Arab Artist to look out for - The Narcicyst of Euphrates

Since the release of “A bend in the river” his mission as an MC has changed from that of self-explanatory text to attacking the world from different Na’3al (slippers/shoes). On “A bend…”, Narcy brought that raw feeling of being profiled, the emotion projected through the scope and silencer of The machine’s gun pointed at Public Enemy Number 1: “The Muslim Arab man/Five Percent, Half a gram”. On “Stereotypes Incorporated”, his role was to bring life to the different forms of beings that brought death to the world, be it Nimrud in Babylon, a journalist offering mental slavery to a viewing audience through conditionable factoids, an American soldier getting caught in the realm of pow, or simply himself battling the different ideologies he has been forced to uncondition in the past three years.

A graduate student of Political Science and Communications and a Master of Media Studies, his field of study shaped his overall view of the world and helped him find a path to project the strife of the Modern day Arab Tribe. Growing up with Habillis and Nofy Fannan, as well as attending University with them, allowed a common development of reach towards the world, and helped formulate the message they wanted to project as a group of displaced Iraqis, seeking a “home” in the mind, instead of a nationalistic belonging. Political Science taught him the detriment of man’s need to dominate over the “other”; the orientalist quest to bequeath the powers of all women/men, in order to validate one’s existence as superior or beyond human control. Communications made him question his words, and reformulate his rhymes over and over, until he saw the underlying messages, the imagery and the subversive element he felt needed to be present on a EUPHRATES release.

As a descendant of Bas’rawis, the Narcicyst AKA Jamal Abdul Narcel seeks to bring back the soul of his mother-nation into the hearts of those who feel the Diaspora created through immigration to “civilized” territory. Whether “African”, “Arab”, “Hispanic”, “Asian”, or “Other”, his quest for understanding of self is driven by an unquestionable desire for justice and equality during times of ever-growing separation and worldwide “clash of civilizations”, and is shared by these factions separated by the light rays emanating of their darkened skin tones. In this modern day Uncivilization, a man’s vision is blinded by shades of skin and cultural complexity, Jamal Abdul hopes to shed light onto those eyelids and awaken the sleeping revolution in our minds and souls, before starting the physical extension of change needed. now how egotistical is that? As he would say, “I ain’t no prophet, never made any/ but humans too dense to repent from floos so we slay plenty/ my way, a semi recycled core of vitals/ I’ve played pennies, but we want more like Demi and Michael”.

http://www.myspace.com/euphrates
http://illuminarcy.blogspot.com
http://www.iraqisthebomb.com

 

Arab Artist to look out for - Nova

Every once in a while a sultry soloist will shake up the world stage with their saintly expression. This bears appropriate to Nova, a young Armenian-Iraqi, who’s voice has seized the global podium. Her conflict torn roots have shaped her artistic abilities, allowing her to address and mesmerize a steadfast audience.

From the very early age of 5, and being born in an artistic household with both parents working in the Music and TV industry, Nova started learning, practicing and performing Cultural Arabic and Armenian songs in different venues and assemblies.

Moving to Qatar, Nova was leading choir rehearsals as well as performing live in the venues of Doha - in the Middle East.

Coming to Canada in 2002, and being exposed to both the Middle Eastern and Western cultures, Nova developed her own unique style by mixing her background and reflecting it in her performances. In 2003, Nova joined “Joy Fusion”, a musical group based in Ottawa recoding songs that combine Jazz with Arabic fusion. The music of “Joy Fusion” and Nova was first broadcast in Ottawa on CKCU 93.1 FM. (Joy Fusion was born of friendships and musical associations made during WIAM’s 2003 One World Film Festival.)

Nova moved to Toronto where she proceeded to record her latest song “emotions” in collaboration with Toronto’s own producer & Juno Nominee DJ Danny D. The track was first aired on Toronto’s Hit Radio Station, Z103.5, and since then has been aired on different international & commercial radio stations in the middle east and europe, and has received exceptional support. “Emotions” was also nominated as a finalist for the international song writing competition - in the Dance/Trance Category where it was picked between 15,000 entries from 88 countries in the world.

Nova’s Music definitely has an enchantment to it. Stop by and show her some love.