‘Maqsouda’ — the Arabic poetry podcast you need to listen to
Updated 18 August 2021
Maan Jalal
DUBAI: Arabic poetry can seem intimidating. It is embedded in our collective consciousness that Arabic poetry, traditionally written and recited in classical Arabic, belongs on the page or performed in a literary saloon from some distant, forgotten era.
But times have changed. ‘Maqsouda’ is an Arabic language podcast about Arabic poetry created and hosted by Zeina Hashem Beck and Farah Chamma.
The premise of the podcast is simple: Two friends engaging in a conversation about Arabic poetry. While the concept is interesting, the fact that Hashem Beck and Chamma are both established poets adds another layer to the conversation.
Hashem Beck is an award-winning poet whose third poetry collection “O” will be published by Penguin Books in 2022. Chamma, a poet and performer, has gained widespread recognition for her spoken-word work.
Much like the act of writing, the creation and style of “Maqsouda” happened organically.
“For the longest time, I wanted to do a podcast about Arabic poetry, but I didn’t want to do it by myself,” Hashem Beck told Arab News. “Then during the pandemic, Farah sent me videos of herself reciting Arabic poetry, in her pyjamas. I thought, ‘why don’t I ask Farah?’ I did and she said ‘let’s do it.’”
Produced by the Arabic podcasting platform Sowt, “Maqsouda” comprises of two types of episodes. One where Hashem Beck and Chamma informally discuss a poem, and another where the host — or the poet, if they are available — recites some poetry.
The conversational, intimate Arabic poetry that is examined on “Maqsouda” is uncommon but intentional.
“What brought me and Zeina together to work on ‘Maqsouda’ was this ‘wall’ in
Arabic poetry,” Chamma said. “It stands in our personal writing and in our fears of making mistakes in Arabic. We didn’t want this. So, discussing Arabic poetry in this style is intentional. This labor, ‘Maqsouda,’ is to change that idea, even in myself.”
The “wall” is a familiar concept for many Arabic speakers. Whether formally educated in Arabic or not, the practice of writing and engaging with Arabic in its classical form is riddled with daunting linguistic and grammatical rules.
“There is a misconception that Arabic poetry has to be in this high language and not in our day-to-day language,” Hashem Beck added. “That’s because of the diglosia we have because of both classic Arabic and colloquial Arabic. It’s a contradictory space.”
But within this contradiction, Hashem Beck and Chamma also see a unique space for Arabic poetry to grow.
“The diglosia in Arabic adds to the richness of the language,” Chamma said.
“The fact that there is a spoken language that’s vastly different to the academic language adds a new feeling in the writing, even in my relationship with the words.”
Changing perceptions on how to engage with Arabic also goes hand in hand with shedding light on poets from across the region.
“We’d like to feature as many women as men,” Hashem Beck said. “We want to learn and diversify. Farah is Palestinian, I’m from Lebanon. We know more about poetry from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Egypt. We don’t know about Tunis, Morocco or Sudan. So we’re putting in the effort to diversify who we feature as well.”
While Maqsouda aims to entertain and educate, the hope is to also create a much-needed online anthology of Arabic poets and poetry.
“It’s always been my desire to find a source that has a lot of Arabic poetry,” Chamma said. “My hope is to fill the gap and create a place where we can shine a light on Arabic poetry.”
DOHA: A three-month-long art and architecture exhibition in Doha featuring the works of renowned Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present highlights the South Asian nation’s diverse art scene and brings unique insights on the evolution of art and architecture in the region to a global audience.
Titled “Manzar,” which can be translated in Urdu to mean scene, view, landscape or perspective, the exhibition showcases over 200 paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, tapestries and miniatures from celebrated Pakistani artists. It has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until January 31, 2025.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani, inaugurated the exhibition in Doha last week.
“Pakistan’s art scene is less well known in the world compared to other art scenes and for us art historians it is absolutely fascinating to be able to share it with the world,” Caroline Hancock, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Mill Museum, told Arab News.
“We wanted to recount an expansive notion of this place, not limited by drawn and imposed borders, but true to the porosity and transnational interconnections of cultural expressions [in Pakistan].”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani visit ‘Manzar’ exhibition in Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2024. (almayassahamad/X)
Zarmeene Shah, Director of Graduate Studies at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) in Karachi, the co-curator for Manzar, described the exhibition as “exceptionally significant.”
“Because we never see such a body of noteworthy work come together in a single space, as most of these artworks live in private collections, inaccessible to the public, which is why Manzar offers an incomparable opportunity for audiences to engage with these masterpieces, and to explore how art and architecture have responded to, and reshaped, the nation’s social and political narratives,” Shah told Arab News.
“Our aim is to start a conversation and not provide a definitive showcase.”
