From Beirut to Cairo and Dubai to Casablanca, hosts Deana 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 region's vibrant music, Shik Shak Shook Ones is your backstage pass to this exciting scene.

In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni are joined by Alya Mooro, author of The Greater Freedom and co-founder of Zola Studios. They delve into the nuances of critiquing art from marginalized and underrepresented communities, particularly within the burgeoning Arabic music scene. Discussing the balance between authentic self-expression and the pressures of representation, the trio explores personal experiences, the impact of cultural and historical contexts, and the evolution of artistic responsibility. Alya shares her journey from music journalism to producing content that reflects the true essence of the SWANA community, shedding light on the importance of honest storytelling amidst external perceptions.
00:00 Introduction 
03:21 Music Preferences & Affirmations
07:16 Responsibility in the Critique of Underrepresented Communities 
17:50 Countering Dehumanization Through Honest Representation 
21:46 Authenticity in Art 
29:09 Navigating Identity in Art & Media
37:14 The Role of Criticism Locally & in the Diaspora
47:29 Honest Storytelling vs Commodification of Culture 
57:54 Outro & Final Thoughts
Alya Mooro is an Egyptian-born, London-raised writer, producer, and bestselling author of The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes. Her acclaimed debut explores the nuanced experiences of Middle Eastern women in the diaspora, earning her recognition as a “Nu-Gen Feminist to know” by Glamour. Alya contributes to publications like VICE and The Telegraph, runs the cult newsletter The Greater Conversation, and uses her platform to amplify diverse voices. With a BA in Sociology and Psychology and a Masters in Journalism, she blends sociological insight with storytelling. She’s currently working on her second book and new TV projects.
Connect with Alya 👉 https://www.instagram.com/alyamooro/
Alya on Substack 👉 https://substack.com/@thegreaterconversation
Explore Zola Studios 👉 https://www.zola-studios.com/
The playlist Alya mentions 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Kzv3BwQAD3EtwILaXxSI6?si=7XuRZDqPSQGfBxmtF5IalQ
Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en
Hosted by: 
Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ 
& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ 
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.
FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2
ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra
#AlyaMooro #ShikShakShookOnes #ArabMusicians #ArabicMusic
Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: 
Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/
& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/
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.
FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2
ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Should We Critique Our Communities? | Shik Shak Shook Ones

Latest Episode

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.
00:00 Introduction to Regional Artists
00:35 Meet the Hosts and Guest
01:42 Diving into Listening Habits
02:43 Salam's Musical Preferences
06:19 Impact of Diaspora on Music
11:43 Top Artists in the Region
14:46 New Wave of Popular Artists
22:55 Diaspora Fans and Language Barriers
23:47 Elyanna's Impact and Diaspora Connection
24:16 Challenges for Non-Arabic Speaking Artists
25:12 Success Stories: Anees and Others
25:43 Audience Demographics and Listening Habits
26:44 Funny Story About Elyanna's Cover
27:58 European vs US Success for Artists
31:16 Focus on Local vs Diaspora Artists
32:04 Initiatives to Support Local Talents
33:25 Breakthrough Artists and Their Impact
41:13 Upcoming Projects and Initiatives
43:24 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
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 👉 https://www.instagram.com/salamkmeid/#Anghami #SalamKmeid #ShikShakShookOnes #ArabMusicians #ArabicMusic #AmrDiab #Elyanna #SaintLevant #ArabAmericans #Diaspora
Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enHosted by: 
Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/
& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/
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.
FOLLOW & RATE SHIK SHAK SHOOK ONES:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2
ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

