Tidal Launches First Ever Arab Playlist for Arab Heritage Month Curated by Mekawi Impact by Dena Mekawi

Tidal, the premium music streaming platform, has announced the launch of the first-ever Arab playlist for Arab Heritage Month. The playlist has been curated by Mekawi Impact, founder Dena Mekawi, a social impact agency focused on amplifying marginalized voices through partnerships & inclusive marketing strategies.

Arab Heritage Month, which takes place in April, is a month-long celebration of the contributions of Arab Americans to the fabric of American society. Tidal's Arab playlist, curated by Mekawi Impact celebrates the richness and diversity of Arab music and highlights the work of Arab artists from around the world.

The initiative for official national designation of the month was launched in 2017 by the nonprofit media and education organization Arab America Foundation and its sister organization Arab America. Mekawi Impact is proud to have been a supporter, and one of the agencies that helped push for this month to be recognized. It began with support from a few states, but gained momentum each year. National Arab American Heritage Month was recognized in April 2021 with the U.S. Department of State, some members of Congress and 37 governors issuing proclamations supporting the month, according to Arab America.

The playlist features a wide range of music genres, from traditional Arabic music to modern pop hits, and includes songs in Arabic and English. It showcases the talents of well-known Arab artists such as Amr Diab, Nancy Agram, as well as emerging artists who are making a name for themselves in the music industry. 





Arab music has had a significant influence on the Western and Hip Hip music, both in terms of its musical elements and its cultural significance. Artists such as Swizz Beats mentioned to Mekawi Impact over the years his love and inspiration for legendary artists such as Oum Khaltoum. Oum Kalthoum was a legendary Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress who is considered one of the most influential and popular Arab singers of the 20th century. Her music and style have influenced not only the Arab world but also the Western world and hip hop culture.

Oum Kalthoum's timeless music and unique style have had a profound impact on the world of music and continue to inspire and influence artists from all over the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mekawi Impact, as a way to honor and highlight Arab Heritage Month, Dena Mekawi - CEO and Shantel Johnson, Creative Director of Mekawi Impact, to launch the first-ever Arab playlist for Arab Heritage Month, creating a curated playlist of Arab and MENA artists, and artists who have been inspired by Arab Music.”  said Bjorn Hammershaug, Senior Director, Global Curation. Tidal has always been committed to amplifying diverse voices and supporting artists from around the world, and we are proud to celebrate Arab culture and music with this playlist."

Dena Mekawi, founder of Mekawi Impact, the curator of the Arab playlist, said, "As an Arab American, I am honored to have the opportunity curating this playlist for Tidal. Music has the power to bring people together, and I hope this playlist will help showcase the incredible talent and diversity of Arab artists, helping to promote understanding and appreciation of the Arab culture. This is just the start to bring to the forefront the vibrant talents of the Arab world, while blending two worlds through music.”

The Arab playlist is available exclusively on Tidal throughout the month of April. Tidal is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the music industry and will continue to celebrate the contributions of artists from around the world.

Playlist Link: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/0e1f90c0-1213-4d3e-9019-a824e36fb32e



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@ DENAMEKAWI

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Cover Art by: @AngieAssal, @soundofmazzika

by Dena Mekawi

Shifting the narrative for people of color through storytelling

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ENTREPRENEUR STORIESGO SOLO IN THE USGO SOLO STORIESWOMEN-OWNED SMALL BIZMARKETINGCONSULTANCY

Shifting the Marketing Narrative.

4 days ago by Team Subkit ∙ 2 min read

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dena Mekawi, Founder and CEO of Mekawi Impact, located in Staten Island, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Founded in 2016 as a division of my parent company, Style & Resilience, Mekawi Impact was established as an impact-driven marketing company dedicated to working with brands, companies, artists, and others with a united purpose. On the basis of authentic cultures & representation, Mekawi Impact has worked with a vibrant global clientele and noted brands to foster a deep community engagement. Mekawi Impact curates creative campaign solutions for advertisers, brands & artists to tap into insights to push the culture forward through partnerships, & strategy.