The installation in the front comprises a fabric and gold-plated steel pins titled "You Have Set Me Apart" (2017) by Aisha Khali, and at the back right shows a stitching collage with dye ink on fabric, titled "Invisible Border" (2019) by artist Khadim Ali displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)
The exhibition, designed by eminent Pakistani architect Raza Ali Dada, a managing partner at the leading Pakistani firm Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates, integrates architecture and art to chart the thought processes, resistance struggles and achievements of the artistic and architectural community of the South Asian nation.
The exhibit runs thematically and opens with works by pioneering artists such as Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Zainul Abedin, who produced stellar works of art during British colonial rule from 1858-1947 and continued after Pakistan was born as a separate nation out of united India.
Indeed, the partition of 1947 is a significant theme for many Pakistani artists at the exhibition, including Anna Molka Ahmed, Zarina, and Bani Abidi. The exhibition also showcases the aesthetic experiments of artists such as Shakir Ali, Zubeida Agha, Murtaja Baseer, and Sadequain, whose deeply personal modes of expression are rooted in the vibrant urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which embody diverse artistic responses to historical and cultural shifts in the region.
Zahoor ul Akhlaq, Imran Mir, and Rasheed Araeen — known for their multidisciplinary approaches, involvement in educational initiatives, and theoretical writings challenging Western art history and traditions at home and internationally — are also featured, as are influential figures of different generations such as Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, Lala Rukh, Aisha Khalid and Durriya Kazi.
The image shows fifteen steel pyramids by Zahoor ul Akhlaq called "Untitled (circa 1975)", displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)
Important diaspora artists whose work is part of the exhibition include Naiza Khan in London, Ruby Chishti, Huma Bhabha, Iftikhar and Elizabeth Dadi and Salman Toor in New York, Bani Abidi in Berlin, Basir Mahmood in Amsterdam, Seher Shah in Barcelona and Khadim Ali in Sydney.
The image shows "The Orientalist" (2007) installation (left) by Huma Bhabha and "Memory of a Pink" (2012) (right) by Huma Mulji displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)
The exhibition also sheds light on significant contributions by foreign architects who reshaped Pakistan’s landscape and articulated the ambitions of its institutions through landmark projects. These include French artist Michel Ecochard, who designed the first university in the southern city of Karachi, and Greek artist Konstantínos Doxiádis, the lead architect who planned Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.
Manzar also explores Pakistan’s engagement with the debate on regionalism in architecture through the works of influential architects like Nayyar Ali Dada and Kamil Khan Mumtaz from Lahore, alongside Yasmeen Lari, Habib Fida Ali, and Arif Hasan from Karachi.
The exhibition extends to the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani with a range of outdoor and indoor installations, along with a film and video program.
Renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, who works in the intersection of architecture and social justice, has exhibited bamboo shelters designed as emergency open-source housing for flood victims, in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan.
The image shows bamboo prefabricated octa green structures displayed for the "Manzar" exhibition in the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)
Additionally, the art collective Karachi LaJamia is showcasing a project addressing the environmental crisis in the province of Sindh. Many of these contemporary projects emphasize the themes of sustainability and ecology, reflecting a growing urgency to address environmental issues through art and architecture.
“Manzar is an exhibition that truly reflects how everyone from the discourse of art and architecture seem in constant conversation, in dialogue about the environment, either the political environment or the ecological environment,” Karachi-based architect Marvi Mazhar said during a panel discussion, saying Manzar had brought into the spotlight the political and ecological changes the region has undergone through the decades.
“We have always faced heartbreaks, be it the partition, or the formation of East Pakistan [present day Bangladesh] or other movements such as the politics of land and water. Yet historically we collectively ride the tide, through forging diverse practices and sensitivity to their connection to the wider history of modern and contemporary art.”
Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Brazilian model Bruna Biancardi and Saudi influencer Yara Al-Namlah brought the fourth edition of lifestyle conference Hia Hub to a close late on Sunday night in Riyadh.
Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with attendees in a fitted dark blue dress.
Bruna Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with
attendees in a fitted dark blue dress. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Diving into the world of wellness, Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.”
The entrepreneur took to the stage with her mother, Amani Al-Ayed, and during the talk the mother-daughter duo engaged in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of self-love and self-care.
"You must love yourself in all the ways. Perfection is being with your own flaws. If you get a pimple, don't feel that it is the worst thing in the world, It is completely okay. Just take care of how you treat your skin by removing your makeup, sleeping with clean well-prepped skin, and waking up using your routine,” Al-Namlah said.
Yara Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.” (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Al-Ayed highlighted the benefits of a simple skincare routine, saying: “I used to apply many products, that consisted of a lot of steps. What I learned from Yara, especially after Treat, is that she reduced the routine to three products.”
The birth of Treat in June 2023 came years after Al-Namlah’s rise to stardom — she was a makeup artist before becoming an influencer and business owner.
