search the africa institute site

By The Africa Institute

November 30, 2023

In November 2023, The Africa Institute at Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE, established a strategic partnership with Al-Multaqa, a music, arts, and cultural academy. This collaboration aims to preserve, revive, and nurture the Afro-Arab and African cultural heritage, in pursuit of a shared vision of cultural exchange and educational advancement.

Located in the Africa Hall, Al Multaqa Academy aims to promote heritage and cultural diplomacy through events and incorporating Afro-Arab instruments into their performances.

“Al Multaqa is a great initiative and a very much needed one. Culture and the performing arts, including music, are fundamental to our mission as an institute for research, documentation, and post-graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences. The richness and diversity of African musical styles and traditions, and their contributions to global culture, are very well documented. The future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth, hence our confidence in Al Multaqa’s vision as one that carries on such a mission in these difficult times,” said Salah M. Hassan, Director of The Africa Institute, Sharjah.

As its inaugural initiative, Al-Multaqa is launching the “Africa Music Program,” which aims to offer fully funded opportunities for disadvantaged African students to study music in Sharjah, UAE. The program will engage over 100 students over three years and incorporate at least 15 African, Arab, and Afro-Arab instruments into the curriculum, as well as African vocal and dance forms.

“This program is not just about teaching music; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, self-expression, and cultural pride among our students,” said Khalda Ibrahim, CEO & Co-founder, Al Multaqa. “Through music, we aim to heal wounds, bridge divides, and empower young Africans to become ambassadors of harmony and creativity.”

By launching, the Africa Music Program, Sharjah will celebrate the rich African musical heritage by offering an extensive curriculum that includes training in diverse musical instruments, vocal techniques, composition, and performance. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned musicians and educators, immersing themselves in a nurturing environment that encourages artistic exploration and growth.

“Our gratitude extends to The Africa Institute, as without their support, this initiative would not have been possible. Especially considering the significant challenges DAL Group faced in the aftermath of the current conflict in Sudan. Over the years, DAL Group has remained committed to cultural initiatives through the DAL Cultural Forum. Therefore, we deeply value the opportunity to continue this legacy in the UAE, alongside our current partners. We also look forward to welcoming future collaborators who share our vision, allowing us to uphold our dedication to education and the preservation of cultural heritage, said Ihab Daoud, Chairman & Founder, Al Multaqa.

As part of preserving and safeguarding our community, Al Multaqa’s selection for this year was Sudanese musicians who have lost their opportunity due to the on-going conflict in Sudan, and who have a track record in their music education and contribution in Sudan. While the selection for Africa Music Program-Sharjah is complete, Al Multaqa is welcoming others who want to begin their music education journey to join.

The Africa Music Program is open to students of all backgrounds and preference will be given to students of African and Arab descent from conflict areas, refugees, or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

This partnership is part of The Africa Institute’s ongoing efforts to expand public understanding of Arab and African exchange within not only the scholarly community but also the local Sharjah community, the region, and around the globe.

For further information about Al Multaqa Academy, you can visit their website www.visitalmultaqa.com

In November 2023, The Africa Institute at Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE, established a strategic partnership with Al-Multaqa, a music, arts, and cultural academy. This collaboration aims to preserve, revive, and nurture the Afro-Arab and African cultural heritage, in pursuit of a shared vision of cultural exchange and educational advancement.

In November 2023, The Africa Institute at Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE, established a strategic partnership with Al-Multaqa, a music, arts, and cultural academy. This collaboration aims to preserve, revive, and nurture the Afro-Arab and African cultural heritage, in pursuit of a shared vision of cultural exchange and educational advancement.

Located in the Africa Hall, Al Multaqa Academy aims to promote heritage and cultural diplomacy through events and incorporating Afro-Arab instruments into their performances.

“Al Multaqa is a great initiative and a very much needed one. Culture and the performing arts, including music, are fundamental to our mission as an institute for research, documentation, and post-graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences. The richness and diversity of African musical styles and traditions, and their contributions to global culture, are very well documented. The future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth, hence our confidence in Al Multaqa’s vision as one that carries on such a mission in these difficult times,” said Salah M. Hassan, Director of The Africa Institute, Sharjah.

As its inaugural initiative, Al-Multaqa is launching the “Africa Music Program,” which aims to offer fully funded opportunities for disadvantaged African students to study music in Sharjah, UAE. The program will engage over 100 students over three years and incorporate at least 15 African, Arab, and Afro-Arab instruments into the curriculum, as well as African vocal and dance forms.

“This program is not just about teaching music; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, self-expression, and cultural pride among our students,” said Khalda Ibrahim, CEO & Co-founder, Al Multaqa. “Through music, we aim to heal wounds, bridge divides, and empower young Africans to become ambassadors of harmony and creativity.”

By launching, the Africa Music Program, Sharjah will celebrate the rich African musical heritage by offering an extensive curriculum that includes training in diverse musical instruments, vocal techniques, composition, and performance. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned musicians and educators, immersing themselves in a nurturing environment that encourages artistic exploration and growth.

“Our gratitude extends to The Africa Institute, as without their support, this initiative would not have been possible. Especially considering the significant challenges DAL Group faced in the aftermath of the current conflict in Sudan. Over the years, DAL Group has remained committed to cultural initiatives through the DAL Cultural Forum. Therefore, we deeply value the opportunity to continue this legacy in the UAE, alongside our current partners. We also look forward to welcoming future collaborators who share our vision, allowing us to uphold our dedication to education and the preservation of cultural heritage, said Ihab Daoud, Chairman & Founder, Al Multaqa.

As part of preserving and safeguarding our community, Al Multaqa’s selection for this year was Sudanese musicians who have lost their opportunity due to the on-going conflict in Sudan, and who have a track record in their music education and contribution in Sudan. While the selection for Africa Music Program-Sharjah is complete, Al Multaqa is welcoming others who want to begin their music education journey to join.

The Africa Music Program is open to students of all backgrounds and preference will be given to students of African and Arab descent from conflict areas, refugees, or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

This partnership is part of The Africa Institute’s ongoing efforts to expand public understanding of Arab and African exchange within not only the scholarly community but also the local Sharjah community, the region, and around the globe.

For further information about Al Multaqa Academy, you can visit their website www.visitalmultaqa.com

STAY IN TOUCH

Subscribe to our mailing list and get the latest news from The Africa Institute

FOLLOW US