#hitashyaguestposts

[xlelife]

"Mahboula" by MANAL aka Manal Benchlikha, an artist from Morocco who is a mainstay in the NEW WORLD MUSIC playlist and genre. "Mahboula" is in the style of raï, an Algerian folk music that originated in the city of Oran in the 1920s, at a time when Oran was called "Little Paris" due to its mix of cultures and rowdy nightlife. Raï was a reaction against classical Algerian music, with improvised lyrics describing the reality of street life over simplified beats and melodies. The word raï, Algerian for "advice/opinion", comes through in the lyrics, which were often opinionated and controversial. Manal's "Mahboula" is a throwback to one of the golden eras of raï music, the 1980s-1990s, though this era was not without its controversies as well. After years of different kinds of colonization, many Algerian raï performers emigrated to France as raï was banned in their home country.

The lyrics warn other women to stay away from her man in an extreme and playful way, while the video shows it to all be a daydream Manal has, a game she plays with herself while seeing an enchanting stranger. "Mahboula" is the third single off her upcoming album, Arabian Heartbreak.

-From the NEW WORLD MUSIC playlist (Spotify and Youtube), selected by Hitashya

[xlelife]

Karima Gouit just dropped "Ihwawin", where the Marrakech native celebrates Amazigh heritage and folk music with a contemporary twist.

So far no properly translated lyrics but here is Google's best guess:

Oh melodies Where are your lovers? The people of Imi Ntanout They love art All the Amazighs Art lovers My father told me he got married I told him leave me alone He told me what happened to you I told him times have changed And it is no longer the same The owner of the beautiful hair stole from me You know that life does not love those who are useless In the name of God I begin my words And I begin my experience In all fields Beauty is planted, roses and ghanaz (velvet) and tea and then henna are planted So welcome to the beauties Whoever wants to put henna is welcome You just have to adhere to its conditions so that it does not go to waste

From the New World Music Playlist (on Spotify and Youtube) selected by Hitashya

[xlelife]

"Al Sham" by Elyanna aka Elian Marjieh, a Palestinian & Chilean artist originally from Nazareth who produces songs and videos with her brother, Feras, and has her sister, Tali, help with wardrobe and styling. She is currently signed to Universal Arabic Music and just released Woledto, her third release and her first major studio album. She's also been on tour since 2023, playing Coachella (where she was the first act to sing in Arabic) and venues throughout the US, UK and Europe, including Glastonbury 2024 where she was an invited guest on the stage of Coldplay. She is managed by Wassim Slaiby, who also used to manage The Weekend, M.I.A., Doja Cat and others.

[xlelife]

HITASHYA is currently guest posting some of her favorite #NewWorld music videos on XLE.LIFE.

You can also find her #NewWorld playlist on Spotify.

Hitashya works as a musician, dj and music video director, with an EP slow leaking on the platforms. Hear TEAR UP LA TIERRA on Spotify. She is currently based in Mumbai and Goa, India.

[xlelife]

Canada, USA and India based Jasmine Sandlas is back with a new album and new videos. “Mood Sarkar Da” finds her shooting at Sealink bridge in Bombay among other spots, with lyrics about feeling at the top of her game and not responding to haters.

Posted by XLE.LIFE’s music curator Hitashya aka Kai Altmann

See lyrics (in Punjabi and roughly translated English)

Hawa Wich Fire Na Kardi Main Gajh Di Sidha Vardi Kise To Main Ki Darna Ho Janta Dare Na Kardi I don’t fire in air I speak directly on the face, why would I be afraid of someone, people don’t dare

Teese Mera Lotted Hai Diggi Wich Rakheya Main Kadh Kadh Photowan Ch Pose Na Maara My weapon is loaded I have placed it in the back hood, getting clicked everywhere I don’t pose

Gaddi Imported Ae Life Meri Sorted Hai Taahi Net Di Nitt Main Fukri Main Maara Car is imported, my life is sorted, that’s why every day on internet I don’t brag out

Gussa Mutiyaar Da Nakk Utte Rehnda Ae Aiven Koi Raah Janda Ajj Ragadeya Na Jaave Girl’s anger Is always on nose Without reason, any pedestrian May not get grinded (face my anger) today (hope that no one face’s my anger without any reason today)

Mood Sarkar Da Landua Naal Khainda Ae Aiven Kujh Keh Ke Koi Jaave Te Kiven Jaave My mood Always fought with the idiots How could someone by saying something Could try to leave

Sirre Di Rakaan Tikhi Ae Zabaan Tahi Sidhi Gall Karne To Darde Ne Top-notch girl Sharp tongue That’s why talking directly They get scared

Roop Di Dukan Kehnde Mehenga Ae Saman Taahi Window Shoppinga Hi Sare Karde Ne Market of beauty, they said that items are expensive, that’s why everyone go for window shopping only

Pyaar Naal Punjab Mainu Gulabi Queen Kehnda Ae With love the entire Punjab Calls me “Gulabi Queen”

Gussa Mutiyaar Da Nakk Utte Rehnda Ae Aiven Koi Raah Janda Ajj Ragadeya Na Jaave Girl’s anger Is always on nose without reason, any pedestrian may not get grinded (face my anger), today

Mood Sarkar Da Landua Naal Khainda Ae Aiven Kujh Keh Ke Koi Jaave Te Kiven Jaave My mood, always fought with the idiots, how could someone by saying something could try to leave