Navigating Content Saturation and the Critical Need for Authenticity | Shik Shak Shook Ones

Navigating Content Saturation and the Critical Need for Authenticity | Shik Shak Shook Ones

In the season 1 finale of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Deana and Danny are joined by distinguished journalist Menna Shanab, the music editor at YUNG MENA. They delve into content saturation in the music industry, particularly focusing on how it's affecting listeners' perceptions and emotional connections to music in the age of social media. Menna shares her unique journey as an Egyptian-American living in Cairo and her deep connections with the underground music scene. The discussion also covers the growth of the MENA music industry, the potential pitfalls of rapid expansion, and the critical need for authenticity. They explore the role of bands and live music in reconnecting listeners with the human element of music creation. Finally, the episode highlights the importance of giving back to local music scenes and investing in sustainable infrastructure for artists. 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Menna's Journey in the Music Industry 05:41 The Growth of the MENA Music Scene 08:33 Challenges and Sustainability in the Music Industry 11:18 The Need for Authenticity in Music 13:49 The Role of Bands and Live Instruments 17:08 The Future of the Music Industry 26:23 The Shift from Hits to Strategy 26:50 The Role of Marketing and Branding 27:23 The Impact on Music Quality 28:07 Authenticity in Storytelling 28:44 The Value of Live Performances 29:07 Challenges in the Music Industry 32:18 The Need for Genuine Music Journalism 36:24 The Influence of Identity Politics 39:10 The Importance of Local Success 42:30 The Call for Giving Back 47:14 More on Authenticity 50:25 Final Thoughts Menna Shanab is an Ivy League-educated researcher who tells compelling stories of the Middle East to a global audience and synthesizes cultural narratives with market intelligence. Her narrative flair and research acumen have seen her bylines in leading online publications, resonating with a diverse, global audience. She is also the music editor of YUNG MENA.  Connect with Menna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mennashnb/ [https://www.instagram.com/mennashnb/] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/] & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

The Music Industry Needs to Change | Elia Mssawir on Shik Shak Shook Ones

Elia Mssawir is a music industry veteran who has worked with global giants, managing artists and tours and eventually established Big Beards Entertainment. He joins Shik Shak Shook Ones Hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni to offer a candid look at the often unseen aspects of the music industry, covering the hurdles faced by artists, the role of gatekeepers, and the reality of industry contracts. Special segments include discussions about popular artists like Amr Diab and Wegz, as well as the future of streaming platforms. Tune in for a raw episode filled with honest insights and provocative questions. 00:00 Introduction  03:39 Music Industry Insights and Personal Experiences 06:10 Discussion on Current Music Trends and Artists 17:02 Challenges and Realities of the Music Industry 34:25 Navigating the Arab Music Industry 35:28 The Impact of Streaming Platforms 36:37 The Role of Major Labels 37:43 The Power of Independent Artists 39:01 The Digital Era and Music Consumption 42:17 Challenges in the MENA Music Market 47:05 The Importance of Accurate Data 01:03:51 Advice for Aspiring Artists 01:07:20 The Need for Industry Knowledge 01:12:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections Elia Mssawir is a Lebanese music industry veteran who has worked with industry giants like Snoop Dogg and Tinie Tempah while also nurturing emerging Middle Eastern talents. He founded a UK-based music company, booked tours for Middle Eastern artists, and later established Big Beards Entertainment in the UAE. Elia's exceptional contributions earned him the title of Entertainment Manager of the Year in 2019. He led the music for Expo 2020's opening ceremony and launched GXR Records in 2022, where he currently serves as CEO. Elia's journey showcases his passion, expertise, and dedication to talent development. Connect with Elia 👉 https://www.instagram.com/eliamssawir/ [https://www.instagram.com/eliamssawir/] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en] Curious about Elia Mssawir's episode on 963 podcast that's mentioned in the episode? 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On8K3vJm6to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On8K3vJm6to] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/] & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

