Abu Dhabi’s Barzakh Festival to host a meeting of musical minds

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 perform at a previous event Los Angeles. (AFP)
Updated 04 March 2019
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Abu Dhabi’s Barzakh Festival to host a meeting of musical minds

DUBAI: A meeting of “genre-shattering” musicians is set to take place at the New York University of Abu Dhabi’s Barzakh Festival this weekend — and if you’re ready to push the boundaries of your taste in music, this is the spot to be.

The Arts Center, a complex of theaters and performance venues within the university campus, is set to host the two-day festival that kicks off on March 6.

The event will feature four bands performing over two days, including Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Alsarah & The Nubatones, Lekhfa and Altin Gün, described respectively as “Nigeria’s Afrobeat crown prince, the Sudanese retro-pop queen, Egypt’s indie alternative super group and funky Turkish psych folk,” by the center.

Nigerian Seun Kuti is the son of Fela Kuti, widely recognized as the pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre. Seun’s band, Egypt 80, consists of musicians from Fela Kuti’s original band, Africa 80, and they will take to the stage on Wednesday.

Also set to perform on Wednesday is Brooklyn-based outfit Alsarah & the Nubatones, featuring Sudanese Alsarah and Rami El-Aasser, Armenian-American oud player Haig Manoukian and French born, Togo-raised bass player Mawuena Kodjovi.

Egypt’s alternative indie supergroup, Lekhfa, will perform on Friday and is comprised of Maryam Saleh, Maurice Louca and Tamer AbuGhazaleh. The trio will be joined by poet Mido Zoheir in a routine featuring a mix of hypnotic vocals, synths, beat loops, instrumental experimentation and traditional Arab instruments, such as the oud.

On Thursday, a day before they perform, Lekhfa will host an interactive workshop in which the band members will dissect several tracks from their album, giving insight into the creative process behind each track, the instrumentation and the role of poetry in the music-making process.

Meanwhile, Friday’s second performance will be by Altin Gün, known for its blend of Turkish folk music and funk rhythms, despite featuring band members from the Netherlands and Indonesia, as well Turkey.

According to the center’s website, “The two-day Barzakh Festival (aims to) create a meeting place of musical streams of genre-shattering artists from diverse cultures, whose global-minded music reflects multiple influences.”


Review: ‘A Man on the Inside’

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Updated 19 sec ago
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Review: ‘A Man on the Inside’

  • Dressed in impeccably pressed suits and armed with plenty of trivia about architecture, he saunters in, shyly at first, then begins to find his footing

“A Man on the Inside” is an eight-episode comedy series that premiered on Netflix in 2024, blending humor, heartfelt storytelling and a touch of mystery.

After retired professor and widower Charles Nieuwendyk (Ted Danson of “The Good Place”) speaks to his concerned only daughter, Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), he decides to make a change. A year after her mother’s death, Emily encourages her father to find a new purpose; to take a class or try a new hobby.

With a love of newspaper cutouts (he would often clip and mail interesting articles to Emily), Charles finds an intriguing yet vague job listing in the classified section.

He is soon recruited by Julie, a private investigator (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), who reluctantly enlists his help to uncover the whereabouts of a stolen necklace in a local San Francisco retirement community.

At its heart, the series explores the evolving father-daughter relationship between Charles and Emily, along with her husband and three teenage sons.

It also shows Charles making friends and trying out new things at an age and stage in his life when he thought life ended with his wife’s death.

Dressed in impeccably pressed suits and armed with plenty of trivia about architecture, he saunters in, shyly at first, then begins to find his footing.

“He’s like if a podcast wore a suit,” one staff member aptly describes him.

Then another valuable item is stolen from the community. Then another.

Stephanie Beatriz (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) co-stars as Didi, the sharp and determined managing director of the retirement community, bringing her trademark wit and charm to the role.

The whodunit-style show examines coping with grief, lost love, and the excitement of new beginnings from the perspective of seniors.

Whether you’re here for the mystery, the comedy, or its effortless charm, the series delivers a family-friendly binge-worthy viewing experience.

 


Andrew Garfield says tear-jerker film ‘We Live in Time’ is everyone’s story

Updated 19 January 2025
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Andrew Garfield says tear-jerker film ‘We Live in Time’ is everyone’s story

DUBAI: It is no secret that Andrew Garfield’s latest movie, John Crowley’s “We Live in Time,” now in cinemas across the Middle East, is a tear-jerker that will pull at your heartstrings from Scene 1.

Beginning with the cancer diagnosis of co-main character Almut (Florence Pugh), the story then follows her back and forth through time to tell the story of her relationship with Tobias (Garfield), from their first encounter after a road accident to the birth of their daughter at a filling station and more.

Grace Delaney, Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in ‘We Live in Time.’ (Supplied)

“I think the point of this film is that it is everyone’s story,” Garfield told Arab News. “I think after any human being lives a certain amount of time, if they’re lucky, they get to experience terrible loss. And I know that that’s a strange way of phrasing it, but I do see it as a privilege to love deeply and therefore to lose terribly, to lose each other, whether it’s a partner or a mother or a father or a friend.”

While over the past few years Garfield has been on an on-and-off break from filming in an attempt to know himself better, the script from Justine Wright lured him back to set.

