RE-VOLT MAGAZINE ISSUE 15

ISSUE 15 • MAY/JUNE ’15

YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF REAL HIP HOP & ARAB CULTURE

re-volt magazine is a new platform under the same roof as re-volt blog, which initially started as a space where views on mainstream music can be openly discussed, where the music industry is put on the stand and criticized, and lastly, where underground, talented unrepresented artists are given a chance to stand out.

Our main focus is to expose hip hop as a positive genre and detach it from the corrupted mainstream hip hop.

Starting up an online magazine will benefit this message, as re-volt magazine will reach more readers worldwide and will enlighten people on the power of the word and the role of hip hop in the Arab region.

Aside from the well-known elements of hip hop - which are MC, BBoy, Beatbox, Graffiti, DJ and Knowledge re-volt magazine also focuses a great deal on any other forms of expression/art that concretize the richness of our Arab culture.

The list includes films, documentaries, initiatives, events, companies, charity organization, etc...

A mic, a choreography, a vocal percussion, spraypaint, a vinyl record, a book or a film...

We choose all the above.

The power of the word to inform, to represent and to stay real!

EDITOR HASSANE DENNAOUI ASSOCIATE EDITOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hanane FATHALLAH CONTRIBUTORS If you’re interested to write for re-volt magazine, email us revoltmag1@gmail.com

CONTENTS REVOLT/REPORT THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN] FEATURE SUGARWHEEL SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH SAREEN AKHARJALIAN [INK ON THE SIDE] AHMED AL ZAGHOUL Q8 STREET ART ELEPHEEL SPOT.F.Y.I DEYAA [DHAD] ASHEKMAN YARA ARAFSHA MOUAD ABOULHANA NOE TWO CORINNE MARTIN HANAN ALNOMANI [YOMIKU] THE INKMAN CARTOONS KHARTOON! JABERTOON ON THE GO Q&A | BOOM BEATS

Cover Artwork by Lebanese Contemporary Artist SUGARWHEEL [FOLLOW SUGARWHEEL] https://www.facebook.com/SugarWheel

[FOLLOW DEYA’A RAMBO] https://instagram.com/deyaaone/

s p o t f . y . i .

Deya’a Rambo Graffiti Artist & Co-Founder of DHAD Store

“Freedom in unfreedom zone! My wall in Sinnlichkeit project in Magebdurg prison!” (Deya’a) - June 2015

FEATURE | SUGARWHEEL

[FOLLOW SUGARWHEEL] https://www.facebook.com/SugarWheel https://www.behance.net/SugarWheel https://www.twitter.com/SugarWheel https://www.instagram.com/SugarWheel

Sugar Wheel is a Contemporary Artist & Character Designer born with a natural artistic talent and passion for drawing. She creates works reverberate and vibrate with distinctive characters and images derived from her fantastical realm of imagination, representing her study of human behavior towards an acquisitive and pleasure-driven world.

Who is the person behind the tag ‘Sugar Wheel’?

A child survived in a body of an adult.

Where are you currently based?

Currently between Jeddah and Beirut, hopefully soon will move to New York.

Can you tell us how you ended up becoming an artist – was it something you always knew you were or did it come to you later in life?

I was born with a natural artistic inclinations inherited from my mother’s side. Since childhood I loved drawing on daily basis filling my schoolbooks with colorful little characters. I used to help my cousins and friends at school in their art projects and sometimes they just handed me their pads to fill them with drawings – poor little child! - But I was enjoying it.

What was the first artwork you saw that caught your attention and till now is marked as a source of inspiration?

I can’t recall a specific artwork; generally, people are my greatest inspiration.

Where did you continue your higher studies? And what was the highlight of that academic experience?

I graduated from the University of Dar Al Hekma with a B.A in Graphic Design. In the beginning I thought Graphic Design wasn’t for me because I didn’t like the fact that it uses art just for commercial purposes, but then I began to like the challenge of meeting client’s needs and that what kept me going.

Today I am doing great with my Graphic Design job, I am a smart Graphic Designer in morning and when the sun goes down I switch back into my original nature; the mad Artist.

What was your senior project? Was your final project a gate to where you are right now? Or did you somewhat drift?

My university senior project named “Tashakhees”, which is an invented word combining the two words ‘Personification’ and ‘Diagnosis’. I’ve always liked psychology and this project was about the multiple sides of a one personality. I represented the concept through my poetry and illustrations.

How would you describe your talent and passion filled bubble of art?

My passion is to make people happy and at the same time to communicate with them through my art. It’s like a window of dialogue I create with the viewers, thus, even when the time comes when I’m no longer here physically, my art will always speak to people and for people.

FEATURE | SUGARWHEEL

FEATURE | SUGARWHEEL

What was the most fun character you ever worked on?

I have ‘given birth’ to many characters and I love them all equally as my children, but I have chosen the ones I work with in most of my current works because they more suitable in representing my ideas in this stage.

What kind of competitions, seminars and conferences have you been part of?

I have participated recently at Shock The World event in Jeddah, which is part of Casio’s G-Shock World-tour art event.

My painting got signed by the founder of G-Shock - Mr. Kikuo Ibe. I was three times winner of judges & crowd votes at Secret Walls X Beirut 2014 battle.

In the same year, I participated at Easter giant eggs painting exhibition also in Beirut.

In 2013, I participated at Nike DBX launch art contest in Dubai and at MEGA designer toy project in Dubai. My customized toy was among the 10 sold out toys out of 125 toys.

With technology omnipresent in our daily lives and tasks, many contemporary artists are arising and they are finding it easier than older times to promote their work. A world filled with competition. What makes your artwork stand out and what are some of your ultimate ambitions?

The message. Before he carries a pencil an Artist should carry a thought.

