Fairouz and the Arab Diaspora: Music and Identity in the UK and Qatar

The book explores the role of Fairouz's music in creating a sense of Arab identity amidst changing political, economic contexts, focusing on audience reception among the Arab diasporas of London and Doha. It reveals that discussing Fairouz meant discussing diasporic life, bringing to the surface notions of Arabness and authenticity, presence and absence, naturalization and citizenship, and the issue of gender.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Fairouz, a Lebanese singer and performer, has made an indelible mark on the world of music with a discography that boasts over 1000 songs, 20 musicals, and three motion pictures. Over the course of four decades, she has effortlessly connected with listeners from diverse backgrounds and geographies, leaving an enduring impact on the hearts and minds of her audience. In his book, Dima Issa delves into the profound role that Fairouz's music plays in shaping a sense of Arab identity amidst the ever-evolving political, economic, and social landscapes. Conducted over two years of extensive research, including 60 in-depth interviews, this book adopts an ethnographic approach, focusing on the reception of Fairouz's music among the Arab diasporas of London and Doha. Through its rich narratives and insightful analysis, it emerges that discussing Fairouz invariably leads to discussions about diasporic life, unearthing profound notions of Arabness, authenticity, presence, absence, naturalization, citizenship, and the complex issue of gender. Conversations with the research respondents provide valuable insights into the concept of iltizam, a profound commitment that members of the Arab diaspora hold onto, as they strive to define and differentiate themselves from others. This book is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries, forge connections, and ignite meaningful conversations about identity and belonging.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755641765