“I was in a very peaceful, contemplative place in my life, and reflecting on everything and wanting to be creative, but not necessarily wanting to be on a film set. But then, you know, reading the script, I thought, ‘Oh, this will be a very natural creative process,’” he said.

“There was a certain amount of letting go, but it was a letting go of a different kind. It was a letting go of too much overthinking. It felt like a very natural letting go, getting out of the way of not working too hard, letting the moment define the moment, letting myself be filled up, and trusting that the moment was enough,” said Garfield, who lost his mother to cancer in 2019.

His subsequent journey of self-discovery has further helped his craft as an actor.

“This is one of the privileges of being an actor, I think, being an artist, but particularly about being an actor is that, depending on the roles you get to play, you’re accessing and finding and inhabiting parts of yourself that you didn’t know were there and capabilities that you didn’t know you had. Dark and light, expressive, expansive and destructive and shady. So, yes, I’m definitely drawn to knowing myself as thoroughly as possible,” Garfield said.

“And yeah, I’m definitely seeking out as much of being in authentic relationship to myself, and therefore others, and therefore the world, and therefore my work as possible. And sometimes it’s really, really painful, because there are aspects of myself that I wish I didn’t have, like all of us. But the danger is, I think, if we try to exile those parts of ourselves, we end up being in denial of what we’re capable of, and then we end up really doing damage and electing the wrong people to lead countries, etc.

“So, yeah, it feels important to me to find all of those different parts and own them and welcome them; and therefore be able to govern them and not be governed by them, because they’re just unconscious drives.”


Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards

Updated 19 January 2025
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Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards

  • Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
  • Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority

RIYADH: The annual Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”

Tunisian model and actress Azza Slimene at the Joy Awards. (AN Photo/Jafer Saleh)

Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic. (X, formerly known as Twitter)

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.

Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.

Morgan Freeman with business partner Lori McCreary at the Joy Awards. (Getty Images)

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.

“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia. (Getty Images)

Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.

“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.

Amanda Seyfried arrived in a fiery red Valentino gown. (Getty Images)

Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.

Lebanese actress Bernadette Hodeib. (AN Photo/Jafer Saleh)

The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.


Simi and Haze Khadra donate SimiHaze Beauty sales to LA fire victims

Updated 18 January 2025
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Simi and Haze Khadra donate SimiHaze Beauty sales to LA fire victims

DUBAI: US Palestinian beauty entrepreneurs Simi and Haze Khadra, the twin founders of SimiHaze Beauty, are stepping up to support those in need in their Los Angeles community.

This week, the duo announced that 100 percent of all sales generated through their beauty brand will be donated to aid displaced Black and Latino families affected by the recent LA fires.

The contributions will be directed to individual GoFundMe campaigns for families who have lost their homes or been displaced.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Simi and Haze highlighted the significance of their connection to Los Angeles, a city they have called “home for the past 14 years.” “Our community means everything to us,” they expressed, emphasizing their commitment to giving back during challenging times.

Their efforts mirror the actions of other public figures, such as The Weeknd, who recently pledged $1 million to support firefighters and residents affected by the wildfires.

In light of the disaster, the singer, born Abel Tesfaye, also postponed a concert at the Rose Bowl as well as the release of his upcoming album.

“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” he wrote on social media. “My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”

For Simi and Haze, this initiative reflects the values their beauty brand has embodied since its launch in 2021. Known for their bold and innovative stick-on makeup designs — such as chrome wings and holographic cat-eyes — SimiHaze Beauty quickly gained attention for making statement looks effortless.

The brand later expanded its offerings to include a wider range of products, from lipsticks and bronzing powders to mascaras.

In 2024, they expanded their brand to the Middle East, describing the experience to Arab News as “so surreal.”

“The market has been such a huge goal of ours since we started because we grew up here,” Simi said in a previous interview. “We’re so happy that our products are finally accessible to our amazing followers here.”


Ian McDiarmid, Hideo Ishikawa to headline Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025

Updated 18 January 2025
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Ian McDiarmid, Hideo Ishikawa to headline Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025

DUBAI: Scottish actor and director Ian McDiarmid, known for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in the “Star Wars” saga, has been announced as the first confirmed celebrity guest for the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025.

The region’s largest pop culture event will take place from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

In addition to his role as the “Star Wars” saga, McDiarmid is also known for his performances in films such as “Sleepy Hollow” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” as well as his extensive work in theater, including his Olivier Award-winning role in “Faith Healer.”

Anime fans are also in for a treat with the announcement of Japan’s leading voice actor, Hideo Ishikawa, best known as the voice of Itachi Uchiha from “Naruto.”

His notable roles include Toyotomi Hideyoshi in “Samurai Warriors,” Kyo-ya Onizuka in “Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero,” Ray Penber and Hideki Ide in “Death Note,” and Squall Leonhart, Auron, and Cait Sith in the “Final Fantasy” series.

Loy Pinheiro, show director of MEFCC said in a statement: “MEFCC 2025 is set to be our most diverse and engaging event yet. From casual fans to devoted collectors, we’ve created an experience that celebrates every aspect of pop culture with something for everyone.”

The event is organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi.