written and produced by Makoul and Nasir AlBashir, 'Fish Masari' delves into the intricate relationship between art and capitalism. This thought-provoking wake-up call delves into how art enriches the hearts and minds of countless individuals while often failing to sustain its creators. Makoul's astute observations and succinct lyrics match the track's powerful physicality. A Fusion of Arabic Musical Traditions: 'Fish Masari' is deeply rooted in Arabic musical traditions, incorporating Middle Eastern instrumentation, percussive rhythms inspired by traditional Palestinian wedding songs, and clever samples. The track...

He Was My Friend: A Poem by Karim Al Iraqi (Translated by Ramzi Salti)

Karim Al Iraqi (1955-2023) was a renowned Iraqi poet who passed away in Abu Dhabi on September 1, 2023 after battling cancer. He was 68. As I tribute, I am sharing his poem "Kana Sadiqi" كان صديقي [He Was My Friend], an Arabic poem written by Iraqi poet Karim Aliraqi كريم العراقي  aka Karim Odeh  كريم عوده, about finding himself in the role of intermediary between a couple (two friends of his) whose love he had once witnessed but who were now breaking up. The poet speaks of his dilemma in the video below then goes on to recite the poem in Arabic.  Poem translated into English by Dr. Ramzi Salti. قصيدة "كان صديقي" للشاعر كريم العراقي (كريم عوده) يخاطب بها حبيبين افترقا وكان هو الوسيط بينهما والذي يشكى كل منهما له همه وسبب بعده عن حبيبه الآخر. ترجم القصيدة الى الانجليزية الدكتور رمزي سلطي This video shows the poet, Karim Al Iraqi, reading his poem in 2014:  Lyrics  كلمات القصيدة He was my friend and she was eternally his. Their love stor...

Arabology Spotlights Top 20 Podcasts from/about the Arab World

Arabology's Top 20 Podcasts of 2024 Arabology's Top 20 Podcasts from/about the Arab world When I started my  Arabology  radio show and podcast in 2012, quality podcasts from/about the Arab world were few and far between.  Those days are (fortunately) gone thanks to the advent of a wide variety of programs (audio and video) that deal with different cultural and political aspects from the region.   Below are Arabology's Top 20 podcasts for 2024.  Most are available on such music platforms as Apple Podcasts and Spotify but newer ones are increasingly being hosted on YouTube which gives these shows a nice visual component. Most importantly, Arabology 's Top 20 Podcasts of 2024 are all hosted by Arab creators around the world or, in some cases, by podcasters whose knowledge of the region enables them to offer a much needed, nuanced representation of a region and people(s) who have been too often stereotyped in Western media. 1.  Tarwida Podcast: Tarwida is...

Umm Kulthum: 50 Years Since Her Passing – A Tribute by Ramzi Salti

Dr. Ramzi Salti commemorates 50 Years Since the Death of Umm Kulthum-- February 3, 2025 Umm Kulthum (1898–1975) Introduction: A Cultural Icon and the Voice of the Arab World On February 3, 2025, we mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, one of the most influential artists in the history of Arab music. For half a century, her voice has resonated through time, her music transcending generations, borders, and cultures. Known for her unparalleled vocal ability, emotive performances, and captivating stage presence, Umm Kulthum remains a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural pride. Rare color footage of Umm Kulthum by Director Youssef Chahine Umm Kulthum's impact extends far beyond her music. She was a pioneering force in both the cultural and political landscapes of the Arab world, her songs representing themes of love, longing, heartbreak, and social change. Today, as we reflect on her life and legacy, we remember a woman whose contrib...

Sherine's 'Sabry Aaalil': The Hit Song That Keeps Going

When Egyptian Singer Sherine released her hit "Sabri Aaleel" in 2003, no one would have ever predicted that, over 2 decades later, the track would continue to be reborn, revamped, remixed and translated into different languages around the world. As a tribute to this iconic song, this article will attempt to spotlight some of the most innovative and groundbreaking resurrections of the song that have appeared through the years. These will include re-recordings in completely different genres, remixes that have become staples at dance parties and versions from Italy and France that take the song to a whole new level. 1.  To start, here is Sherine's original version of "Sabri Aaleel" as it was first released by Sherine in 2003. The title, "Sabri Aaleel" (صبري قليل), translates to "My Patience Is Running Low," and the song was initially featured on her 2003 album, "Girh Tani" (جرح تاني). 2. Johanna Morkos is a Lebanese singer and music...

Watch Ramzi Salti's 'Fairuz and Lebanon' audio-visual talk at Sanford

Watch at https://youtu.be/9YnBqbPb1Wo It is our pleasure to share this video recording  of Dr. Ramzi Salti's audio-visual talk at Stanford in which he celebrated Fairuz's 90th birthday (this year) through a journey of the Lebanese icon's life, music and connections to Lebanon's history and culture(s). You can watch the video below or at this link . Click on CC (English) as you watch for a more immersive experience. Click on CC while watching video Titled "Fairuz and the Lebanon That Was/Is," this event aimed to show how Fairuz's songs have long reflected and shaped Lebanon’s spirit through key moments such as the civil war, post-war reconstruction, and the current crisis. Watch here . Here are the PowerPoint Slides for this presentation: We would love to hear your thoughts and reactions to this talk, which was made possible thanks to the support of the Abbasi Program and the Middle Eastern Studies Forum.  Email   author30@gmail.com . Here are some photo...

Search this blog ↓