Latest news with #Emel
Ya Biladi
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Jazzablanca 2025 : Emel, a voice of art, activism, and humanity
Can one embrace transformation with intention and depth, while remaining true to oneself? For Emel Mathlouthi, the answer has always been yes, a truth she's carried since the days of her albums Helma, Kelmti Horra, and Ensenity. Through reflections on freedom, the condition of women, and both personal and collective struggles, the Tunisian artist has carved out a unique artistic path, one that defies convention. That journey now continues with MRA, her fourth album released in 2024, which she presented live for the first time in Morocco at the 18th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival (July 3–12, 2025). Performing on Stage 21, Emel delivered a powerful and visually striking show, returning to the stage as a committed, contemporary diva. Draped in a Palestinian flag, she made a bold statement against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Her performance reflected the same inclusive, emancipatory spirit that defines both her life philosophy and her creative work. Now based in the United States, the Tunisian singer, songwriter, and composer invited the Casablanca audience into an artistic universe rooted in deep humanism. Surrounded by ethereal soundscapes, hip-hop rhythms, and indie-pop textures, Emel's musical journey unfolded into a memorable concert, charged with the raw generosity that defines her eclectic approach. As a mother, woman, and artist, she continues to explore freedom in all its forms, and MRA is the result of that evolution: a mature work shaped over three years, created with an all-female team of 30 women from 22 countries. Showcasing Female Talent Beyond the Mainstream MRA serves as a liberating manifesto, a call for reinvention and a refusal to fall into self-caricature. At its core, it's a stance against the limited roles often assigned to women in the music industry. Emel's approach champions the idea that women can, and must, take creative control beyond being muses or symbols. In the current context, this call for liberation resonates universally, especially in solidarity with Palestine, a message woven into her Jazzablanca performance. Speaking with Yabiladi shortly before her show, Emel shared: «I find that as women musicians and artists, we don't do enough to support each other. We need to create opportunities and open doors for one another. That really hit me while working on this album». She clarified that this isn't a rejection of men, but a push for balance and honesty: «I value all my collaborators. We're not against men, but there's an imbalance that needs correcting». «It would be hypocritical to sell an image of freedom on stage if I were the only woman behind it. Early in my career, I used to be proud to be the only woman in my band. But that's the patriarchal world we live in. We grow up in it. If we're going to call ourselves thinkers, we have to live up to that title». Emel wanted MRA to challenge clichés and preconceived notions, especially about women in technical or creative leadership roles: «We still get uncomfortable with the idea of a woman being a sound engineer, a producer, or the one behind the mixing desk. Through this album, I wanted to break that». For her, elevating women doesn't mean excluding men, it's about creating space for more voices, and more kinds of collaboration. Independent Music to Combat «Intellectual Impoverishment» This deep artistic process naturally led Emel to embrace a wide range of musical styles and influences, a diversity she considers essential: «I've always been afraid of intellectual impoverishment. I'm not chasing complexity for its own sake, but I never want to create something trivial. That's not what I do, or ever wanted to do». «I don't like repeating myself. As artists, and as human beings, we have a duty to push boundaries and offer new possibilities to music and to listeners». Emel Mathlouthi clearly refuses to be boxed in. Convinced that freedom is never fully achieved, she uses all the facets of her identity to keep pushing the boundaries of her music. With MRA, she brings that vision to life, uniting female artists from around the world in an independent, deeply intentional project. It's a testament to the idea that diversity, change, and artistic integrity are built not on slogans, but through action.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police: Driver was DUI when hitting, killing woman in York crosswalk
YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — A driver is accused of being under the influence when he hit and killed a woman in a crosswalk in October in York, according to charging documents. Online court documents show, Jeremiah Bowers, 37, of Dover, is charged with felony counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI and homicide by vehicle, along with misdemeanor counts of DUI charges. Bowers also faces summary counts of traffic violations. According to York City police, Ruth Emel, 72, was walking in the crosswalk when she was hit by the vehicle Bowers was driving at the intersection of W. Market Street and N. Penn Street just before 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2. She was taken to York Hospital, where she died three days later, according to a criminal complaint. Police said they spoke with Bowers and a passenger witness in the vehicle, a 2014 Buick Enclave, who both said the traffic signal was green when making a turn and hitting Emel in the crosswalk. First aid was immediately given to Emel by the witness until first responders arrived right after she was struck. Bowers allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and he was taken to the hospital for a blood draw. Results showed he had marijuana in his system, police said. According to the complaint, video that captured the crash was obtained by police. On it, police said they saw 'several light cycles,' and the pedestrian control signal was activated, meaning Emel would have had the right away to cross. Bowers did not have a green arrow, just a green light, and he also failed to yield to another vehicle coming the opposite way prior to the crash. A safety inspection of the Buick concluded there were no issues with the vehicle. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now He was placed on an unsecured bail set at $100,000 by Magisterial District Judge Joel Toluba after being arraigned Tuesday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
