Amal Murkus & Firas Zreik at Habibi Fest 2023 | Quartertones Live at Joe's Pub

In this episode of the Quartertones podcast, part of a special collaboration with the Habibi Festival held at Joe's Pub in NYC, we delve into the rich tapestry of ancient and contemporary sounds from across the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region. This episode features the talented mother-son duo, Amal Murkus and Firas Zreik, showcasing their powerful performances and insightful conversation about the evolution and significance of Palestinian music.

Amal Murkus is a renowned Palestinian singer, actress, producer, and both TV & radio host. Born in Kufer Yasef in the Galilee, Murkus has spent her career championing Palestinian music and culture globally. Her innovative approach combines various Mediterranean influences, forging a post-modern musical style that resonates with a diverse audience worldwide.

Firas Zreik is an acclaimed artist, composer, lyricist, and educator. Originally from Palestine and now based in New York, Zreik has transformed global perceptions of the Kanun, traditionally a staple of the Maqam tradition. He has expanded the instrument’s cultural significance, adapting its unique sound to modern musical contexts. Zreik has collaborated with numerous musical legends, including Roger Waters and Simon Shaheen, and serves as the musical director for his mother, Amal Murkus.

Habibi Festival aims to bridge the historical and modern musical scenes of the SWANA region by presenting a dynamic mix of performances that highlight the area's rich cultural heritage. This festival, a brainchild of Alex Knowlton, Yacine Boulares, and Meera Dugal, fosters a platform for artists like Murkus and Zreik to share their unique sounds and stories.

Connect with Amal Murkus 👉   / amalmurkus  
& Firas Zreik 👉   / firaszreik  

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by:
Rami Abou-Khalil 👉   / rami_ak  

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   • QuarterTones | Music from the Arab World  

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#HabibiFestival #JoePubNYC #AmalMurkus #FirasZreik #PalestinianMusic #CulturalPreservation #SWANAMusic #LivePerformance #MusicCulture #ArtisticDialogue