Omar Offendum reflects on identity ahead of Quoz Art Fest performance of ‘From a free Syria’

Omar Offendum reflects on identity ahead of Quoz Art Fest performance of ‘From a free Syria’
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Offendum is also a spoken-word poet and recently described himself as a theatrical storyteller. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 January 2025
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Omar Offendum reflects on identity ahead of Quoz Art Fest performance of ‘From a free Syria’

Omar Offendum reflects on identity ahead of Quoz Art Fest performance of ‘From a free Syria’
  • Syrian-American rapper blends classic hip-hop, Arab poetry
  • Trying to challenge ‘stereotypes’ of Arabs, Muslims, he says

DUBAI: Returning to the UAE after his debut performance in AlSerkal in 2009, Syrian-American artist Omar Offendum will take to the stage at the Quoz Arts Fest on Jan. 25.

Speaking to Arab News recently, the New-York based rapper said he was excited about performing in the Arab world, and being able to say he is “from a free Syria” for the first time.

Offendum is also a spoken-word poet and recently described himself as a theatrical storyteller.

“When I’m on stage, I’m not just singing songs or just reciting poetry, I’m bridging all of that with storytelling. And I find myself really comfortable in theater spaces now.

“As much as I love a big festival, I find what’s really unique about theater is people enter the space with the understanding that you are being sort of transported into an imaginary time and place,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from artists including Bob Marley, Sade, Sabah Fakhri and Feyrouz, Offendum’s music blends classic hip-hop and elements from traditional Arab culture.

“What was unique to me in my upbringing was that it wasn’t just musicians, it was poets. Nizar Qabbani, for me, was foundational. Every album I’ve made, there’s been translations of Nizar Qabbani’s work.

I’m always reciting his poetry on stage. I think what’s really special about being an artist is that when you do it with a desire to be authentic and genuine.”

Offendum’s music is often a form of social commentary reflecting on current or past events. He said sometimes “you need a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down” and his music does that.

“I think music speaks to a different dimension in our heart and in our mind. There’s emotion and there’s meaning in music just as much as there are in words,” he explained.

But success did not come easy for the Saudi Arabia-born rapper. Offendum said he faced many challenges as an Arab after moving to Los Angeles.

He recalled an experience where he was offered voice-over work that depicted harmful stereotypes of Arabs.

“My friend was shocked that I rejected a large sum of money but I said of course not. I’m actively trying to use my voice to change the perception of Arabs and Muslims in the media,” he said.

Offendum said he remains full of passion and drive. “The fact that I’m 43 and I’m still doing what I love and I’m excited and passionate about it ... tells me that I’ve made it.”

Although New York holds a special place in Offendum’s heart, he hopes to perform in his birthplace of Saudi Arabia and homeland of Syria.


Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort
Updated 26 May 2025
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Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

DUBAI: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has partnered with nonprofit organization Choose Love to donate her Peace Lily couture dress by Robert Wun to a prize draw raising funds for Gaza.

The “Bridgerton” star has long been outspoken about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

She wore the dress to accept the Commitment Prize by French media company Konbini at Canneseries in April.

During an hour-long masterclass at the event, Coughlan spoke in depth about not only her work on shows like “Derry Girls” and “Doctor Who,” but also her support of Palestine. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Choose Love (@chooselove)

“There is a factor of ‘it’s better if you say nothing’ because our job is to entertain you,” said the actor when asked about speaking in support of Palestine, according to a report by Variety. “My dad was in the Irish Army, which is a peacekeeping force. My family lived in Jerusalem and Syria in the 70s, so it’s something that is in my bones. We are talking about right or wrong, about children being bombed in their beds. I wouldn’t accept that anywhere in the world.”

The actor, who was given the award for being a “talent actively making a change well beyond television,” continued by highlighting how there has “always been a connection between Palestine and Ireland,” and that the two countries have “shared ideals and struggles.”

“Any country in the world that was facing this, I would talk about it. It’s not difficult. For me, the killing of innocent people is never right,” she said.

The tickets for Choose Love’s prize draw are priced at $34 and the organization stated on Instagram that “donation(s) will help Choose Love’s incredible partners who are doing life-saving work in Gaza.”

“It was an honour to wear this custom gown from the inimitable Robert Wun. The message behind it is a rallying call for peace. I’m delighted to donate this gown to the prize draw to support Choose Love’s work in Gaza,” Coughlan said in a released statement about the draw.

The pearl white gown was designed by Robert Wun, a Hong Kong-born London-based fashion designer. After graduating from London College of Fashion, Wun launched his brand in 2014.


A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai
Updated 26 May 2025
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A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

DUBAI: Ghanaian British artist Kojo Marfo’s first solo exhibition in the UAE — “HOME: Heart of My Existence” — is being held at the JD Malat Gallery in Dubai until May 31.

The exhibition features 13 bold, large-scale works that invite viewers to a deeply personal and philosophical conversation about what it truly means to belong, and where that sense of belonging originates.

Best known for a vibrant style he calls “AfroGenesis,” Marfo blends influences from his Ghanaian heritage including Akan artifacts and carvings with Western techniques like Cubism and Old Master. The results are unique, with vivid, monumental figures that both conceal and reveal complex emotional narratives.