A beautiful visual without meaning is just there to entertain people, but an artwork with a message will elevate and direct people’s senses to a new level of perspective. I insist on this point, because there are many wonderfully talented people out there but what they create is just another beautiful drawing. In my opinion, what makes an artwork valuable is the message behind it.

What is your favorite medium and why?

(Paint, pens and crayons vs Digital) Nothing is compared to holding a brush against a big canvas!

I usually render my sketches digitally just because the digital work is more flexible and easier for production but I would always choose traditional hand painting over digital.

If there were an organization, publication or person that is dearest to your heart, who would you like most to commission you for a customized Sugar Wheel project?

I would love to be part in branding massive cities such as Tokyo. I am fond of studying the paradoxes and dualism in big urban cities, which makes Tokyo on the top of my list of upcoming explorations.

I am always in search for that point of silence among noise and flashiness,

exploring the contradictable aspects of modern yet traditional, thrilling yet predictable, stimulating yet expressionless places.

If you had to choose two trinkets, accessories, objects or whatever it is, from your childhood, what would they be and why?

The Lonely Shepherd by Gheorghe Zamfir. The first time I heard it, I was only four; at that time we had only few local channels on TV and it was played every morning before they put on the cartoons.

I used to set and wait for the cartoons while contemplating on it. The irony is that when I listened to it then I used to think of the future but now when I listen to it, it takes me back to my childhood.

What are your top 3 highlights of your career till this day?

Every day is a new experience and the love and passion I have for my art makes every day a special event in my career.

What are your upcoming plans?

Making more art.

Tell re-volt magazine something not many people know about you.

When I set alone and think of this life, sometimes I feel that there is no point of doing so much because in the blink of an eye everything can finish. But then again, because of the same reason, I would get up and do something because I don’t want to be just another life wasted.

Lama Khatib Daniel Art Page

Warsheh Design Studio Amman, Jordan

s p o t f . y . i .

[FOLLOW ASHEKMAN] https://www.facebook.com/ASHEKMAN

ON THE GO | Q&A BOOM BEATS

Ahmed Younis A producer by addiction

1.What got you into music production?

Well I had always been into music and technology ever since I was a kid.

And as I grew older i started playing drums for a few local bands but that didn’t go anywhere but I still wanted to play music so i started trying out different production software and found out I can be my own band!

The idea of translating your thoughts and feelings into music is what music production gave me and that’s what got me into it and made me fall in love with it.

2. Who inspires you? (in Arabia and internationally) I’m inspired by many musicians but when it comes to music production in Arabia I would definitely say: Sandhill, Sandhill and Sandhill!

I also love Bei Ru and Saleh Haddad’s work.

As for internationals, well, they are too many to name but to top that list I would say J Dilla, RZA, Danger Mouse, Timbaland and Quincy Jones.

3. It seems that the attention is always on the MC and the producer doesnt always get the credit. How do you we can change that?

Well I think now more than ever producers are starting to share some of the spotlight with the performer with the new age producers tagging their beats and appearing in the music videos. I believe the producers credits started disappearing when producers just sell their beats to rappers instead of working with them to make the track, i think not labelling them as artists on the track itself also limits how far producers and djs can go in hip hop, along with reducing the amount of respect they receive.

Even with smaller rappers who are only known in their cities, there generally seems to be very little respect for producers and djs as artists. 99% of the time the dj at their show just hits play on a beat and stands their awkwardly. I suppose what I was trying to get at, is that djs and producers are playing a very small role in the

live environment, which is primarily results to no one knowing who they are as they are never given credit for their music 4. Who would you like to collaborate with in the Arab world? oh so many! Qusai, Flipperachi, Narcy, Omar Offendum, Malikah, Hamza, and so many local artists from Kuwait and the rest of the GCC. 5. Who do you usually listen to?

You would be very surprised if you were riding with me in the car while my Ipod is shuffling! I listen to many different genres but lately Wale and J Cole have been on repeat.......also wu tang.......a lot of wu tang.

6. Tell re-volt somethin not a lot of people know about you..

Well....I have a terrible addiction.... especially when am producing music........I cannot produce without a Dr.pepper bottle by my side.....i think i need help!

[FOLLOW YARA ARAFSHA] https://instagram.com/yarafsha/

s p o t f . y . i .

Yara Arafsha

Graphic Designer & Calligraphy Artist

Miracle (2015( )‫)معجزة‬

FEATURE | Q&A SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH

[FOLLOW SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH] Website: http://sebfarmborough.carbonmade.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SebaFarmborough Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sebastian.farmborough Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/ view?id=170189838&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Sebastian Farmborough A non-fiction photographer promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding

1.Do you remember the first time you held up a camera? What inspired to be a photographer?

Actually, I used to love drawing, until one day I came across a photograph by Bill Brandt. At first glance it appeared to be of 3 rocks, one on top of the other, but upon further inspection I realised that it was in fact parts of a human body. I loved the way he had used the light and texture to mislead me and I have not picked up a pencil since.

2. I understand you were in NY when the twin towers got attacked/collapsed. Was that the only trigger that made you move to the middle east?

Like most expatriates, I moved to Saudi Arabia in search of money as I wanted to study photography in Costa Rica. However, having witnessed September the 11th in New York and the subsequent media coverage. I wanted to find out for myself what Arabs and muslims were really like.

3. Give us your first thought when you landed in Saudi?

Saudi Arabia was such a cultural shock for me. I am English, but I had been living in Barcelona and was used to such an open way of life. I did not talk to anyone for the first week. I kept telling myself not to panic and just to give it time. It was strange, because with all the infrastructure being American, I was used to that, but the people, the clothes, their language, it all seemed so drastically different. I found myself incredibly overwhelmed.

