The Artivist

Labels are something singer Emel Mathlouthi has tried to avoid—but not always successfully. Activist. Revolutionary. Protest singer. Role model.

Born in the suburbs of Tunis and raised during the long rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, it is lore that Mathlouthi rose to prominence with a powerful song that became the soundtrack to Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution, which ignited a fire that spread along the North African shore. ‘Kelmti Horra’ (‘My Word is Free’), based on lyrics by Tunisian poet Amine Al Ghozzi, changed Mathlouthi’s career.

Features, Profiles, Editor's PicksAnna SeamanSeptember 27, 2023profile, singer, music, Emel Mathlouthi

Dubai: Global Capital for the Creative Economy, HE Hala Badri Shares her Insight and Vision

In April 2019, Her Excellency Hala Badri was appointed as the Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority [Dubai Culture] by a royal decree from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, following more than 20 years upon an impressive path across dynamic business sectors critical to the UAE’s economic development: telecommunications, oil and gas, media and real estate. Since taking over that vital role, Her Excellency has paved the way for a cultural revolution across the city, which, most recently, has taken hold in the announcement of Al Quoz Creative Zone - a new hub for creative businesses, including those involved in the visual arts, cinema, music and cultural heritage.

Features, Editor's PicksAnna SeamanMay 18, 2023interview, profile, Al Quoz, Dubai Culture, Artists, Downtown Design, Dubai Design DistrictComment