While his early inspirations include Spanish pioneer Picasso, Marfo has moved beyond mimicry to forge his own aesthetic.

“As time went on, I developed my own style and ideas — I call it ‘AfroGenesis.’ It sounds like a movement, but I want to say I am original. I am not trying to start a movement — I am just here to say, I’m authentic.”

A dialogue in color and form

While the dazzling colors and stylized forms initially captivate, it is the underlying message that lingers.

“This is about starting conversations,” Marfo explained. “We think we know everything, but we do not. We live in our minds 24/7 — it tells us what to do, how to feel. The physical space does not mean anything when the mind is in turmoil.”

“HOME” is not about a building or place. For Marfo, home is psychological, internal, shaped by emotion, experience and memory.

“We think home is four walls, a roof, and a lock — but it’s not,” he said. “This exhibition is an invitation for people to look deep into themselves. You need to know yourself, accept and learn from it.”

One of the standouts in the exhibition, “Freedom,” is a visual representation of this inner chaos.

“You can see how chaotic everything is,” said Marfo. “There is a shield — it is what society calls wearing a mask. It protects you from unnecessary aggression. It is our way of life.”

For him, the mask symbolizes humanity’s shifting identities, its emotional defenses and the delicate balance between self-expression and self-preservation.

An artistic evolution

Though Marfo’s work has been shown in global art hubs from Paris to Tokyo, this exhibition marks a significant turning point.

“When the gallery reached out to me, I said, ‘I’m going to introduce something different to this place.’ Most of these pieces have not been shown anywhere. I did it to spark a conversation in Dubai,” he said.

The exhibition is not just a geographical expansion — it is a deepening of his practice. Drawing inspiration from people and the intricacies of human behavior, Marfo paints with storytelling in mind: “Sometimes I paint and then think about the story, but it becomes more difficult. I prefer building on interactions — making it my own and then painting.”


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes
Updated 26 May 2025
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Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

 

 

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

 

 

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.


Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene
Updated 26 May 2025
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Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

DUBAI: The e-commerce space in Saudi is thriving — every so often, the market sees a new entrant, whether in fashion, beauty or lifestyle.

Its newest player is Maison Safqa, a private-sale platform offering premium-to-luxury brands at special prices — but only for a limited time. Co-founded by Lea Mehaweg, who serves as CEO, her sister Georgia, and former colleague Estelle Nasr, the concept draws inspiration from France, where private sales have long offered brands a discreet way to offload past-season inventory without diluting their image.

“It’s a private-sale platform where we offer premium to luxury brands at discounted prices,” said Mehaweg. “The whole concept is to support the brand, take their collections — even from previous seasons — and put them in a very elevated and premium shopping environment.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

 

Maison Safqa’s approach differs from traditional outlet platforms. Rather than overwhelming users with thousands of items, the site hosts limited-time “drops” that spotlight specific categories or designers — from accessories and ready-to-wear, to upcoming plans in homeware, beauty, and lifestyle services like staycations and wellness. “It’s not like a year-round outlet with hundreds of items spread across endless pages where you eventually get lost,” Mehaweg said. “On Maison Safqa, we drop new brands every week — or even every few days — and each one stays on the platform for a limited time.”

Access to these exclusive drops is available to registered members only, reinforcing the platform’s sense of community and curated exclusivity. While membership is currently free, a premium tier with added benefits, such as early access and free shipping, is in the works.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

 

Saudi Arabia was a natural choice for the full launch of the new platform. “The fashion and luxury industry is booming here. More brands are entering the market, which naturally leads to excess stock, and that’s where we come in. We want to be the first to offer a structured private-sale platform that supports brands while delivering real value to customers,” Mehaweg said. Unlike the saturated off-price market in Dubai, Mehweg sees untapped potential in Saudi Arabia, especially in the premium and luxury segment.

Having grown up in France, Mehaweg recalls rarely buying items at full price, knowing they would soon appear on curated private-sale platforms. That same smart, style-savvy mindset is what Maison Safqa aims to tap into.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

 

Another key USP is local relevance. It is rare to see regional designers featured on off-price platforms, but Maison Safqa is committed to championing homegrown talent. Alongside global names like Coach and Victoria Beckham, the platform also features Saudi and regional designers. “Most off-price players are based outside the GCC and rarely include local talent,” said Mehaweg. “For us, cultural resonance matters.”

Though first tested in Dubai, Maison Safqa is now fully operational in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand across the GCC in the coming months. As the platform grows, its goal is clear: To redefine the off-price experience in the region by blending premium access, local relevance and a curated lens for the modern Middle Eastern shopper.
 


Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
Updated 24 May 2025
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Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
  • Iconic band make major stop on Middle East leg of schedule 

RIYADH: Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh on Friday as part of their 2025 global tour, marking a major stop on the band’s Middle East schedule.

The group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, took the stage to a packed crowd, kicking off the night with “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST. (Supplied)

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. 

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST and, ahead of the event, Rayan Al-Rasheed, its director of operations and artist booking, highlighted the significance of hosting such acts in the Kingdom.

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. (Supplied)

He said: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi musical landscape acknowledged a genre that had long had a strong presence in the country, he said, adding: “The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here.”