FEATURE | Q&A SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH

4. How was that experience for you? and what did you find out about Saudi & its people?

The climate took some adjusting to and of course, as a Westerner, the restrictions and segregation were tough, but the level of safety in the Kingdom amazed me. I recall seeing a man leave his luxury car open and running while he went to buy something. You just cannot do that in England, your car would not be there when you got back.

It really is liberating being able to walk down the street day or night and not have to worry about being robbed, especially if you are a photographer who loves to explore and is used to carrying around expensive equipment.

I really admire and envy the closeness of their family relationships and friendships. To give an example, I recall being out for dinner with some Saudi friends and one of their phones rang. A short while later he stood up and announced to the group that he was taking his mother shopping. He looked so proud. I laughed to myself, because given that situation in England, I think most of my friends would have been complaining.

The respect towards elders greatly impressed me, especially when I attended a gathering and an elderly man was greeted before a prince. Given the Western media coverage, a sense of humour was not something that I was expecting, but it was a welcome surprise and I spent many a time in fits of laughter.

5. Why do people usually accept what media gives them/throws at them and never take it further by asking questions or researching?

When your perspective of the world is one dimensional, i.e. one country, one language. I think it is hard to know what is really going on. Your access to media sources is limited and obviously, you have no actual experience to act as reference. It is only when you start to live in these countries, learn their languages and see the world through their eyes that you begin to get a clearer picture of the world as a whole.

Personally, I think we place far too much trust in our media sources. At the British embassy in Riyadh, I met two journalists from a reputable British television network and I was so shocked at how little they knew about the country. It was painfully obvious that they had spent most of their time in the Diplomatic Quarter.

The trouble with the news, particularly in regards to the coverage of Saudi Arabia is that it fails to include the all important cultural context. We cannot judge another culture based on our own cultural norms, we must first understand theirs.

Prior to my first visit I thought that the desert was going to be boring, just a lot of sand and nothing to do, but it is actually beautiful, very peaceful and each desert has its own unique character and charm. I loved dressing up in Saudi clothes and riding camels, it was a real adventure for me and I felt like I was constantly learning and discovering.

Originally, I was only planning to stay for a year. I had no intention of learning Arabic. However, the Saudi people were so unbelievably friendly, hospitable and generous that I just had to find a way to thank them. I learnt a few words and it rapidly progressed and became addictive, because the more I spoke, the better I was treated and the more I wanted to learn.

FEATURE | Q&A SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH

6. What role do you think your photos might play in changing the wrong perception the West has about Saudi Arabia?

I think photography is so powerful, particularly in this, the social media age where images can be transmitted around the globe instantaneously, and the best thing about them being that they do not require translation.

There are many positive aspects of life in Saudi Arabia and a great many things that we Westerners would do well to learn from. I think it is important that these are highlighted by a Westerner, as they will have a lot more credibility in the West and are less likely to be dismissed as propaganda.

I want to capture the humanity of Saudi Arabia, because I think all the negative media coverage over, certainly my lifetime has unjustly dehumanised them.

7. The picture of the veiled woman rising from the water, went viral. Did you expect such feedback and reactions? And what was the most negative comment you received about that picture?

This picture was based on one of my first experiences in the Kingdom. Bearing in mind that I was coming from the beaches of Barcelona, it just blew me away and I was convinced that other Westerners would feel the same.

To be honest, I was disappointed as the reaction was not immediate, it was only some time later when I was living in Chile that it really started to go global and at which point I decided to return and finish the project.

Photographer Sebastian Farmborough

I have received so many lovely messages from women all over the world and in particular Saudi women who wanted to express what it meant to them, but it has angered some, especially in Pakistan where one woman called me an orientalistic pig. I know this is an extremely sensitive subject and I am trying to deal with it as respectfully as possible. I hope she and others who might be offended, will be patient with me and judge me and the project as a whole, once it is completed.

This is about bringing our worlds closer together, interacting,understanding and ultimately accepting one another.

FEATURE | Q&A SEBASTIAN FARMBOROUGH

8. Take us through “An Emerging Mystery” project?

What can people expect from it? And would you come back to Saudi? The objective is to cover all of the positive aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. I want to produce powerful and emotive images that Westerners can connect with and relate to. The aim being to reduce the cross-cultural misunderstanding that is leading to unnecessary hatred, because essentially we are very similar, with the same basic needs and aspirations.

I have other shoots planned, one with a veiled woman and a bow and arrow to illustrate how powerful an Arab woman can be, particularly within the home. Another with a veiled woman and a baby to convey how loving and caring they can be despite the physical barrier of the veil. These are shoots that I am planned to do in Dubai, but I am also trying to find a sponsor and to obtain government permission so that I can return to Saudi Arabia and do many others, and especially more candid ones.

9. Do you think a caption in a photo is as important as the actual picture?

Actually, I get annoyed when journalists ask me for a caption. If a photographer has done their job well, then there should be no need for one and in the case of some images, I think it is far more interesting to leave it to the onlooker’s interpretation.

10. What makes a photographer a visionary?

(Not just someone who is “capable” of using a camera?)

Photography is not so much about the camera, but about lighting, and while complicated, of course everyone can learn that. The only thing that can really differentiate you from someone else is your soul. For me, photography is not about what you see, but what you feel. How your soul intertwines with the subject matter, that’s what really counts and that will always make it unique.

10.1 Who are some of the photographers you advise our readers to check out?

My favourite photographers are Bill Brandt and Steve McCurry. I love the colours and emotion in Steve’s work, but I am really captivated by Bill’s creativity and drama.

11. Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot a lot of people know about you.

I am almost blind in my right eye. Perhaps this has made me a better photographer, who knows.

WHAT’S UP ARABIA!

