Cultural Reads 25: News from Africa, Pinkpop & Finding Music

Happy Tuesday All,

And welcome to the Cultural Reads Newsletter! A bi-weekly book, music, and movie recommendation from different countries all around the world

Last weekend I attended Pinkpop, a famous festival in the south of the Netherlands. Some of my highlights were Lost FrequenciesManeskin & Chef’Special. This playlist contains the entire program.

Up to the newsletter! This week we have: Egypt, Greece, African News & 8 Ways To Find New Music

🎤 Abdel Halim Hafez (Egypt)

Ahwak (“I Adore You”) is perhaps one of the most famous Arabic songs of all time, and I’ve heard it in at least three Arabic movies ever since I came across it.

Abdel Halim Hafez was famous from the 50s until the 70s and became Egypt’s first romantic singer. 

He died young (aged 47) but has sold over 80 million records and is still popular among the young and old.

🎞️ Pity (Greece)

His wife is in a coma with a low chance of recovery. His colleagues, friends, and family are unsure how to respond to the situation, leading to the awkward “how are you now” conversations.

By the time the situation finally seems to improve, the nameless protagonist has gotten used to the attention. His addiction to pity makes him take weird but comic actions, transforming the movie from a tragicomic into a black comedy.

You can rent the film here.

🗞️ The Continent (Africa)

The Continent is an award-winning African newspaper designed to be read and shared on WhatsApp.

This online newspaper features news by African journalists, presenting a new non-Western perspective on African topics. The articles are extremely well-written, so I often read the majority when I initially only wanted to skim through.

Thanks to Pietro for the tip!

🎧 Tired of Listening to the Same Songs?

Are you having problems finding good music?

Check out my new blog with eight tools to get out of your music rut.

📚 One Sentence Book Takeaway

“Save at least 10% of your income at all times, no matter how high or low. 

This habit will give you consistency and a sense of control over your finances.”

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

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