ABIR Can’t Speak For All Arab-American Women, But She Will Change Your Perception Of One

 At first glance, it seems as though pop music and Arab music — originating in Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria — do not at all belong in the same category.

The deeply melodic singers in Arab music belt melodies consisting of complex rhythmic structures, generally tense vocal tone, and high-pitched notes. Arab music is rich with regional instruments like the oud, quanun, and the percussion instrument, riq. On the other hand, pop music of today has been popularized by the likes of Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce, and is reminiscent of strong beats, catchy hooks, and simple, rhymed lyrics that roll easily off of the tongue. Arabic music is steady, representing centuries of revered tradition, while pop music aims to be at the forefront of the rapidly changing music scene, constantly shifting and evolving. The two genres are so uniquely distinct that it seems impossible for them to coexist.