Opening

Opening is based on material from the opening section of Alf Leila wa Leila (One Thousand and One Nights) by Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum and composer Baligh Hamdi. Umm Kulthum is a major figure in Egyptian popular culture, often being referred to as “the voice of Egypt” and “Egypts fourth pyramid"

This piece is a reflection on national identity and struggling to find a sense of belonging as a mixed-race person. The sampled material gradually becomes unrecognizable as the piece progresses, symbolizing the feeling of being detached from one’s heritage.