Latest news with #SaintLevant
Identity
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Identity
Why Music Collabs Across the Arab World Matter More Than Ever
In 2025, Arab music is no longer confined by borders, or genres, or dialects, or even expectations. A new wave of collaboration is sweeping across the region, not as a passing trend, but as a cultural, strategic, and emotional necessity. Artists are no longer just making music, they're building bridges in a region that desperately needs connection. For decades, the Arab world's music scenes functioned in silos. Moroccan rap lived in Casablanca. Khaleeji pop stayed in the Gulf. Levantine indie barely made it beyond Beirut. Even the biggest stars often catered only to local audiences, shaped by fragmented media ecosystems and limited industry infrastructure. But those rules are dissolving, and fast. The shift isn't just about the sound. It's about who the music reaches and what it represents. When Amr Diab and Cheb Khaled dropped 'Albi,' it wasn't just two icons collaborating, it was Egypt and Algeria, two giants with decades of history and distinct sonic legacies, coming together in one track. It was a rare moment of musical diplomacy: pop met rai, nostalgia met evolution, and fans across North Africa and the Levant tuned in to a shared moment. That sense of shared identity feels even more powerful in tracks like 'Kalamantina,' where Saint Levant's smooth, diaspora-inflected flow collided with Marwan Moussa's sharp Egyptian cadence. It wasn't just a song, it was a conversation between worlds. Every listener could find a piece of themselves in the mix. And that's the point. Arab youth today aren't defined by national borders. They're fluid, global, political, polyglot, and their playlists reflect it. Collaboration now is more than creativity. It's a form of resistance. In a region where politics, censorship, and media often divide, music has become one of the few spaces where unity feels possible. When artists collaborate across countries, they unlock access, not just to fanbases, but to stages, festivals, and charts that would otherwise remain closed. Music now travels faster than policy. A producer in Beirut can DM a rapper in Casablanca, send a beat to Riyadh, and drop the song on TikTok the next day. The internet has erased the logistical excuses. What's left is choice, and artists are choosing each other. Most importantly, they're responding to demand. Arab Gen Z isn't passively consuming music; they're driving it. They want stories that reflect their reality: not neatly packaged national identities, but messy, mixed, multilingual ones. The success of these collaborations shows that fans are ahead of the industry. They're not asking for representation, they're curating it. So why do collaborations across the Arab world matter more than ever? Because they reflect the future that Arab youth are already living. Because they offer unity in a time of fracture. Because they bypass the broken and build something new. And because they prove, again and again, that even in a region of difference, the beat still brings us back to each other.
The 961
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The 961
Here's Everything You Need To Know About AUB Outdoors This Weekend
AUB Outdoors 2025 is officially happening this weekend, so we thought to give you a bit of a guide on what to expect so you can enjoy it to the max! The event, which is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, is bringing headliners like the much anticipated Saint Levant as well as Aziz Maraka and Carla Chamoun. Despite these amazing artists performing, AUB Outdoors isn't just a concert but a full-on all-day festival. AUB Outdoors takes over the entire AUB campus from 12 pm to 11 pm all weekend long. There are 2 main stages packed with performances: the Green Oval Stage (the main stage) and the Entertainment Stage (West Stage). There will be DJs, student bands, and local artists performing throughout the event. If you're up for the challenge or if you get entertained by seeing people struggle, there are many competitions taking place, ranging from food challenges, strength testing, and even taste testing. For the first time in AUB Outdoors' history, there will be a full arcade zone packed with all your favorite games you'd expect in an actual arcade. There's also a whole area designated for local shops and businesses where you can support and shop handmade crafts, art, clothing, and accessories. And finally, for the foodies, there will be a dedicated food court with countless options by food vendors from across Lebanon. Yes, there are also vegetarian and vegan options. Doors close strictly at 8 pm, after which, no one is allowed inside, even if you have a ticket. So don't be late. The event also reserves the right to refuse admission. The Day 1 pass gives you access to Saturday with headliners like Aziz Maraka and Carla Chamoun. Day 2 pass is with Saint Levant headlining. Day 1 and 2 Fast Pass gives you faster access to both days. There will be a very limited quantity of tickets available at the door and will likely sell out quickly. If, for whatever reason, you haven't yet, get your tickets on Tick'it because they're selling out fast, and Thursday is the last day. All proceeds go to the financial aid programs to support student scholarships as well as student support projects.
The 961
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The 961
Saint Levant Is Officially Headlining AUB Outdoors 2025!
It's happening. Saint Levant is set to headline AUB Outdoors 2025, and we're already counting down. Taking place on May 24–25 at AUB's Upper Campus, this year's edition is themed 'Lebanese Summer' – think beach vibes, nostalgic tunes, and all the feels of a summer in Lebanon. 961 is happy to be AUB Outdoors' exclusive digital media partner! With Saint Levant leading the lineup, along with Aziz Maraka and Carla Chamoun, the stage is set for one of the most unforgettable student-run festivals in the region. AUB Outdoors isn't just any campus event, it's the largest student-led festival in the MENA region, fully organized by AUB students and now marking its 41st edition. More than just a music festival, it's a philanthropic powerhouse – with 100% of proceeds going to AUB's Financial Aid Program, helping students in need access higher education. In recent years alone, it's raised over $50,000 in scholarships. Expect: Live music from top regional artists Food & drink stalls serving Lebanese summer classics A showcase of student talent, local brands, and small businesses A crowd of 10,000–15,000 people vibing under the Beirut sky The last time Saint Levant performed in Lebanon, the event completely sold out. So make sure to grab your tickets on Tick'it and at the door. Whether you're an AUB student, alum, or just down for a killer weekend, it's the place to be this May.
CairoScene
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
MENA Artists Performing at Denmark's Roskilde Festival June 28-July 5
The festival 2025 lineup features Shabjdeed, Al Nather, Saint Levant, Nadah El Shazly and more. Apr 30, 2025 Roskilde Festival, considered the largest and longest-running music festival in Europe, has revealed the full lineup for its 2025 edition, running from June 28th to July 5th. Since its inception in 1972, Roskilde Festival has built a revered reputation and a sense of community, not only for its lineup curations but also for being one of the longest-running non-profit events. Held annually south of Roskilde in Denmark, the festival strives to donate all of its proceeds to humanitarian and cultural projects worldwide. Bringing over 170 acts from across the globe to perform across eight stages, the festival has billed a roster of regional trailblazers such as Palestinian artists Shabjdeed and Al Nather, Saint Levant, Egyptian artist Nadah El Shazly, Lebanon's own Bedouin Burger and Sanam, as well as the Syrian rock band Tootard. The festival is headlined by some global icons such as Fontaines D.C, Doechii, FKA Twigs, Lola Young, Tyla, Charli XCX, Stormzy, Deftones and AG Cook, just to name a few.
CairoScene
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Valentine's Day Releases
From Saint Levant's 'Love Letters' to Nour's 'Garali Eh', we listen and we don't judge. Feb 14, 2025 It's Valentine's day and we're here to present an extra special edition of our 'Shuffle' playlist, bringing some new releases from across the MENA region, hot off the press and served straight to you. From Saint Levant's 'Love Letters' to Nour's 'Garali Eh', this list caters to the lovers, the heartbroken and everyone in between. (We listen and we don't judge!) Nour - 'Garali Eh' Ahmed El Haggar - 'Ma'darsh' Saint Levant - DIVA Narcy - 'Palm Trees' Michael Hakim - 'A7keeli' Perrie - 'Skoot ft. Mahmoud Siam' MSH3AL - 'Tabla' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Msh3al مشعل 🌵 (@msh3vl_)