[FOLLOW MOUAD ABOULHANA]

s p o t f . y . i .

http://mouadaboulhana.jimdo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mouad-aboulhana-Artworks/364470796913975?sk=timeline

Mouad Aboulhana Moroccan Tradition, Graffiti and Pop art “A mixture to discover”

s p o t f . y . i .

ON THE GO | Q&A SAREEN AKHARJALIAN

[FOLLOW SAREEN AKHARJALIAN] http://inkontheside.com/

Sareen Akharjalian

Lebanese Cartoonist behind ‘Ink on the Side’ Illustration comes in many forms. How did it all start and what led you to drawing cartoons?

I’ve been an immense fan of cartoons ever since I was extremely young. Like most children I would be glued to my TV screen every day after school or over the weekends, watching Bugs Bunny screwing over Daffy Duck, or Jerry kicking Tom’s butt. I was a huge fan of Disney cartoons especially during the 90s with Duck Tales and so on.

When I was ten years old our school had a competition to draw a science poster showing lab safety. That was the first time I came up with a cartoon “safety first” parrot.

And I was happy that my poster won! And even though I used to draw more realistic drawings before then, that was the moment I realized that I could do something that my heroes, the comic artists, could do!

Ink on the side. Explain briefly who is Sareen and what’s behind your concept?

Well, as I explain in my about page on the site, “I’m a programmer by day and a CARTOONIST by night!”

(You have to imagine me saying that in a super hero stance) And the concept behind the site is simple...

Make as many of you guys laugh and show you that we’re all going through the same problems in life, be it religion, social, or political problems.

ON THE GO | Q&A SAREEN AKHARJALIAN

Whose work did you first see, completely caught your attention and maybe inspires you till now?

That’s a bit hard to answer as I used to read a lot, and I mean A LOT, of comic books as a young child. My dad was an avid collector of Mad Magazine, so growing up I was surrounded by plenty of amazing comic books.

My childhood was also in Qatar and we had access to our local library, where there was a HUGE source of comic books as well! I would borrow more than 7 books a week and try to emulate their style; books such as Asterix and Obelix, Tintin, Calvin and Hobbes, Beryl the Peril and many more. But I must say, Mad Magazine and Calvin and Hobbes are two of the biggest sources of inspiration for me especially the artist Sergio Aragones in Mad Magazine.

Where did you continue your higher studies?

I graduated from the American University of Beirut with a B.S. in Computer Science.

Rarely do we hear about a female cartoonist, especially in the Gulf and MENA region. Does the responsibility to deliver funny/sarcastic material weigh on you, because you are a woman?

I think my gender sometimes does dictate how far I can take a joke, yes. The problem is that being a women, there are some jokes that I cannot make especially in a conservative region. For instance, if I make my jokes to raunchy, I may come off as too off-putting for people as they may not be used to women making jokes like that.

As a result, I have to be careful with the language I use and sometimes I can’t push the jokes as far as I would like so I wouldn’t offend people. And on the other hand, if the jokes are too sweet and light, then I fear they come off as boring! So it does get a little difficult to see how I can carefully push the boundaries with my jokes.

What is your favorite medium and why?

(Paint, pens and crayons vs Digital) I love to draw digitally since the medium makes it easier for me to color in a very clear way. I was never good at coloring hehe, and I think drawing digitally helps me so much with that.

ON THE GO | Q&A SAREEN AKHARJALIAN

What is your favorite most controversial comics you ever published?

Two comics come to mind. The one titled “Selective Racism” discussing racism on Lebanese beaches. I love this comic because it displayed how certain “foreigners” in Lebanon were treated better than others. The other comic I love is called “How to dress ‘free’”. It shows the hypocrisy of western opinion when it comes to women’s choice of dress code. The moment a women wears a hijab, then the west automatically assumes she is oppressed and that it is not her choice. In this comic I make fun of this western opinion and their assumptions.

What is a highlight in your career to this day?

When I gave a speech at TedxBeirut in 2012 in front of thousands of people about the evolution of my comics.

To this day I can’t forget the adrenaline rush especially when I was making people laugh at the drawings I had drawn.

Tell re-volt magazine something not many people know about you.

I have an unnatural fear of spiders. If I see a spider on the floor I will literally stand on a chair, lift my skirt from its edges and scream from the top of my lungs. And yes, I have done that before. Ask my father. But in my defense, it was as big as a freakin’ tarantula!

‫ﻗﻢ ﺑﺰﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﺣﺪﻯ ﻓﺮﻭﻋﻨﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﻌﺮﻑ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻦ ﻣﻨﺘﺠﺎﺕ ﺁﺑﻞ ﻭ ﺍﻛﺴﺴﻮﺍﺭﺍﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﺃﻭ ﺯﻭﺭﻭﺍ ﻣﻮﻗﻌﻨﺎ ﺍﻻﻛﺘﺮﻭﻧﻲ ﻣﻦ ﺍﺟﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﺰﻳﺪ‬

Visit our store to learn more about our Apple products and Accessories Or visit our website for more.

www.izone-stores.com i.zone www.izone-stores.com TM and © 2013 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

WHAT’S UP ARABIA!

Hip-Hop Revolution: Photographs by Janette Beckman, Joe Conzo, and Martha Cooper.

April 1 - Sept. 13, 2015

LOCAL FLAVA’ | AHMED ALZAGHOUL

[FOLLOW AHMED ALZAGHOUL] Personal FB Profile https://www.facebook.com/Ahmed.F.alzaghoul Twitter https://twitter.com/AhmedFAlzaghoul MMDrap Page https://www.facebook.com/Arabrappers

‫أحمد الزغول‬

Ahmed Al Zaghoul Filmmaker | Artist

1. Tell us about MMDrap and when did you start that platform?

MMD stands for Mic Min Dhahab.

