‘Asli Barri’
Palestinian artists Maysa Daw, Yusor Hamed, Lina Makoul, Nancy Hawa and Noel Kharman recorded this powerful track for Women Against Violence Organization (WAVO) and released it on International Women’s Day. Daw told Jerusalem 24FM, “The song is directed from a woman to a woman without any negativity. Rather, it emphasizes knowing my value as a woman and accepting differences, whatever they are.”
Noon by Noor
Bahraini cousins Shaikha Noor Al-Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al-Khalifa have released a new collection for their luxury womenswear label, called “Sahara,” which includes styles matched in children’s sizes for matching mom-and-daughter outfits. The collection, according to Shaikha Noor, is “comfortable, with a low-key kind of indulgence that lets you transform the piece into your own.”
Asif
The Moroccan pop group signed with Universal Music MENA at the end of February and released their debut major-label single “Chitana,” which blends elements of Arabic sounds with electronic dance music. Lyrically, it deals with a love affair turned sour, but — the group said in a press release — “also transmits the message that joy and music remain the best remedies against the pain.”
Always April & Bashaar Al-Jawad
Lebanese DJ and producer Always April and Bashaar Al-Jawad (who you may recognize from season four of the regional version of “The Voice”) team up on “Ti Ra Ra,” an electro-pop track written by Ziad Jamal. It’s an attempt, the pair say, “to spread the positive energy we all need during these hard times, and to put a smile on people’s faces.”