Tell us about yourself

I have been the representative at the United Nations Department of Global Communication NGO for over ten years. I'm responsible for high-level events and partnerships and continue to be one of the very few Marketing & Strategy companies led by an Arab American woman in the USA.

I curate creative communication strategies, & partnerships to engage brands, advertisers, and entrepreneurs to implement social impact into their business model with a creative approach through my company. I have advised several United Nations Agencies, forging private-sector partnerships. I was chosen to moderate and develop peace strategies for International Day Of Peace 2016 alongside notable Goodwill ambassadors DiCaprio and Stevie Wonder and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. I was also personally recognized by Michael Douglas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the ability to create impact while curating ideas and projects. As a first-generation Arab American, there aren't many CEO owners of marketing companies - I am filling that gap and niche. We see misrepresentation of people of color, yet we wonder why. If we aren't controlling the narrative, then those in higher positions are. With the recent World Cup Fifa being held in a Muslim country for the first time, a lot of people have learned more about the culture just by being there.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is learning discipline & patience. Remembering it takes years to see the fruit of your labor - you plant the seeds, be consistent, and your hard work will pay off.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be valuable.

  2. Be consistent.

  3. Be resourceful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://denamekawi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dena.mekawi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denamekawi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-mekawi-811a6439/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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Modest Fashion: 6 stylish lines to keep on your radar by Dena Mekawi

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By Jacqueline Laurean Yates

The thought of dressing modestly once only held close cultural ties, but now it's a style of dressing many people adore.

In 2018, major retailer H&M created an entire collection dedicated to designs that catered to modest dressing. A year before that, Nike debuted its first Hijab.

More recently, model Halima Aden stunned the world as the first model to appear in a Sports Illustrated issue with a burkini, which is a full body swimsuit traditionally worn by Muslim women.

Dena Mekawi, International Affairs Director of the Arab Fashion Counciland CEO of Style & Resilience, is a first generation Muslim American. She explained to "Good Morning America" how interesting it is to see Muslims and modest dressing become such a huge asset within the fashion world.

"Many mainstream outlets have created looks for Eid (a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims at the end of Ramadan) in the last few years," says Mekawi.

"I would love to see more American designers producing exclusive modest designs," she continued.

As times continue to change, designers are opening up to inclusive designs to fit the needs of women and men of all different backgrounds.

(MORE: Rihanna becomes first woman to launch fashion brand at LVMH)

Ahead, check out six stylish designer lines at the forefront when it comes to modest clothing.

Vivi Zubedi

Mekawi mentions this high fashion line as being one of her favorites. Launched in 2011, Vivi Zubedi has become a highly coveted line known for its Abaya-style pieces that are elegant and creatively designed.

Modanisa

When functionality, fashion, and modest clothing collide, it probably looks a lot like Modanisa. The brand has over one million followers on social media, and has collaborated with big names such as Halima Aden.

Nurita Harith

Nurita Harith offers what looks like a never ending lineup of classy special occassion gowns that are modest and chic.

Nurita Harith offers what looks like a never ending lineup of classy special occassion gowns that are modest and chic.

Kabayare Fashion

Whether you want animal print or quality-made solids, this trendy line has it all. You also can shop beautiful accessories to accentuate your look.

(MORE: Rihanna becomes first woman to launch fashion brand at LVMH)

Urban Modesty

This size-inclusive retailer includes pieces that go up to size 3 XL, and continues to grow in popularity for including trendy floral prints, stripes, beading, and more in their designs.

(MORE: We tried barrettes for grown-ups -- 'hair's what happened)

Rico Rinaldi

Rico Rinaldi creates breathtaking looks that are timeless. The line includes everything from bridal looks to pretty two-piece ensembles.


Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Support Amref Health Africa at Artball Gala by Dena Mekawi

Alicia Keys brightened our night by rocking a bright orange blazer, posing alongside hubby Swizz Beatz, attending the 2018 Amref ArtBall at A/D/O on Saturday, April 28th, in Brooklyn, New York.

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Swizz Beatz, the 39 year old recording artist, founder of No Commission welcomes Toyina Odutola to the Dean Collection. Swizz Beatz promotes advocacy for the artists themselves being the driving factor behind the very platform he's building and every risk-taking move he's making has shifted culture, creating space for artist to shine by creating a dialogue through art. He has built a community and movement all in one. His resilience to push boundaries, while putting his vision to life is truly inspiring. No Commission is a platform for the artist, with a mission and unwillingness to compromise when it comes to making sure artists receive 100% of sales for their work. 

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Alicia Keys, the 37- year-old singer and The Voice coach and Swizz Beatz, the 39 year old hip hop recording artist, and visionary, presented the Rees Visionary Award to Toyin Ojih Odutola, a visual artist from Nigeria. Amref Art Ball is a premier contemporary African art auction and philanthropic event with a purpose to raise awareness and funds for Amref Health Africa. 

Toyin Ojih Odutola was honored for amplifying African Culture and transcultural perspectives. Toyin creates intimate drawings that explore the complexity and malleability of identity. Depicted in her distinctive style of intricate mark-making, her sumptuous compositions reimagine the genre and traditions of portraiture.

 

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Both matching wearing bright colors, founder of Style & Resilience, Dena Mekawi met with Alicia Keys at the Amref Art Ball. Dena mentions Alicia Keys' energy being radiant. Her energy was felt the moment you entered the room with her, says Dena. Alicia Keys has been an inspiration to her, from identity issues, to self-esteem issues of being muslim, and curvy growing up. Dena recalls Alicia Keys' music healing, and guiding her. We are inspired by these creative icons!

How I Met Michael Jordan by Dena Mekawi

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Last week, I was in a business meeting on Park avenue in the lobby of a hotel. I look behind me and a tall man makes his way with two other gentlemen, sat down at the lounge area behind us. Michael Jordan, living legend sitting right behind me. The professional in me said don't bother him, but the human side of me said how often do you get to meet a living legend? 

Now, I've been around many celebrities, since my work consists of PR, and representing artist, curating social impact strategies. However, I must say I was a little star struck. Now, I want to give a simple strategy and advice on how it all went down. In the past, I had no self-esteem, let alone confidence to walk up to someone with such high influence. 

Over the years, I learned a few tips when meeting celebrities, especially if you're looking for more than just an "instagram picture" 

  • Make them feel human, especially if they seem to be in an intimate setting, do not disturb their peace by asking for a picture, thus causing others to recognize them.

  • Have an elevator pitch, don't ask for anything, try to invite them to your world by giving short intro to your work and why you'd like to invite them in the future. 

So I did just that, I waited until my meeting was over, kept my cool and walked over. Of course I hesitated, I had my design artist/ friend with me so she kept pushing me, motivating me to just walk over there. I did not ask for any picture, and I was content with that decision, instead, I had a conversation with Michael Jordan and his friends, his manager then asked for my business card. The lesson here is, make celebrities feel human, because that's what they are. Chat with them, wow them with the time you have. Sometimes a shared experience like that is worth more than a picture for the gram. 

So the next time you encounter a celebrity, take a moment and think about what you're going to say. Time and place plays a crucial role as well, if the person is sitting and you have the luxury to articulate your elevator pitch, make sure it's one to remember. Ask yourself what can this individual do for me, and what can I do for this individual. Sometimes we are so caught up in our minds, that this person would never give us a chance because they are so high up there. Trust me, I used to think that way, but you're only as good as you think you are. Confidence will also reflect your style of communication. Finally, remind yourself that you are your own brand. Your style, your words, your website should be a reflection of what you bring to the table.