Thread by @NYUADArtsCenter

We’re live-streaming an arts chat from @NYUAbuDhabi @NYUAD_CDC at with @RealSeunKuti @Alsarah5000 @altingunband and Basem, agent for Lekhfa, moderated by @TheNationalUAE’s @SaeedSquared Tune in. #BarzakhFestival

So far, it’s been a far-ranging conversation about modifying their sets for different audiences (don’t, say @RealSeunKuti and @Alsarah5000 - trust your material), the problem and importance of labels (artists define your own before someone does it for you) #BarzakhFestival

As a fan, I need to find a guide, says Basem Abuarab of @almoharek. He’s more open than some of the artists.

“It’s good cardio.” @SaeedSquared tells the audience what to expect at a @RealSeunKuti show. Also, expect to have your mind and consciousness engaged. #afrobeat #BarzakhFestival

Art without purpose is clutter - @Alsarah5000. That doesn’t mean that to dance and spread joy isn’t a valid purpose. You need to feed your mind, your soul, your heart and your spirit. #BarzakhFestival

We started the band @altingunband because we loved the music. We started by playing exact copies. Eventually we started coming up with our own version, to play it in a funky way. #BarzakhFestival

As an agent, @almoharek has a purpose - they are often introducing music from the MENA region to other parts of the world. It’s a platform and a passion. #BarzakhFestival

There’s a mixture of hunger and curiousity about Arab popular / indie music, says Basem if @almoharek

Getting the sound in your head into a recording is the hard work, says @RealSeunKuti. It gets better with time as you learn how to do that and become a better musician. You never stop getting better. There’s always something to work on. #BarzakhFestival

(Having @CarlosSantana in the album doesn’t hurt either) admits @RealSeunKuti

On recording: @RealSeunKuti and @Egypt80Band record live so sound separation and a good room are most important.

The melodies sound like old friends coming to visit: @SaeedSquared of @TheNationalUAE on @Alsarah5000 and the Nubatones and their retro pop. She adds “folk songs are just old pop” #BarzakhFestival

“I love listening to music that sounds like you already know it” - @Alsarah5000 #BarzakhFestival

You’re not supposed to one thing the whole time. Artists need to have time and space to move and grow. @Alsarah5000

On folk music: for me it’s the only thing. I only listen to Turkish folk music @altingunband #BarzakhFestival

Legacy is not really in my hands, says @RealSeunKuti. There are more Afrobeat bands in NY than Nigeria. #BarzakhFestival

People want to be “Fela famous” but they don’t want to have the Fela responsibility. @RealSeunKuti

I come from traditions of music in which the tradition is for others to write for you and you stand in front and execute. I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to write my own songs and tell my own story. @Alsarah5000

The singer Rasha was the artist who really moved me, @Alsarah5000

There is a long legacy of female songwriters and singers in Sudan, but they aren’t generally viewed as such. Their status is demoted by the patriarchy @Alsarah5000

No one gets to tell you who to be. Own your life. You are your own legacy (paraphrasing @Alsarah5000 )

Big shout-outs from @SaeedSquared to the agents and to the presenters for connecting artists to audiences. #BarzakhFestival

Audience question: do artists rely more on touring or live music. @RealSeunKuti: for 20 years, recording has been removed from the equation so you have 2 options, touring or corporate sponsorship.

Another audience Q about playing for small or indifferent audiences at early stage in career: @RealSeunKuti - when I’m on stage, I’m performing for myself.

It’s important to put out new music, not just as a calling card, but to spread my message. Regardless of commercial compensation. The system doesn’t understand value. Only cost @RealSeunKuti

Being so stubborn you don’t give up. @Alsarah5000 on how she built her early career. I started out singing in restaurants, other people’s bands... it’s crucial to play music *you* like. Push yourself internally as well.

Meet your ideas outside of you. Playing the same songs live for a year on tour will change them @Alsarah5000

As a woman, when you demand what you want, you’re considered a diva. You have to learn to speak up for what you want and what you need. @Alsarah5000

The reason I like remix projects is that I get to meet the songs all over again. @Alsarah5000. I try to step back in the orocsss and work with an artist whose music I already like, and then pick the songs I want them to have. #curating the collaborators. #remix

What’s up next: @RealSeunKuti wanted to record a live album of his favorites + album of new material. @Alsarah5000 is working on tracks for new album to finish in May and playing in US. Basem of @almoharek is building an Arab music showcase in Cairo. #BarzakhFestival