Fresh or, possibly, not so fresh from the marathon rigour of Damon Albarn’s inspired Africa Express Camden, 22 October, Mehdi Haddab and Speed Caravan appear on Al Jazeera’s play list. He and his band are such a hit with the show they’ve adopted his album’s title song, Kalashnik Love as the theme tune.
Click HERE for Playlist on the Al Jazeera programme page.
Meanwhile’ here’s the clip.
Yesterday, 7th October, at Christies’ “Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds” sale, King Street London, the Fatimid era Rock Crystal Ewer previously though to be a French claret jug estimated worth £200 at a valuation last January, fetched £3.1 million ($5.5m).
The Ewer sold to an anonymous buyer, was made in the 10th or 11th Century during the era of the Fatimid rulers whose seat of power was Cairo after the Fatimid conquest of Egypt in 969. It is one of possibly 9 such Ewers, some have described it as an Islamic “Holy Grail”.
It is a work of master craftsmanship hewn from notoriously tough rock crystal with delicate carvings of cheetahs on either side. The ewer was mounted on its silver gilt pedestal with handle in 1854 and has been in a private collection ever since.
For more information go to the Christies website
Al Jazeera’s Witness series Presented by Rageh Omaar investigates the super heroes invented by Kuwaiti psychologist Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa. As you will discover The 99 are 99 characters drawn from the 99 attributes of Allah. Click The 99 website for info. The comics have drawn criticism and praise in equal measure.
As comparison have a look at Aranim from Jordan - a comic by Suleiman Bakhit inspired by the abuse he experienced in post 9/11 USA when he realised that the superhero role model was missing in the Middle East. Click HERE for website, HERE for Variety article and HERE for info.
Meanwhile enjoy The 99 from Al Jazeera.
Part 1
Part 2
Last night at MOMO’s Kemia Bar, courtesy of Enchanted Tunes we were treated to the most amazing talent….
Hindi Zahra with her crème brûle voice, her songs, sensual like intimate love letters set the place on fire.
- Amy Winehouse can go straight to re-hab and retire, Duffy can stuff her duffel bag and join the foreign legion.
She is going to conquer the world. Go visit Hindi Zahra on Myspace. Or, if you’re in Paris next Wed 11 June go see her at La Fleche D’Or click HERE for details.
Thank you MOMO and Enchanted Tunes but most of all thank YOU Hindi Zahra.
Thank you too Raphael Lugassy for the excellent image.