It’s the Golden Microphone of the Arabic Hip Hop scene. The idea itself started since the year 1999.

ArabRap.net was the 1st website in the Arab world to support the Arabic rap music. Later, on the year 2001 we launched ArabHH.org which was based in Amman-Jordan supporting the local talents and trying to be in touch with other rappers from Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt.

On the year 2002 we took a decision to go bigger and connect the scene around the world. We as the team we went around the world connecting every artist, DJ, Break-dancers, Graffiti artists and Rappers in the scene trying to create a huge network to show the world that the Arab HipHop can lead the underground scene. Finally, I “Ahmed Jay” I have to show mad respect to the founder of MMD, Rami GB, MMD family and to the site team sine 1999 “Niz-R, Mahmoud, Osama, Hazim, Mike Aref, Krist, Qabalani, Noor and Tareq”.

2. I believe you stopped or slowed a bit, what was the reasons? And are you planning to re-launch again?

There is no particular reason. But, you can say we’re looking for more fund to support the site as it was funded mainly by Rami GB, Ahmed Jay, and some other sponsors. It’s not east to keep going for 15 years without a stable funding as always the site was for free to support the talents. On the other hand, I hope so we can re-launch it again.

3. How the support from the local and regional Arab rappers to your platform?

I have to be honest on this. During the last ten years Very few of the Arab rappers really really supported the site and kept in touch. On the other hand, most of them just wanted to share their music and get connected with others which is normal in the scene. But, I have to say we gain RESPECT from everyone.

LOCAL FLAVA’ | AHMED ALZAGHOUL 4. What are your thoughts on the Arab Hip-Hop movement from when you started and now?

I’m old-school. I prefer old-school because there was more love and support between the rappers we were like a family. Moreover, there was a great movement between the years 2001 until 2006 then the scene goes into a phase of selfishness and everyone wanted to RAP. However, nowadays the scene is getting better and better with more talents, the outer world is recognizing the Arabic scene more and more, producers got more experience and learned to work and produce on different software, even some of them can play music instruments, in general the quality now is higher.

Six years ago I was interviewed by Malikah on Rotana TV and she asked me the same thing about the future. I said “The scene is not clear at the moment. But, in five years the Hip Hop scene will stay in the Arab world and move to Amman-Jordan” and it did even though some world famous producers, directors .. etc they tried to get credit out of it. But, they couldn’t ,,

6.You also are a director, what inspired you to become one? And what has been your high achievement accomplishment?

Well, Being a director is not easy as I worked on my “Artistic personality” for five years. By the way, in the year 2002, I started as a theater actor then I went through different phases from writer, composer, editor, and then I learned how to think like a director.

So far my top achievement is film market in Cannes on the year 2010 and I still hope for the best by working on my feature film at the moment.

5. Who are your fav Arab rappers and why?

It’s not easy to choose one. But, I have so close friends in the scene even though if I don’t like their music but still they are my friends. At the end HipHop taught me to accept anyone as who he/she is. I keep use the phrase “One family” and rise up my finger in every pic, just to show everyone that we’re still a family, wherever we are from. However, I like couple of different rapper’s flow and some others music. I’m an artist and I have different moods.

Finally, I’m really happy to see all the success of every good artist at the meantime. I gain respect by supporting the scene for 15 years and that is enough.

7. Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you.

Usually I’m open to everyone I have nothing to hide.

But, maybe I can share this one with you “I have every secret of the Arabian HipHop scene”. I’ve helped a lot of the Hiphop artist around the world to be famous, collaborate or even to start thinking as HipHopers.

However, I smiled every time they start talking about their past as they worked very hard to be stars.

WHAT’S UP ARABIA!

Norah Binladin • Lighteight

Nabinladin@gmail.com

Graphic Designer / Illustrator

Lighteightart

[FOLLOW NOE TWO] http://noetwo.com/

s p o t f . y . i .

An emblematic figure of French graffiti

s p o t f . y . i .

CARTOONS

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

New #Khartoon Musical Chairs posted for shakomakoNET 12 years after the fall of #Bagdad

CARTOONS

New #Khartoon!

How Netanyahu feels about the wars in the Middle East #Syria #Yemen #Saudi #Egypt #Sudan #Israel #Cartoon

s p o t f . y . i .

[FOLLOW CORINNE MARTIN] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/corinnemartinart Twitter @CorineMartinArt http://www.corinnemartin.com http://blog.corinnemartin.com/ http://shop.corinnemartin.com/ http://work.corinnemartin.com/

Corinne Martin Contemporary Middle Eastern Art & Culture

“Where is our Grendizer” (2013) “Acrylic on Canvas | 130 cm x 130 cm

s p o t f . y . i .

“PowerPuff Girls Diptych” Acrylic on Canvas | 90 cm x 150 cm + iPhone Cover Design

“3oshki” ‫( عشقي‬My Love) 120cm x 140cm

Mr. Pringles Red Acrylic on Canvas | 130 cm x 130 cm

WHAT’S UP ARABIA!

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

[FOLLOW Q8 STREETART] https://www.facebook.com/q8streetart https://instagram.com/q8streetart/

A canvas for Kuwaiti graffiti artists FRIZY - What an original tag! Who is the person behind it? And what is a nickname given to you or does it have a personal story?

Frizy is an outgoing, spontaneous, go-getter with a love for family and friends and appreciation for life lessons.

Take one look at me and you will obviously see that the name Frizy applies to my curly hair. It really is larger than life. Of course Kuwait weather adds to the term Frizy, the weather is redonculous haha.

I feel it reflects my personality.

How did you first get acquainted with graffiti and street art?

