From Paris to Jeddah — diversity shines at World Music Day

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Magali Cotta debuts Canine in Saudi Arabia, enchanting the audience with electro-pop, soul, and hip-hop infused with surreal arrangements and intimate lyrics. (Photo supplied)
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Magali Cotta debuts Canine in Saudi Arabia, enchanting the audience with electro-pop, soul, and hip-hop infused with surreal arrangements and intimate lyrics. (Photo supplied)
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Updated 27 June 2024
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From Paris to Jeddah — diversity shines at World Music Day

  • The musical evening at the Jeddah Cultural Club included electronic, soul, deep house, pop and more on the theme of “Franco-Saudi Friendship”

JEDDAH:  A World Music Day event organized by the French Consulate in Jeddah and the French Embassy in Riyadh featured local and French artists across a variety of genres.

The musical evening at the Jeddah Cultural Club included electronic, soul, deep house, pop and more on the theme of “Franco-Saudi Friendship.”

First established in France in 1982 under the patronage of then-Minister of Culture Jack Lang, who now serves as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, the Fete de la Musique is celebrated in over 100 countries. Musicians at every level are invited to perform everywhere, from concert halls to the streets.

In Jeddah, two female voices were honored — Nadeen Linjawi, otherwise known as Fulana, and Canine, the brainchild of French composer and singer Magali Cotta.




Rising Saudi singer Nadeen Linjawi, known as Fulana, representing the emerging Saudi Arabian voice during the World Music Day in Jeddah. (Photo supplied)

Fulana, a rising Saudi singer, gave the opening performance and expressed her gratitude at being invited to represent the sound of young Saudis.

“Music has been my entire life; I don’t remember a time where I have ever been my most authentic self except here (on stage). This is the truest me,” she said.

“It seems that even when we are extremely happy to celebrate something luxurious or artistic like music, it is important to remember that when we say international, it often still applies only to those who don’t have to worry about basic human needs. What’s more important is to remember how lucky we are, be grateful for what we have, and send prayers for those who cannot celebrate International Music Day.”

Linjawi chose the name “Fulana”, which means “anybody,” because for her, the story she tells through her music could be anyone’s story. Her songs revolve around loss of identity, confusion, and loneliness.

In 2023, she produced seven songs and performed in Jeddah (Balad Beast) and Riyadh (Middle Beast), as well as Cairo, Amman, and New York during her “Notes on Swimming” tour. Her album “Banatafkar” was produced with Wall of Sound.

In the second part of the event, Canine took to the stage leading a group that captivated the audience with a blend of electro-pop, soul and hip-hop, woven through with surreal arrangements and deeply intimate lyrics.




Magali Cotta’s approach to music combines acoustic and electronic instruments. (Photo supplied)

The performance also featured excerpts from influential French personalities such as philosopher Gilles Deleuze, lawyer Gisele Halimi, and poet Charles Baudelaire.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Cotta shared insights into her creative process, inspiration, and the evolution of her unique sound.

She said the Jeddah event was “a journey exploring the core themes of hope, feminine strength, nature, and the night, transcending the traditional concert format to become an immersive experience.”

She added: “I enjoy collaborating with other artists. My most beautiful collaborations are with the musicians who accompany me on stage. Whether they are instrumentalists or singers, they are wonderful performers and add their sensitivity to the music I have written. Similarly, I consider the sound engineers who mix my music to be creators in their own right.

“Unfortunately we did not have time to collaborate with Fulana for this live performance, but I hope it will happen soon! I was very surprised to find a Saudi female artist in electronic music. I didn’t expect it, and it was a very pleasant surprise.”

Cotta’s approach to music combines acoustic and electronic instruments. She explained how she favors analog synthesizers for their organic warmth, while also incorporating acoustic instruments like brass and strings for a more delicate touch. This blend defies conventional boundaries, prioritizing emotional resonance.

“I use analog synthesizers rather than digital ones. Their sound is warmer and more organic. Sometimes, I need even more warmth and fragility, which leads me towards acoustic sounds. For me, there are no boundaries between acoustic and electronic sounds. They just need to be as moving as possible at any given point in the piece,” she said.




Cotta’s performance not only highlighted the Saudi Arabia’s growing electro-pop scene, but also underscored the universal language of music. (Photo supplied)
 

Cotta’s message resonated with the Saudi audience. She expressed a desire to move them, emphasizing the power of femininity and the group’s representation of musical roles that are traditionally dominated by males.

“We want to present a different image of what is expected of ‘femininity.’ For us, femininity is connected to nature; it can be fragile, but it also possesses immense strength,” she said.

Cotta’s performance not only highlighted the Kingdom’s growing electro-pop scene, but also underscored the universal language of music.

As for the future, Cotta is currently working on her third album and preparing new performances for the year ahead. She hopes to return to Saudi Arabia with a new show.

On June 27, the French Embassy in Riyadh in partnership with Alliance Française, Beast House and MDL Beast hosted a day-long event dedicated to promoting music culture.

Beast House came alive with rhythm, with the line-up including a special performance by Canine as well as DJ sets by JOJ, Vinyl Mode, and D’JULZ.


