ARTS & entertainent hear the music work. Along with the Middle Eastern beats and instrument sounds, there is an assortment of songs ranging from Hip-Hop to Classical. Middle Eastern and Mainstream: The New Mix When we hear Latin music resounding through a nightclub, we often engage in Salsa dancing. Similarly, when we hear Chaldean or Arabic music at various activities, the Khigga (a traditional Middle Eastern dance) springs to life. Over the last six years, various styles of music from cultures around the world have infiltrated Middle Eastern music. In 1997, the Latin style crashed into the Middle Eastern world with the release of Egyptian singer Amr al-Diab’s song, Habibi Ya Noor Al Ain. Since then, other internationally recognized Middle Eastern artists have combined styles of pop, techno, House Dance Music, Fusion, and Reggae to create the unique blend of melodies and beats that pervade today’s Chaldean and Arabic music. “It’s amazing how technology has helped us sample sounds of different instruments,” said Salam Kakka, formerly with the Bells Band, one of the top bands in the local community. “Now we hear Middle Eastern instruments in other kinds of music and we hear instruments from other cultures in our own music.” The millennium erupted with a new and astonishing era in Middle Eastern and American music. World-renowned British singer Sting combined his talent with Algerian singer Cheb Mami to produce a top forty hit in February 2000. In the main verses of the song, Sting demonstrated his prolific songwriting and lyrics. In the background, Cheb Mami yodeled out Arabic lyrics with impressive vocals to match the melody of the song. The result was the hit, Desert Rose. BY OMAR BINNO Also during that year, performers like rapper Jay Z with his top 10 hit Big Pimpin and pop artist Mandy Moore with her song In My Pocket, incorporated Arabic melodies and styles into their music. “Our musicians are just as talented as the big-time American musicians we see on T.V,” said Thair Joseph, one of the most recognized keyboardists in the local Chaldean Community and husband to local singer Sawsan Kizy. “One day, I hope that the Chaldean musicians get the recognition that we deserve.” Within the last two Left: Kadim Al Kadim Above: Sawsan Kizy years, Arabic and English music have intertwined as rap and pop artists continue to bring the Middle Eastern flavor into their music. Interestingly, Middle Eastern singers have integrated American sounds into their work. Internationally renowned Iraqi singer, Kadim Al-Sahir performed a song entirely in English called, Intihat Al Harb (The War Is Over) on his latest CD entitled barefooted, released September 2003. Sahir also coats several other songs with American sounds and styles in his Omar’s Review of the Local Talent The top local bands have also adapted this technique of combining the American style with the Middle Eastern sound. These bands include Salam Kakka and Al-Nijoom, Ameed Asmaro and the Sun Band and the new female singer Sawsan Kizy. They reproduce the current popular Middle Eastern hits and perform the songs at festivities within the local Chaldean community. According to several store operators who distribute Chaldean and Arabic CD’s and cassettes, Sahir’s CD sold 250 copies a week in its first two months of the release and Sawsan Kizy’s CD, Sawsan Kizy Live released August 2003 also sold well. “We had 2000 copies printed,” said Joseph, Sawsan’s husband. “We sold all of them within two months.” This may seem like small numbers compared to national artists, but it is a triumph for this performer. In most cases, the local bands are only able to sell half that amount in a two-month period. Kizy’s CD includes all the latest Arabic hits such as, Ttablaih and Ah Ya Lail reproduced with the American pop sounds. Kizy also displays phenomenal vocals in the songs she performs on the CD. “My next CD will have all new and original songs,” she stated. It is highly likely that this talented singer has a long and promising future ahead of her. Music is a powerful gift that alters our mood perhaps quicker than books, movies, or paintings. Certain songs evoke happiness within us, while others produce deep sorrow. “Music is like an ocean,” said Joseph. “We have an unlimited amount of chords, melodies and styles to work with and the results are infinite.” Our lives are stories embodied in a well-written song, whether simple or profound. The integration of Middle Eastern music is a chapter in a new story for us to write. It is a story that can teach us the uniqueness of other cultures and allow us to teach others about the beauty of the Chaldean culture and community. 28 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>FEBRUARY</strong> <strong>2004</strong>
Don’t let gambling get the best of you. Please gamble responsibly. Michigan Department of Community Health Get the best of gambling by gambling responsibly. That means having a plan, setting a budget and a time limit. There are lots of tips to help you get the most enjoyment out of gambling. There are also 20 signs that gambling is becoming a problem too. If you think you or someone you know needs more information just call 1.800.270.7117 for help. <strong>FEBRUARY</strong> <strong>2004</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 29
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