I’ve always had a passion for photography throughout university I would take freelance opportunities for different kinds of photography that lead me to start my own home studio Eclectic Studio. Urban photography was my preferred style and that is what led me to the world of street art and graffiti. Being an avid traveler, I’ve come across many different styles of street art and graffiti, mainly in the UK, Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon and Cyprus. I more frequently began documenting these inspiring pieces and began networking with these artists in different countries. I was inspired by their stories, their passion and of course their artwork.

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

How and when did the concept behind ‘Q8 STREET ART’ come to life?

Coming back from my travels I realized my collection of street art and graffiti photography was growing and I was determined to find that kind of inspiration at home, Kuwait. Through my search to document street art and graffiti in Kuwait I would spend my weekends and free time hunting for pieces by local artists and I was surprised at how progressive the scene was becoming. I felt that local artists needed support and recognition and in 2012 I decided to create Q8 Street Art on instagram which till today is the only local platform dedicated to showcasing the Kuwait street art and graffiti scene. My efforts are not only focused on showcasing artwork as I’m equally passionate about bringing the artists to the forefront.

Where did you continue your higher studies and in what major?

I attended Rutgers University in New Jersey and continued my BA in Mass Communications and Media at the American University of Kuwait, with a minor in Psychology.

Has being art-driven always been part of your personality?

Absolutley! I was raised in a home were art was praised and appreciated in all its forms. My mother enrolled me in art contests when I was a child and I have always been fascinated with art. At home I actually have a section that allows me to express my artistic freedom it’s my little haven “Wonderland” that keeps me inspired and sane.

Has hip hop culture ever influenced you to lean towards street art?

Abso-freakin-lutley!! All who know me know that I am musically driven. Ever since I was a child, the hip hop culture influenced my fashion sense and life style especially in the late 90’s early 2000’s where being a senior in highschool was all about making statements.

I’m obsessed with hip hop dancing and its origins (I’m known to bust a move or two haha) How would you describe your style? Is your emphasis on character design, abstract compositions or calligraphy?

I like incorporating words in my artwork, which stems from my love for poetry and music. Stenciling is a style that I enjoy because I’m still developing my free hand skill and I’m exploring different styles that speak to me to find my unique expression as an artist. Here I’m learning so much from the different artists I’m meeting through Q8 Street Art and I’m seeing that individuality is key. The learning process is never ending.

Calligfraffiti by EL Seed

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Graffiti mural by Skount and Nizzy

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Graffiti by Monstariam

Fay Al Homoud a.k.a. Frizy | Founder of Q8 StreetArt

What was a mural or artwork you saw that caught your attention and till now is marked as a source of inspiration?

I went on a street art tour in Shoreditch, UK specifically to see pieces by Alex Dias and ROA. I’m fascinated with their details and scale.

Their pieces are large statement pieces I was instantly drawn to their profound impressions they literally left me speechless and I can honestly say that the tour I took that day changed my life.

What kind of competitions, conferences and/or festivals have you been part of?

I have taken photography workshops and enrolled in an online photography course in New York. I’m proud to say that my photography has been used in a documentary that was supported by the United Nations. I have been invited to gallery openings and premier shows hosted by globally recognized street artists which helped me enhance my vision for Q8 Street Art and gave me the opportunity to speak about the scene in Kuwait with world renowned street and graffiti artists.

I also participated in an international poetry contest where I came out in the semi finals and always attend local art shows, gallery openings, music events and activities that support the urban scene in Kuwait and around the region. I have participated in a festival in Kuwait that launched Q8 Street Art on all platforms. I was surprised that the feedback was overwhelming.

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Graffiti by Nizzy

Calligraffiti by Jarrah Al Biloushi

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Graffiti mural (left to right) by Bufifty | joegraffi | SyaOne | Steffibow | Monstariam | Kelsix

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART In what way does music play a role in your individuality as a person and as an artist?

Music is probably the most important part of my life.

Music is what drives me, what motivates me and what keeps me focused and inspired. I find music to be a form of energy, it has the power to heal and to motivate.

Music boosts my creativity in all aspects. I appreciate all the different genres especially R&B infused pop and sample-based electronic music. I love deep and meaningful lyrics and sometimes I find myself envisioning different videos based on lyrics and sound. I’ve dabbled with different instruments like the saxophone, drums, keyboard, flute, and guitar and I believe that music is and will continue to be my most cherished and personal point of inspiration.

What are the top highlights of your career to this day?

I owe my career to the amazing artists in Kuwait. I’m so proud to witness the rise in street art and graffiti in Kuwait and even more proud to be part of this emerging community. Q8 Street Art has now become a regionally and internationally recognized community of artists and I strive to support and offer our local artists with opportunities that will further highlight their talents.

My strength is my network of artists, establishments that

are looking for talent and the relationships I have formed.

I have a hand in a few online and interactive platforms that allows me to bring local artists to the spotlight and showcase their artwork to the world. I will always pride in this as that is my number one priority.

What are your plans for Q8 Street Art? Are you considering to compile this culture in a visual book?

To continue doing what I am doing. I do not see this as personal gain. My aim is to enrich the world’s vision of Kuwait and its pop culture and the artists that are making it happen. Ultimately I aim to establish Q8 Street Art as a fully functioning platform for up and coming and established artists to grow and share their message with the world. I love when I see that the artists I highlight are off doing amazing things that I’ve helped facilitate. I am a creative book junky I have an extensive library of art books and I’ve always dreamed of seeing my photographs published and hopefully compile my own publication.

As Frizy, what are your personal goals?

I aim to establish Q8 Street Art as an organization that aids in facilitating opportunities for Kuwait street artists around the world. My aim will always to showcase Q8 Street Art and the emerging street and graffiti artists and hopefully establish a regional platform that highlights other Gulf countries as well. Interaction is very important to me and I will always want to form relationships with other creative people wherever I go.