How We Consume Arabic Music | Shik Shak Shook Ones

This episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones is an emotionally charged venting session and an appeal for more thoughtful engagement with culture in times of hardship. Hosts Danny and Deana vent their frustrations, share their experiences, and tackle the responsibilities of artists and journalists in reflecting and responding to political and humanitarian events, highlighting the difficulties of detaching politics from music. As people in the music industry, our hosts try to navigate their social and cultural responsibilities, reflecting on their struggle to engage in music amidst the ongoing war on the Palestinian, Lebanese and Sudanese people. They call out artists and labels who claim the importance of their Arab identity in their journey for their perceived silence, criticizing them for exploiting cultural identities without truly supporting their communities. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and genuine activism from artists, and shine the light on music entities and artists who are using their platforms for positive impact and have been as loud as ever about the struggles of people in the region.
00:45 Introduction and Context
01:35 Impact of Current Events on Music
03:35 Frustrations with the Music Industry
08:32 The Responsibilities of Artists vs Public Image
14:49 Personal Reflections and Accountability
30:24 Shoutouts and Positive Examples
35:30 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en
Hosted by: 
Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/
& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/
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.
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2
FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441

Processing Music in Times of Crisis | Shik Shak Shook Ones

Who are the best up-and-coming Arab artists we don't know about? In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni drop all of the names you should be listening to. We get to know our two hosts a little better as they share their origin stories, their OG favorites (spoiler: a lot of Shakira), all the emerging artists they've got their eyes on, and where to find them.P.S. Don't hold back! Drop us some comments with your favorite recommendations 👇Discover 👉 @rap_shar3Hosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=enDeana 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.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Shout Out to Local Arab Music Scenes | Shik Shak Shook Ones

The Rolling Stone's 50 Best Arabic Pop Songs of the 21st Century was a big and a controversial ranking to put together. Luckily, Shik Shak Shook One's very own Danny Hajjar was up to the task and will break down the logic behind his choices for the ranking. Joined by special guest Alya Fetyani who's done loads for the Arabic music industry while at Spotify, and his co-host Deana Soni, he rewinds to tell us about what it was like putting this ranking together. Danny reveals how he, along with 15 panelists (including both Deana and Alya), defined what makes a song "Arabic" and on what basis they chose the songs that made it onto the list. Not without heated conversations and a bit of backlash, Danny shares his favorite reactions to the list so far and the conversations it has sparked. Plus, bonus mentions to some of the up-and-coming artists that he says he would definitely include if he repeated the process in ten year's time.Check out the ranking on Rolling Stone 👉https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-arabic-pop-songs-1235000979/abdul-majeed-abdullah-mn-methlak-1235002041/Hosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/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.Alya Fetyani is a Saudi-American professional who has worked in the global music industry for over a decade. She is the founder of I Made You A Mixtape, a crowdsourcing project for music discovery. She has also worked at Tidal and Spotify as a marketing coordinator and data Curator respectively. She is currently working as a global music strategy and cultural consultant.
 Alya Fetyani 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mixtape.media/THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Breaking Down Rolling Stone's Best Arabic Pop Songs of the 21st Century | Shik Shak Shook Ones

Are some Arab musicians really self-orientalizing for the sake of getting streams?afikra is excited to introduce a new music series to our podcast network! For a full season, Shik Shak Shook Ones will be your go-to podcast for a constructive take on current Arabic music and musicians from the region. In this first episode, co-hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni dig right into the topic of self-orientalization and the perpetuation of stereotypes by Arab artists themselves for the sake of streams. Taking "ARABI" by Mohamed Ramadan, Massari and FUTURE as a prime example, Danny and Deana deconstruct the song, its music video and its fall out with their quick quips and biting analysis. They tackle themes of "representation", musicians who try to represent an entire culture but who wind up parodying themselves instead, and why Arab artists fall into the trap of self-orientalizing to please the eyes and ears of Western audiences.ARABI music video 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s3F1GkfZIUHosted by:Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/& Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/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.THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl4wJ-aikX6XQ-BNv5ph8bq2ABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Getting Streams at What Cost? | Shik Shak Shook Ones

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Shik Shak Shook Ones | Powered by afikra

Play and download Shik Shak Shook Ones | Powered by afikra by AFIKRA - and other episodes including Should We Critique Our Communities? | Shik Shak Shook Ones, How We Consume Arabic Music | Shik Shak Shook Ones, Processing Music in Times of Crisis | Shik Shak Shook Ones...