Global AI competition aims to revolutionize Arabic language technology

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Global AI competition aims to revolutionize Arabic language technology

  • 3-day event in Riyadh ends on Saturday

RIYADH: The finals of the Allam Challenge are taking place in Riyadh, bringing together tech talent from 17 nations in an initiative to advance Arabic language technology, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The three-day event, which finishes on Saturday, is being hosted at Digital City’s Crowne Plaza and is a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, with technical support from IBM and the National Technology Development Program.

The challenge aims to develop AI models capable of composing and analyzing Arabic poetry; performing complex grammatical analysis; and creating engaging Arabic language learning tools for children, with a prize pool of SR1 million ($260,000).

Participants will be showcasing their capabilities in developing innovative solutions through the enhancement of large language models. They will benefit from training opportunities and workshops led by more than 50 mentors and 40 judges, and comprising AI experts and Arabic language specialists.

These experts will support participating teams and evaluate their projects according to criteria, ensuring the sustainability of solutions and their potential transformation into real-world AI projects serving the Arabic language across various sectors, the SPA added.


Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CEO of Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr speaking at the World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)
Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CAIRO: CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr has reaffirmed that the initiative places people at its heart.

This human-centered approach drives a range of projects across the Kingdom, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform urban landscapes, elevate the quality of city services, and foster innovation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The statement was delivered during a dialogue session called “Putting People First in a Digital Era,” which was organized by the UN as part of the 12th World Urban Forum. The session featured the participation of experts and specialists from across the world.


Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

Updated 07 November 2024
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Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

  • The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry
  • The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve

NEOM: The Saudi Falcons Club’s Hadad program has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcons’ habitat in the NEOM Nature Reserve.
The partnership, which was signed during Hadad’s annual meeting hosted by NEOM on Thursday, is part of the second phase of the program, which focuses on protecting endangered species and reviving habitats by employing the latest international standards in wildlife conservation.
The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry by preserving cultural and environmental heritage while integrating ancient traditions with modern practices.
The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve and implement effective environmental measures to ensure the sustainability of the species.
The partnership reflects NEOM’s efforts to preserve 95 percent of its land for nature, set new international standards to preserve the environment, and rehabilitate wildlife through its reserve.
It also illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its global leadership position in sustainable development and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.


AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The exhibition at AlUla will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. (
Updated 07 November 2024
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AlUla Royal Commission signs agreement with National Archaeological Museum of Naples

  • Exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments

AlUla: The Royal Commission for AlUla signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to showcase a collection of antiques in the Kingdom and in AlUla for the first time.

The museum is an addition to the commission’s network of cultural partners, joining leading heritage and education institutions from the United Kingdom, France, China and Italy, to cooperate in preserving, studying and celebrating AlUla’s shared history of 20,000 years.

Built in 1777, the museum is also a landmark in an Italian heritage capital, embracing some of Europe’s richest cultural treasures, including Roman and Greek statues preserved in excellent condition, as well as bronze pieces, mosaics, and other works of art.

The agreement between the royal commission and the museum of Naples allows the transfer of a selection of artifacts from Naples in southern Italy to AlUla, northwest the Arabian Peninsula, to showcase the masterpieces of the museum.

The exhibition will showcase 15 masterpieces of historic cities and monuments, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome, and will be one of the main cultural events of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2024, which will take place in AlUla from Nov. 7 to 30.

During the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the AlUla World Archaeology Symposium.


Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi arts and culture association hosts captivating ‘Ready for Display’ show

  • Exhibition showcases impressive collection of works from 47 artists, reflecting rich diversity of styles and artistic approaches 

DAMMAM: The Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture in Dammam began cultural programs with the seventh “Ready for Display” exhibition, showcasing works from 47 artists, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, the Philippines, India and Pakistan. 

The exhibition aims to highlight a range of artistic styles, techniques and approaches while reflecting the beauty and essence of the local environment.

Running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, the show provides an important platform for local and resident artists. 

Each artist brings their individual approach to the canvas, with some embracing abstraction while others focus on realistic representations. 

Their works captured a variety of subjects, including people, places, animals and shapes, highlighting the rich diversity of artistic expression and individual creativity. 

Artists display various mediums, with some using stretched canvas while others experiment with materials such as wood panels and clay, adding distinctive textures and dimensions. 

This blend of techniques and media invites viewers to recognize the interconnectedness of art and cultural identity worldwide.

Visitors can appreciate how elements from the land and sea bring life to the displayed artworks’ color palettes and artistic designs.

The still-life drawings also showcase the artists’ attention to detail and innovative creative abilities.

Yousef Al-Harbi, director of the association’s branch in Dammam, said that such exhibitions helped visitors to “gain a deeper understanding of their history and identity,” fostering a sense of pride. 

The event has drawn significant interest, with the selection committee receiving 167 submissions from 98 artists, ultimately selecting 47 artworks for display, each representing different schools of thought and techniques in the art world.

In addition, the exhibition featured interactive events, including a workshop on acrylic painting on Nov. 2 and a live painting session on Nov. 3. 

Al-Harbi highlighted the association’s broader impact, saying: “In the past four months, we have delivered 38 training workshops, held eight art exhibitions and presented 21 theatrical performances,” aiming to establish the Eastern Province as a center of artistic creativity.

The association is dedicated to nurturing local talent in harmony with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on cultural identity and sustainable development.