As Associate Professor of Arabic language, culture, and literature, I aim to celebrate and share the rich Arab culture in Canada. An emerging research interest of mine is Afro-Iraqi cultural heritage. With these particular academic pursuits in mind, I drew from experience growing up in Iraq, hearing and recently learning Afro-Iraqi drumming styles. I began playing in local groups and currently I am volunteering to train Arab Canadians in this style of drumming.
On April 20th, I performed in a concert showcasing Iraqi traditional music. [The video linked below is an example of] my volunteer work with Maqamat International Orchestra (based in Mississauga), featuring their performance at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener. I played in the style of Afro-Iraqi drumming called al-Khashaba, to preserve and share the rich heritage of Black Arab culture (although I am not a Black Arab). The rhythmic art of Khashaba drumming traces its roots to Basra (Iraq) during the Abbasid era 750–1258 CE. Historically, Black laborers constructing ships crafted small drums from leftover wood, giving birth to the distinctive beats, communal singing and clapping, and vibrant dance associated with Khashaba.