Behind the Music: Label Support vs Independent Hustle | Shik Shak Shook Ones

In this episode of the Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni dive deep into the challenges and dynamics of being an independent artist versus having a label backing you. They're joined by artist and producer Rita L'Oujdia, and talent manager Tarek El Mendelek from MDLBEAST Records. The discussion covers the importance of mental health for creativity, managing multiple social media platforms, and the misconceptions about the music industry. The guests share their experiences, including the reality of balancing side jobs and the importance of collaboration and support. They also touch on the cultural divide between North African artists and the rest of the Arab region, and how egos affect the industry. The episode emphasizes the need for more honest conversations about the struggles and true nature of the music industry. 00:00 Introduction: Meet the Guests 01:52 Current Music Trends and Personal Favorites 05:39 The Reality of Being an Independent Artist 09:42 Navigating the Music Industry: Labels vs Independence  21:01 Red Flags on Both Sides: Labels & Artists  31:36 Regional Differences in the Music Industry 37:03 Final Thoughts and Industry Insights Rita L’Oujdia is a Moroccan-French singer-songwriter and producer who blends cultural influences with multilingual artistry. Born in Oujda, Morocco and raised in Lyon, France, she incorporates Moroccan Darija, French, Spanish, English, and Portuguese into her music. Now based in London, her repertoire spans various genres, including breezy lo-fi and upbeat reggaeton, exemplified in tracks like LFM and Trop Tard that draw on her heritage, contributing to Morocco's growing global music scene. Connect with Rita 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ritaloujdia/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/ritaloujdia/?hl=en] Tarek El Mendelek is a music executive with expertise in artist management, A&R, and touring. He interned at Live Nation in Los Angeles and worked as an artist manager at Grass Fed Music, managing talents like Gavin Haley, August 08, and offrami who has over 110M streams. Returning to the region in 2020, he co-created Music For Beirut, a fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Center, broadcast by VICE’s NOISEY and supported by Google. In 2021, Tarek joined TikTok as Label & Artist Partnerships Manager, contributing to projects like DJ Snake’s “Disco Maghreb.” As of October 2023, he is Artist Manager at MDLBEAST Records. Connect with Tarek 👉 https://www.instagram.com/callmetyro/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/callmetyro/?hl=en] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/] & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

2024 Recap | Shik Shak Shook Ones

Shik Shak Shook Ones hosts Deana Soni and Danny Hajjar bring us a year-end music review of the Arab music scene. From bangers to blunders they highlight their favorite tracks and albums, artists who surprised them (both positively and negatively), overrated and underrated music, memorable collaborations, and predictions for the music scene in 2025. 00:00 Introduction  01:06 Recap of the Year in Music 02:03 Current Music Obsessions 03:03 Debate on Music Remixes 05:27 Favorite Songs of the Year 15:01 Favorite EPs & Albums 23:26 Overrated Albums & Tracks 25:51 Underrated Albums & Tracks 29:59 Artists That Surprised Us 35:42 Favorite Collaborations 38:57 Non-Arabic Music Highlights 42:17 Predictions for 2025 44:32 Conclusion & Farewell   Listen to Danny and Deana's mixtape for 2024: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6C4R7BoVnNbM3LAtZa6Syl?si=f28a20a8bb4a4543 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6C4R7BoVnNbM3LAtZa6Syl?si=f28a20a8bb4a4543] Anghami 👉 https://open.anghami.com/9fzreZ9sMPb [https://open.anghami.com/9fzreZ9sMPb]   Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/] & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]

Should We Critique Our Communities? | Shik Shak Shook Ones

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/ [https://www.instagram.com/alyamooro/] Alya on Substack 👉 https://substack.com/@thegreaterconversation [https://substack.com/@thegreaterconversation] Explore Zola Studios 👉 https://www.zola-studios.com/ [https://www.zola-studios.com/] The playlist Alya mentions 👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Kzv3BwQAD3EtwILaXxSI6?si=7XuRZDqPSQGfBxmtF5IalQ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Kzv3BwQAD3EtwILaXxSI6?si=7XuRZDqPSQGfBxmtF5IalQ] Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en] Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/]  & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra] #AlyaMooro #ShikShakShookOnes #ArabMusicians #ArabicMusic Theme Music 👉 Sleiman Damien https://www.instagram.com/sleimandamien/?hl=en Hosted by:  Deana Soni 👉 https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/ [https://www.instagram.com/deana.soni/] & Danny Hajjar 👉 https://www.instagram.com/dannyghajjar/ [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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-majlis-museum-podcast/id1763784587] » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0w4MchHCMQEkjWBKGoveR9] » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1056901441 [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 [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 [http://afikra.com/chapters] 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts [http://afikra.com/podcasts] ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership [https://www.afikra.com/membership] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_ [https://www.instagram.com/afikra_] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official [https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official] 🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra [https://twitter.com/afikra]