These relationships do not only enhance my network but allows the Q8 Street Art community to benefit and collaborate with other artists around the world. I’m so fascinated with street art that I’m working to become a street artist one day with everything that I have learned from the artists that I have met.

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Tell re-volt magazine something not many people know about you.

I have tattoos and an obsession with sugar skulls. I love to sing and even though I’m not a generally a shy person I can never sing on demand. I’m usually known to have different characters that my friends generally enjoy black mailing me with (darn snapchat!) I’m usually not myself when I straighten my hair for some reason I transform into one of the children in Sound of Music hahaha.

Stencil by Frizy

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

Calligraffit by Zepha

LOCAL FLAVA’ | Q8 STREETART

CARTOONS

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

Jabertoon (Abdullah JABER) Only during exams period

Jabertoon (Abdullah JABER) “Where has DAEESH come from?” (in th branches ‘Sectarianism’)

Jabertoon (Abdullah JABER) “Why does this screw have a cross on it?!”

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

[FOLLOW THE BEAT]

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

9:00 AM | THE BEAT WAGON > Flight JED TO DAM Accompanied by Big Hass, artists are ready to travel to Dammam, where they’ll be taking a bus to Bahrain!

BIG HASS ON THE MIC! • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

On Friday May 29th, 2015, G-SHOCK presented a new edition of THE BEAT and this time it was taken outside Jeddah.

THE BEAT | From KSA to Bahrain hosted by Big Hass The Live performances line up was: Run Junxion (Saudi Arabia) Jeddah FAM (Saudi Arabia) Mothanna Anbar (Saudi Arabia) Coco (Kuwait) Black Banners (Saudi Arabia) Lou (Saudi Arabia) Flipperachay (Bahrain) Arabique (Kuwait) Knockout Crew (Saudi Arabia) and DJ Outlaw (Bahrain) who was on the decks that evening.

The event also had a graffiti session done by DHAD Family (Saudi Arabia) G-Shock also surprised the fans with a guest performance by Qusai Don Legend who also launched his collaboration custom made watch with G-Shock.

It is important to create such a platform and to attend this kind of events. “This is all for local and regional artists, they need the support of the community. They are talented and deserve to be heard� (Big Hass)

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

FLIPPERACHAY • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

LOU • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

KNOCKOUT CREW • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

COCO • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

MOTHANNA ANBAR • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

ARABIQUE • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

J-FAM • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

[FINAL RESULT] GRAFFITI MURAL BY DHAD AT MALJA BAHRAIN

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT [FROM KSA TO BAHRAIN]

BLACK BANNERZ & ANAS ARABI (RUN JUNXION) • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

QUSAI DON LEGEND & ANAS ARABI (RUN JUNXION) • Photo by Abdulla Minhas

FEATURE | ELEPHEEL

ELEPHEEL

Designer - Illustrator - Writer - Musician 1.You got your own unique style when it comes to design. What inspired you to become one?

I’ve been into art and drawing since I was a kid, so when I had to start thinking about a career, I almost immediately decided to pursue graphic design. I can’t imagine myself doing something for a living that I’m not at all passionate about.

I was once commissioned by an independent local magazine called F/I/M²/P (which stands for fashion, illustration, music, movies, photography) to provide illustrations for a piece on the television program “MTV: Unplugged”. So I decided to depict Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Lauryn Hill of The Fugees as they looked in the episodes on which they appeared, in my style of course.

2.You have designed a lot of crazy amazing illustrations and posters. Name 5 that you’re really proud of?

In 2013, Edd Abbas, Lipos and myself released a collaborative album called “Tripnol”, and I got to do the album artwork for that. I liked the strange illustration I did for the cover, it’s very much my style and though it doesn’t relate literally to anything in the music, it does set the tone for the vibe we were going for with it.

I designed an illustration for a t-shirt contest where the theme was superheroes. I decided to make my submission about a pet peeve of mine: the way Lebanese people pronounce the name “Batman”, saying something closer to “Bawtman”. And since “bawt” is Arabic for “armpit”, this superhero everyone keeps referring to is essentially “Armpit Man”, and that’s what the visual depicts.

Hip Hop Baladi were planning yet another live showcase of local MCs, Baladiyat Vol. 3, which featured El Rass as a special guest. I remember working on a first draft of this poster and then suddenly realizing that I’ve been using almost the same exact layout for the event posters I make. So I scrapped it and came up with something drastically different, and the result was what you see here.

I don’t usually do a lot of fan art, but I’m a big fan of the movie “Shaun of the Dead”, so one day I decided to produce something as a tribute. What I ended up doing was illustrating the two main characters of the film, Shaun and Ed, carrying their signature weapons and surrounded by stylized zombie hands. The title of the poster is “You’ve Got Red on You”, which is a phrase that recurs in the film.

FEATURE | ELEPHEEL

FEATURE | ELEPHEEL

[FOLLOW ELEPHEEL] Art blog: http://elepheel.tumblr.com/ SoundCloud: http://elepheel.tumblr.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elepheel Twitter: https://twitter.com/elepheel

4. Tell re-volt something not a lot of people know about you I’ve never done drugs.

3.You love Hip-Hop. What’s the vibe you associate yourself with? And who from the Lebanese rap scene you love listening to?

In terms of hip hop, the vibe I mostly associate myself with is kind of old school and experimental. I like breakbeats and sampling a lot. From the Lebanese rap scene, I listen to Fareeq el Atrash, El Rass and Rayess Bek, among others.

5.You’re also a producer. tell us about that passion. when did you get into it, why & how?

I don’t know anything about music and can’t play any instruments, but I’m very passionate about music, so I decided to try digital production, since I was into hip hop and electronic music and it seemed to be more accessible than learning an isntrument.

