Smashing through walls: Metal in the Middle East
Get ready for a killer panel discussion on the diverse heavy metal scene in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The discussion will spotlight the talent and the explosive growth of the metal industry in this region, which is breaking barriers and making waves.
The panel’s lineup, spanning the geographical breadth of the region, will share their stories about the rise of heavy metal in their countries and how the scene is smashing through cultural and social walls.
The discussion will dive into the ever-growing industry connections between the MENA metal scene and the global stage: Major international bands have teared it up in the region, and MENA musicians are making a mark in the world.
This is your chance to get the inside scoop on the MENA metal scene and see how it's shaking up the global metal community. It’s a region of talent and opportunity in spite of ongoing challenges and restrictions. Don't miss out—this discussion is going to be loud, raw, and real!
Mod: Lina Khatib // World Metal Congress (UK/LB)
Lina Khatib (aka Metalina) started out in Lebanon as a musician and presenter of the country’s only metal music show on national public radio in the 1990s before managing metal bands from the Arab world and then co-founding and co-leading the World Metal Congress, an initiative connecting the global metal community. She is an internationally recognized expert on the culture and politics of the Middle East and North Africa and has been director of policy programs on the region at some of the world’s leading think tanks, a university professor, media commentator, and author of several books and newspaper articles. She is also a nonprolific visual artist, designer of avant-garde headpieces, and writer of a theatrical play blending politics, heavy metal, and dark comedy.
Redouane Aouameur // Lelahell (DZ)
Redouane Aouameur (Arabic: رضوان عوامر; born 27 November 1976 in Algiers) is a prominent Algerian metal musician, celebrated for his role as the lead singer and guitarist of the metal band Lelahell. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Aouameur has been a pivotal figure in shaping Algeria's metal music scene.
Aouameur first emerged in the late 1990s as the bassist for Algeria's pioneering extreme metal band, Neanderthalia. He later became a trailblazer with Litham, contributing to the first Algerian metal album. In 2004, he founded Carnavage, the country's inaugural grindcore band. Today, he is best known as the frontman of Lelahell, a band renowned for its brutal death metal sound and innovative approach.
In January 2016, the documentary "Highway to Lelahell" was released, chronicling Aouameur's 23-year career and its intersection with the history of Algerian metal. His influence extends globally, with collaborations on recordings by bands such as Death Throne and Aash. As an extreme metal vocal teacher, Aouameur has mentored aspiring vocalists in Switzerland, Greece, the United States, Sweden, and Germany.
A versatile session vocalist and lyricist, Aouameur excels in English, French, and Arabic. His expertise and professionalism are reflected in his extensive discography, which includes hundreds of recording projects. Redouane Aouameur continues to be a formidable force in the metal music world, both as a solo artist and with Lelahell.
Gigi Arabia // Heavy Arabia Entertainment (SA)
Gigi Arabia is a music business professional who works in the field of artist management and heavy metal promotion in Saudi Arabia. She is an artist manager and the founder/CEO of Heavy Arabia Entertainment–– Saudi Arabia’s 1st dedicated heavy metal promotion company. The company specializes in producing and managing local heavy metal gigs and regional tours and offers mass promotion, international booking opportunities, masterclasses, workshops, and clinics to both signed and unsigned heavy metal bands.
Shayan // Trivax (IR)
Shayan is a musician and fitness coach, born in Tehran, Iran, after the Islamic Revolution. He grew up in a world of totalitarian religious extremism, under the rule of cultural and societal restrictions - defying which could lead to punishments of imprisonment, or even death via order of execution.
He is best known as the frontman and guitarist of the Black Death Metal band, TRIVAX, who were originally conceived in rebellion, at the heart of the Islamic Republic in 2009. They are now based in the UK and perform live shows internationally.
In addition - Shayan is the host for the Iblis Manifestations podcast, where he has in-depth and nuanced conversations with artists, journalists and entrepreneurs, predominantly within the underground scene, where they discuss all aspects of music, life and beyond.
He is best described as a free speech absolutist, spiritual explorer, fitness fanatic, psychedelic adventurer as well as a Rock n Roll & Extreme Metal connoisseur.
