About THE ARTS CENTER PODCAST AT NYUAD | POWERED BY AFIKRA
afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating interviews with an array of talented performers and artists. From the mesmerizing melodies of Meklit Hadero to the electrifying movements of Herve Koubi, this podcast series showcases the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry. Step into the minds of these visionary creators as they delve into their craft, revealing the inspirations and stories behind their extraordinary performances.
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi offers NYUAD compelling programming that connects to the curriculum and illuminates the scholarly pursuits of students and faculty. Its range of public programs aim to animate and enrich the cultural life of both the city of Abu Dhabi and the university through interaction. As a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work, The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship and community.
Gnawa, Hip Hop & Nass El Ghiwane | Choreographer Fouad Boussouf
Choreographer and artistic director Fouad Boussouf traces his path from listening to hip-hop and regional Arab music in the French suburbs to directing a national choreographic center. Influenced by North African heritage, contemporary dance, and circus arts, he explores how non-verbal expression allows him to address social commentary, immigration, and spiritual identity through movement. Boussouf offers insights into his creative process and key productions, including his tribute to Oum Kalthoum and his acclaimed high-energy show Näss. The discussion examines how instinctive rhythm, Gnawa culture, and raw physical fatigue drive authentic performance on stage.
23 Sept 2026
When Dance Becomes a Solution to Language | Youness Atbane
Navigating the intersection of institutional power, identity, and postcolonial discourse, artist and choreographer Youness Atbane examines how contemporary art spaces shape cultural narrative. Through performance works like Untitled 14 km and Waterproofed Artists, Atbane interrogates the elitism of the global art world while drawing on his roots in Moroccan pottery traditions and choreography to move beyond the limitations of spoken language. Blending speculative fiction with subtle humor, the discussion explores the Andalusian legacy, the politics of curation, and the true cost of artistic freedom.
23 Jul 2026
The Djembe, Diaspora & the Sound of West Africa | Djembe Virtuoso & Bandleader Yahael Camara Onono
Master djembe player and composer, Yahael Camara Onono, discusses his musical journey and his mission to elevate West African percussion. Growing up in London, the djembe served as an umbilical cord to his Manding heritage, allowing him to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences like grime and hip-hop. He founded the Balimaya Project in 2019 to challenge the pigeonholing of African music and to demonstrate that percussion can serve as a complex, leading melodic force rather than just an add-on. His work delves into personal and vulnerable themes, such as grieving for his late son through music, while also celebrating innovative collaborations with virtuosos like Egyptian oud player Abakary Kadry. For Onono, the djembe is a glue that brings people together, serving as a powerful symbol of identity and black pride.
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
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