Loosely Adapted

In this episode, we talk with Palestinian musician Dirar Kalash about his take on “experimentation” in arts and the relationship between the body and music—beyond what the ears can hear. Living with impaired hearing, Dhirar relies in his live performances on a deep understanding of musical notation, seeing playing as something closer to logic and mathematics. This episode was co-produced by Sowt a...

In this episode, we meet singer and music producer, Ziad Sinno. He takes us through his journey: from Beirut to London, transitioning from a physiotherapist to a musician, and from visual impairment to non-sightedness. All of these stories have collided to put him on the path he's currently on. Ziad is now focused on supporting visually impaired musicians by providing free tutorials on YouTube for...

In this episode we meet Palestinian singer Yara Qawariq, whose music journey began from early childhood when she joined "Al Kamandjati Music Conservatory" in Ramallah. We trace Yara's journey with all its influences and motives, from the second Intifada in Palestine, to her graduate studies in Cairo, and all the doors that opened along the way. This episode was co-produced by Sowt and Komet Kashak...

In this episode, we hear from musicians Maryse and Shahinaz from the Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, an ensemble made up entirely of visually impaired women. Established in the early 1960s, the orchestra has nurtured countless talented musicians who went on to tour the world with their music. We listen to Maryse and Shahinaz’s stories with the orchestra, and how it transformed their lives. This episod...

In this episode we hear from Adham Al Saeed, who is a member of the Egyptian band, Wust El Balad. We talk about his childhood and his story with Polio disease. Recalling that part of his life, he also revisits his relationship with his grandmother and her musical influence on him. An intimate conversation in which he shares the experiences that shaped and paved the way for his musical career. This...

Introducing a new season of Dom Tak! This time, we bring you stories from artists across the region, musicians with diverse backgrounds who also happen to live with disabilities. Through their journeys, we explore what it means to be a musician navigating accessibility, infrastructure, and inclusion in the region. This season was originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.t...

In this special episode, originally published in Arabic on Eib, we present the English version of Sarah Safi Harb's powerful journey — one defined by resilience, reinvention, and personal transformation. Sarah reflects on the experiences that have shaped her into the woman and dancer she is today, sharing how she continues to defy limiting orientalist narratives, deconstruct colonialist impression...

Tracing the blockade imposed on fishing in Palestine, we delve into the significance of the sea, fish, and fishing for Palestinians, exploring the changes that have impacted fishermen – and the sea – under the occupation. This episode and its original Arabic version are a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on March 17th, 2022 for...

In our investigation into the siege on Gaza, we document the remarkable resilience of Palestinians enduring inhumane conditions enforced by the occupation for a staggering 17 years. These conditions span from denying basic services like water and electricity to limitations on economic growth and even targeted actions against fishing activities. This episode is a collaborative production between So...

This episode uncovers the history of Gaza's seven crossings and exposes how the occupation leverages them to impose further restrictions on Palestinians living in the Strip. This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. The episode was originally published in Arabic on November 2nd, 2023 for "Stories from Palestine. Listen to the episode from here . Originally...

We journey into the past to explore the systematic Jewish settlement on Palestinian lands dating back to 1861, facilitated by Ottoman laws and influenced by British involvement, illustrating that the Nakba of 1948 was not an isolated or abrupt event. This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on May 23rd, 2021 for "Manb...

To gain deeper insight into life in Gaza, we provide vital information regarding its geography and history, particularly within the context of the Nakba, or "the Catastrophe." This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on October 26th, 2023 for " Stories from Palestine ". Originally produced and written by Ahmed Eman Za...

This episode highlights the history of rock music in the Arab World and follows the story of one of the most prominent singers in the region, Rachid Taha. It was originally published in Arabic on January 9, 2020. check out this link: https://www.sowt.com/ar/podcast/dm-tk/alrwk-alrby The episode was originally written in Arabic by Lama Rabah. The script was translated to English by Takwa Masa’deh,...