I first experimented with making music a couple of times in my mid-to-late teens, playing around in software that was definitely not meant for music-making, such as Adobe Audition and Virtual DJ. I also had a small synthesizer I used to play around with called the KORG Kaossilator.

However, I only seriously started producing music around 2011 when I began using Fruity Loops Studio (FL Studio) and downloading sample packs, then later sampling from actual vintage music.

I like blending different styles, but since I can’t possibly learn to play every kind of instrument, sampling was the perfect way for me to bring my weird combinations to life and come up with all kinds of experimental vibes. I still can’t decide on a specific sound to this day, and I’ll probably always be known for that; not having one specific style.

[FOLLOW YOMIKU] http://yomiku.flavors.me/ Instagram @yomiku Twitter @yomiku

s p o t f . y . i .

Hanan ALNOMANI {yomiku}

Arabic Anime Illustrator

s p o t f . y . i .

FEATURE | ROYAL S

ROYAL S

Radio Monte Carlo Host | Rapper What got you into radio? How long you been hosting your show?

I would like to highlight first that in addition to being a radio host, I am a rapper since 1995, therefore I am used to the microphone. I am also a journalist, I wrote for several Hip Hop French Magazine as The Source in its French edition, Tracklist and Rap Mag. In 2010, I got tired of hearing commercial music on the radio, I decided to propose a radio show to Aligre FM, a local radio in Paris.

The show is called “Old School/New School” and it is a kind of tribute to French Hip Hop pioneers. During the course of the show I have interviewed a lot of such pioneers like Rockin Squat (Assassin), Akhenaton, Dee Nasty who is one of the first French Dj and Rapper, Key James and many more. Of course, as the name suggests I have also hosted rappers from the New School because, in my opinion, they are the future of French rap. As for my radio show Aswat El Madina on the pan-Arab radio station Radio Monte Carlo Doualiya, my objective is to promote Arab Hip Hop and underground music culture in general. I think the Arab musical underground scene is very rich. I have been hosting this show since 2013.

It has been an interesting journey and a real pleasure to explore, showcase and support such talented artist from across the Arab countries, from Algeria to KSA passing by Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.

You’re Lebanese based in France. Does that give you more freedom as a radio host?

Do you have any restrictions what-so-ever from the radio?

In my radio show I have total freedom.

I choose the music to play, I decide on the guest names and discuss any topic I want without any restrictions from the station. I’m totally free. However I personally refrain from using bad words because I think listeners deserve to be addressed politely in addition to the fact that it will give a bad I image to Hip Hop. How’s the show going? And what has been the feedback from the listeners?

I guess people like it. It is probably the only show in the world where you can listen to Arabic, American and French rap at the same time. Every week, I invite artists from the Arab world as well as from France.

Discussions include their music, career, ideas in addition to discussing a specific topics, at times. Last month for example we had a debate with Omar from Ashekman, Omar Zeinedine and Hajj Mc : “The image is it stronger than words ?” It was cool. The listeners feedback in general is quite positive; this is reflected through their comments on the Radio FB page. So a big shoutout to all our listeners.

[FOLLOW ROYAL S] https://www.facebook.com/royalsmc https://www.twitter.com/royalsmc https://www.instagram.com/royal_s

What has been your top 3 interviews & why?

Hard question... I would say the interview with the female graffiti artist Abrar Allahou from Kuwait. It is the first time I interview a graffiti female artist from the Arab Gulf Countries. Even in Paris, there are not many female graffiti artist. Also the interview with Edd Abbas, because I love his music and he had a lot of interesting things to say, so It’s always cool to interview him. Recently I made a track with him “Beirut Funk”, you can listen to it on Soundcloud. The third interview is of without doubt with the French rapper Akhenaton from “Iam”. During the interview we spoke about Arab rap and he likes the Arab scene, Edd Abbas, Boikkut, Malikah, Shadia Mansour, Deeb...

FEATURE | ROYAL S

You also rap. What and who inspired to start rapping ?

I think I got inspired mostly by my personal life experience.

When I was a kid, I lived part of the civil war in Lebanon and since 1991 I have been living in a Parisian suburb.

Both places have been a source of inspiration for me.

I was also inspired by many bands, especially from NY such as Onyx, Wu Tang, Nas, Biggie, Mobb Deep.

Mobb Deep inspired the entire French scene during the 90’s … Now I listen to Asap Twelve, FlatBush Zombies, Joey Badass, some Trap music... But, not a lot...

Too much Trap is bad for your ears! haha I also listen to French rap and of course to Arabic rap. And by the way, I m going to drop a 6 tracks EP in French and Arabic!!!

Coming soon...

Tell re-volt magazine something not a lot of ppl know about you.

When I was ten, I acted in a TV commercial for “La Vache qui rit” cheese. I was not “La Vache” (the cow) hahaha! - It was produced for the Arab Gulf countries.

Whose your favorite rappers in the Arab World ?

Edd Abbas, he is very productive and has good lyrics.

Malikah, she is very “technique”. I like her ‘kalashnikov’ flow. And on stage, she is awesome. I also like Mc Amin and Deeb from Egypt, Asifeh and of course Shadia!

As a media guy, you been interviewing Arab artists & promoting them on your show. How do you research your artists ?

Being a rapper myself I already know some of those artists on the personal level. Others I come across through listening to them via other MCs or through the internet. On Soundcloud, I discovered a lot of MCs like Abyusif, Sadat, Fifty and Felo from Egypt.

Have you ever reached out to someone and they have yet to reply back for an interview ?

Yeah… But I won’t say who… No time for haters…

THE INKMAN

s p o t f . y . i .

[FOLLOW THE INKMAN] https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Inkman/1486904801549728?sk=timeline

s p o t f . y . i .