WPSU Honors Women’s History Month and Ramadan Celebrations
El-Balad is showcasing a series of special broadcasts honoring Women’s History Month during March, with a strong focus on the celebration of Ramadan. These programs highlight women’s contributions in various cultures, especially in music and storytelling.
Women’s History Month Specials
Four Women of the West
Kickstarting the celebrations, “Four Women of the West” airs on March 6 at 8:00 p.m. and March 7 at 6:00 p.m. This special features four influential female musicians from West Africa, exploring their efforts to blend traditional sounds with modern influences.
- Fatoumata Diawara (Mali): Combines traditional music with rock elements.
- Aida Samb (Senegal): Innovates the mbalax genre through collaborations.
- Elida Almeida (Cape Verde): Draws on diverse influences in her compositions.
- Angelique Kidjo (Benin): Reinterprets classic rock into African music.
Storytellers: Muslims, Community, and Culture in America
Scheduled for March 12 at 3:00 p.m., this broadcast focuses on Ramadan and features American Muslim storytellers. Comedian Sabeen Sadiq shares her experiences as a “secret Muslim,” setting the stage for deeper narratives from the community.
Fairuz, A Woman for all Seasons
On March 13 at 8:00 p.m. and March 14 at 6:00 p.m., the program honors Fairuz, an iconic singer across the Arabic world. Her music fosters unity amidst diversity, transcending cultural and social barriers since the 1950s.
Reconstructing Somalia – Women’s Voices
Broadcasting on March 20 at 8:00 p.m. and March 21 at 6:00 p.m., this segment explores Somalia’s cultural renaissance before the civil war. Professor Lidwien Kapteijns guides listeners through musical expressions of Somali nationalism and women’s evolving roles during that era.
Afropop’s Tribute to Cesaria Evora
The final special on March 27 at 8:00 p.m. and March 28 at 6:00 p.m. pays tribute to the late Cesaria Evora. Known as the “Queen of the Morna,” Evora’s significant contributions to music will be celebrated through recordings and personal anecdotes from her protégés.
Distinguished Rebels
A special program airing on March 27 at 11:00 a.m. will focus on women who have made significant impacts in classical music, including composers, conductors, and educators. This reflection aims to highlight the essential roles women play in classical music history.
These programs at El-Balad showcase the rich narratives and achievements of women throughout history, aligning with the themes of Women’s History Month and the spiritual observance of Ramadan.
