logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
32m 27s

SHKOON: How a Syrian Refugee and a Germa...

Yalla! Let's Talk.
About this episode

In this episode, host Hani Dajani talks to music duo, SHKOON, about their journey and how their music has a strong cultural impact, addressing themes of identity, displacement, and hope. We also talk about SHKOON's music incorporates elements of Arabic folk songs, Sufi poetry, and classical music, combined with modern electronic beats.

SHKOON is made up of duo Ameen and Thorben. Ameen, originally from Syria, fled to Germany due to the Syrian civil war. He brought with him a deep connection to the traditional music of his homeland, which greatly influences Shkoon’s sound. Thorben, with a background in classical and jazz music, contributes his knowledge of Western music theory and electronic production.

We thank Marsm.ca for supporting this episode and helping amplify all kinds of Arabic music.

Up next
Jul 5
Relationship Dilemmas That Make You Think | Hot Takes, Reddit & Culture
We're back with more AITA stories. This time with dating advice for situations you probably haven't heard before.00:00 Intro03:00 Who Got Outed? Dating Double Standards14:00 Can You Fall in Love on a Spectrum?16:00 Limerence Is Actually Wild23:00 Are Attachment Styles Overrated?2 ... Show More
1h 7m
Jun 14
Habibi Squad: Am I the A$$ Hole? Reddit Stories & Chaos
Habibi, let's talk. 00:00 Intro05:00 Who's Most Likely To?10:38 The Tarboosh Game30:00 Wrong Answers Only33:20 Reddit's Wildest AITA Stories 
1h 9m
Jun 7
How to Become Who You're Meant To Be l Ghaliaa Chaker
The people who judge you often know the least about you. Ghaliaa opens up about being misunderstood, finding her voice, and choosing authenticity over approval. 
43m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Processing Music in Times of Crisis | Shik Shak Shook Ones
This episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones is an emotionally charged venting session and an appeal for more thoughtful engagement with culture in times of hardship. Hosts Danny and Deana vent their frustrations, share their experiences, and tackle the responsibilities of artists and jo ... Show More
37m 10s
Dec 2024
How We Consume Arabic Music | Shik Shak Shook Ones
In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni delve into the listening habits of Arabic music fans across the diaspora and the Middle East and North Africa region. Joined by Salam Kmeid, Head of Content Marketing at Anghami, who brings 12 years of ind ... Show More
44m 44s
Sep 2024
Shout Out to Local Arab Music Scenes | Shik Shak Shook Ones
Who are the best up-and-coming Arab artists we don't know about? In this episode of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Danny Hajjar and Deana Soni drop all of the names you should be listening to. We get to know our two hosts a little better as they share their origin stories, their OG ... Show More
35m 47s
Sep 2022
Yansoon: Giving The Stresses Of Life In Lebanon A Distinct Sound
Sarcastic and outspoken, the Lebanese band Yansoon brings audiences a sonic experience of our culture’s beauty and blemishes through songs that harmoniously blend traditional Arabic music with hints of western genres. Vocalist Wissam Dib and music producer Antoine Maksoudian, co- ... Show More
43m 55s
May 2025
Navigating Content Saturation and the Critical Need for Authenticity | Shik Shak Shook Ones
In the season 1 finale of Shik Shak Shook Ones, hosts Deana and Danny are joined by distinguished journalist Menna Shanab, the music editor at YUNG MENA. They delve into content saturation in the music industry, particularly focusing on how it's affecting listeners' perceptions a ... Show More
51m 4s
Mar 2020
Musical identity with Sinkane, Emel Mathlouthi, Laima Leyton, and Shirley Tetteh
This week on Music Life Sinkane (Ahmed Gallab) is joined by Emel Mathlouthi, Laima Leyton, and Shirley Tetteh.With such an eclectic mix of musicians it’s only right they talk about straddling multiple cultures, the role spirituality plays in their music, how you turn an idea into ... Show More
33m 48s
Mar 2016
E006: The Nubian Mix
In this week's episode, OT flies out to Sudan to meet with one its most talented and underrated producers, Sufyan, and sets up a Skype call with Irshad and Toofless from Sufyan's studio. Sufyan is a Sudanese Hip Hop producer who uses his surroundings, Nubian heritage, and his cou ... Show More
37m 12s
Jun 2020
SONS OF YUSUF- How to Shaykh the World (25.06.2020)
Brothers Ya’koob and Abdulrahman Al Refaie declare themselves proudly as the Kuwaiti hip hop group Sons of Yusuf. They are both shaking and Shayking the World with their recently released first album, effortlessly blend American hiphop and Arab music singing in both Arabic and En ... Show More
58m 52s