Al-Namlah’s skincare line includes a brightening rice powder cleanser, a product whose development was inspired by her and her mother’s ritual of using rice powder to create a mask.
“The cleanser has natural rice powder, which exfoliates and cleans the skin, and it’s one of the products that was inspired by our routine,” she explained on stage.
The session came after five days of beauty and skincare-related panels, workshops and masterclasses at Hia Hub, with industry leaders discussing the evolving skincare market in the Middle East.
Panellists and speakers at the event included the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.
ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.
Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.
The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.
“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.
“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”
The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.
“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.
He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.
“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.
“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.
Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.
“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.
Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.
“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.
Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.
“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.
“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”
Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.
“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.
The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.
The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.
REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games
Updated 03 November 2024
James Denselow
LONDON: “Astro Bot,” one of Sony’s flagship titles for the PlayStation 5, raises the bar for 3D platform games.
Positioned as a competitor to well-known characters such as Mario and Sonic, this game delivers a delightful, imaginative experience, brimming with vibrant levels, innovative mechanics, and a healthy dose of nostalgia that will appeal to younger players and longtime PlayStation fans.
The storyline is simple but leaves plenty of room for the player’s imagination. You play as Astro, a charming robot hero on a mission to rescue his fellow bots scattered across various galaxies after an attack on their spaceship. While the narrative is not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well, keeping the focus on the gameplay.
“Astro Bot” is designed to engage players of all ages. With a 7-plus age rating, it’s accessible to a wide audience — my 4-year-old, for example, finds it captivating. The game offers about nine hours of playtime for those focused on the main story, with closer to 17 hours for completionists seeking out bonus areas and treasure.
Visually, “Astro Bot” shines. Across six distinct galaxies and more than 80 creatively designed levels, players will explore tropical paradises, icy landscapes and futuristic environments, each packed with charm and variety. The level design ensures the game stays fresh throughout, keeping players engaged.
One of the game’s standout features is its exceptional use of the PS5’s Dual Sense controller. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make Astro’s movements feel more immersive than ever. New gadgets and abilities, like animal-themed power-ups, are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, adding depth and variety. The way the game maximizes the controller’s features makes every jump, glide and gadget interaction feel responsive and exciting.
“Astro Bot” is also a treasure trove for PlayStation history enthusiasts. With more than 150 iconic characters to collect — like PaRappa the Rapper, Kratos from “God of War” and Nathan Drake from “Uncharted” — the game taps into nostalgia that will bring a smile to long-time fans.
Accompanied by a playful soundtrack composed by Kenny C.M. Young, which is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, the overall experience is joyful and engaging.
In short, “Astro Bot” is a must-play for PS5 owners. It provides fun for all ages and sets a new benchmark for platforming games.
‘I always compete with myself’: Yasmine Sabri shares insights at Hia Hub in Riyadh
Updated 03 November 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: In a session at lifestyle conference Hia Hub, Egyptian actress Yasmine Sabri opened up about her life beyond the glitz and glamour of her career. Known for her on screen talent, Sabri took the opportunity to share lesser-known insights about her personal journey, her inspirations, and her views on self-improvement.
Hia Hub is taking place in Riyadh’s JAX district and featured discussions, masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and live performances. The event wraps up on Nov. 3.
Sabri recounted her dedication to swimming, a passion she pursued until the age of 18. (AN Photo/ Huda Bashatah)
During her talk, Sabri, who has a series of blockbuster Arabic films under her belt and is also a global brand ambassador for French label Cartier, expressed her admiration for Saudi women.
“They embody a spirit of determination that inspires me,” the 36-year-old remarked, before reflecting on her formative years.
Sabri recounted her dedication to swimming, a passion she pursued until the age of 18. “Swimming taught me discipline,” she said. “I used to swim before school and after at night, and we didn’t have the option to say, ‘I don’t want to.’” This commitment not only shaped her physical abilities but also instilled a strong work ethic that she carries into her acting career, she said.
Mental fortitude also emerged as a key topic during the discussion. Sabri emphasized the importance of competing with oneself, stating, “I’m grateful and I always compete with myself on a daily basis. One should always stay hungry and be competitive with oneself.”
The actress kicked off her career in 2013 and went on to star in such films as “Abo Nasab” and “El Diesel.” (AN Photo/ Huda Bashatah)
The actress kicked off her career in 2013 and went on to star in such films as “Abo Nasab” and “El Diesel.”
Often spotted on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, as well as at film festivals across the Middle East, the actress is known for her style and her makeup. The actress told the crowd at Hia Hub she is preparing to segway into entrepreneurship with the launch of her own beauty brand, Pose Beauty.
Although details about the brand are being kept under wraps, Sabri would join the likes of Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim who launched her eponymous beauty brand in May.
