How We Consume Arabic Music | Shik Shak Shook Ones
In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni delve into the listening habits of Arabic music fans across the diaspora and the Middle East and North Africa region. Joined by Salam Kmeid, Head of Music Marketing at Anghami, who brings 12 years of industry experience, the discussion covers popular artists, the impact of geography on music preferences, and the unique challenges faced by diaspora artists trying to break into the MENA market. They explore artists like Saint Levant, Elyanna, Amr Diab, Wegz, and talk about how music consumption varies across different regions. Salam also provides insights into major initiatives by Anghami to support emerging talents. Tune in to get a comprehensive look at the Arabic music scene both within and outside the MENA region.
Salam is the Head of Content Marketing at Anghami. With over 12 years in the music industry, she has led major campaigns, including exclusive deals with global icons like Amr Diab, while championing emerging talents through initiatives like Sawt Jdeed. Salam also spearheaded impactful projects like reintroducing Rotana's catalog and Anghami’s mental health-focused Sukoon campaign.
Connect with 👉 Salam
Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien
Hosted by 👉 Deana Soni & Danny Hajjar
Deana is a dedicated presenter and journalist with a special focus on highlighting the cultural richness of the MENA region and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse voices within the community. In 2020, she launched the UK's first Arabic and North African radio show, which showcased and platformed talented artists from the regions and diaspora, before creating her new platform, WASTA, in 2024. Additionally, she was the official host for the Assassin's Creed Mirage podcast, which explored medieval Iraq and its rich history. Deana also created the viral show Musconceptions, which debunked myths about Islam through comedy and garnered over 10 million views on social media.
Danny Hajjar is a music journalist based in Washington, DC writing about the emerging Arabic music scene and the new wave of artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and its diaspora communities. He runs the award-winning digital zine Sa’alouni El Nas, highlighting trends in the Arabic scene, profiling artists, and reviewing music.
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Shik Shak Shook Ones
From Beirut to Cairo and Dubai to Casablanca, hosts Deana Hassanein Soni and Danny Hajjar are diving into the hottest topics in music coming from the Middle East, North Africa, and its global diaspora communities. Join them for spicy and unfiltered perspectives, exclusive interviews, heated debates, and in-depth insider perspectives putting the MENA music scene in context. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just curious about the MENA region's vibrant music, Shik Shak Shook Ones is your backstage pass to this exciting scene.
