In an enlightening Quartertones event, we had the privilege of experiencing the musical artistry of Youmna Saba, a Beirut-born musician and musicologist known for her innovative approach to combining the musical dimensions of the Arabic language with electronic elements. Performing "Al Sobh," "Madd W Jazr," and "Hubut," Youmna shared insights into her journey as a self-taught musician, her exploration of songwriting in Arabic, and her methodical approach to creating music that bridges classical Arabic traditions with contemporary sounds. Through her performances and discussion, Youmna offered a deep dive into her artistic process, the evolution of her music over four albums, and her passion for live performances and Arabic musicology.

0:00 Intro: Introduction to Youmna Saba and her musical journey.
01:22 Self-Taught Musician: Youmna discusses her path to becoming a musician without formal training.
04:46 Music Taste in 2006: Reflecting on her musical influences and taste during the early stages of her career.
06:51 Writing Songs in Arabic: Insights into Youmna's decision to write and perform songs in Arabic.
08:00 Interlude #1: "Al Sobh": A performance that showcases Youmna's unique blend of Arabic lyrics and electronic music.
14:52 Musical Style: Discussing the distinctive type of music that Youmna creates and her place in the musical landscape.
15:39 Writing Process: Youmna shares her approach to composing music and lyrics.
17:34 Album Comparisons: Reflecting on the evolution of her music across four albums.
21:22 Interlude #2: "Hubut": A captivating performance demonstrating Youmna's experimental approach to music.
31:24 Past Four Years: Youmna reflects on her artistic development and experiences over the past four years.
36:13 Making Arabic Music: The significance of Arabic music in Youmna's work and research in musicology.
38:57 Interlude #3: "Madd W Jazr": An exploration of rhythmic and melodic patterns in Arabic music through performance.
45:27 Performing Live: The importance and impact of live performances in Youmna's career.
47:03 Cedars: The symbolism and influence of cedar trees in Youmna's artistic imagery.
48:58 Quick Q&A: Rapid-fire questions revealing more about Youmna's musical preferences and inspirations.
51:20 Audience Q&A on Turning Point: Youmna discusses pivotal moments in her career.
53:43 Audience Q&A on Current Projects: Insights into Youmna's ongoing musical endeavors and future plans.

Youmna Saba, born in Beirut in 1984, has emerged as a pioneering figure in the world of Arabic music, blending classical traditions with modern electronic techniques. With a master’s degree in Musicology and a rich background in collaborating with international artists, Youmna has released four albums that explore the depths of Arabic musicality. Her research on the musical dimensions of the Arabic language not only informs her compositions but also contributes to the broader discourse on musicology and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through international programs and residencies, Youmna continues to expand her musical horizons, making significant contributions to contemporary Arabic music.

Connect with Youmna Saba 👉 https://www.instagram.com/youmnasaba/

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/

FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quartertones/id1646407556
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAh


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
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

#YoumnaSaba #ArabicMusic #ElectronicMusic #Musicology #Songwriting