Initiative Bridges of Melody
Bridges of Sound — An Arab–American Musical Dialogue
A pioneering cultural and musical initiative aiming to establish a profound artistic dialogue between Arab musical heritage and global musical schools, through the utilization of artificial intelligence in serving creativity and preserving intangible cultural heritage in accordance with the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
Forgot Sleep · 2025
Musical Re-creation in the EDM Style
Bridges of Melody
International Arab Musical Dialogue
The “Bridges of Melody” Initiative It is a pioneering cultural and musical project launched by ALECSO Chair for the Valorization of Joint Arab and International Work , affiliated with the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO), led by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Sarmani Chairholder.
The initiative originates from Libya and extends across the Arab world and beyond, drawing inspiration from timeless Arab and Libyan songs and reinterpreting them within a global framework that blends Eastern maqam with American harmonica, while employing artificial intelligence techniques in music production.
The initiative embodies the Chair’s commitment to the principles of UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) It presents an innovative practical model for how heritage can be preserved through creativity and technology.
Building Cultural Bridges
Establishing an artistic dialogue between Arab musical heritage and global musical schools
Employment of Artificial Intelligence
Utilizing the Latest Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Music Production and Heritage Preservation
Arab International Cooperation
Building Sustainable Institutional Partnerships between Arab and International Organizations
Reaching Younger Generations
Presenting Arab Musical Heritage through Contemporary Methods that Attract Youth
Under the patronage of and in cooperation with
Completed Artworks
A collection of authentic musical works produced by the “Jusur Al-Nagham” initiative within the “Sands and Souls” project — a cultural journey connecting the East and the West.
I Forgot Sleep 2025
Naseet El Noum 2025 — EDM Reimagining
An innovative musical re-creation inspired by the iconic phrase “I forgot to sleep” from Umm Kulthum’s song “Ba’eed ‘Anak” (1965), transforming it into an electronic music experience in the EDM/Drum and Bass style, combining the golden age of Arabic tarab with contemporary digital production. This song embodies the initiative’s commitment to the principles of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We get upset and then reconcile.
We Fight and We Forgive / We Fight and We Love
The ballad “Rouhi,” inspired by Ray Charles’ style, reinterprets the Libyan classic “Naz’al wa Narda” by the late artist Mohamed Hassan, transforming its Arabic emotional themes into an authentic American Soul style. The song explores the duality of conflict and forgiveness, and how love always prevails. It forms part of the “Sands and Souls” project—a cultural journey connecting the Eastern Maqam and American Blues.
Always and forever
Again and Always
An emotional journey blending the Arab spirit with the American spirit, inspired by the Libyan classic “Naz’al wa Narda” by the late artist Mohamed Hassan. The song explores the eternal dance of love — between conflict and peace, storm and calm — expressing the artist’s vision of building a musical bridge between East and West. Love always returns — time and time again.
The Muhammadiyya Poem
Al-Qasida Al-Muhammadiyya
A musical revival of a poem in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, compiled by Imam Muhammad bin Saeed al-Din from the renowned poems of Imam Al-Busiri. This work presents the rich Islamic poetic heritage in a contemporary musical style, utilizing artificial intelligence techniques to preserve the spirit of the original text while delivering it to a wider audience.
The Golden Advice
The Golden Advice — Imam Al-Shafi’i
Musical composition and production of the famous wise verses of Imam Al-Shafi’i, those golden pieces of advice that speak of patience, contentment, tolerance, and disregard for enmity. This work presents the classical Arab poetic heritage in a musical style that combines authenticity and modernity.
The Voice of the Nightingale’s Whistle
Al-Asma’i — Algerian Style + Electronic Remix
The Voice of the Nightingale’s Whistle
Sawt Safeer Al-Bulbul — Al-Asma’i · Rai + Electronic Remix
A contemporary reinterpretation of one of the most famous poems of the Arab heritage, attributed to the Abbasid poet Al-Asma’i. The poem is distinguished by its complex and playful linguistic structure, as well as its legendary story involving the challenge posed to the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’far Al-Mansur, who was renowned for his ability to memorize poems upon first hearing them. This work combines the spirit of Algerian Raï music—inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list—with contemporary electronic remixing, building a cultural bridge from Abbasid Baghdad through Oran, Algeria, to the world.
Official Launch
The most prominent initiatives officially launched by the Chair in collaboration with international partners.
Official Launch
Operetta “Peace for Libya”
Al-Salam Li Libya — Peace for Libya Operetta
A new epic operetta entitled “Peace for Libya,” produced entirely using artificial intelligence—including its lyrics, melodies, and vocal performance—marks the first Arabic musical work completed fully with AI technologies. The operetta conveys a national message calling for peace, tolerance, and unity, embodying the grandeur of Libya and the continuity of its history through its poetic texts and orchestral compositions.
Libyan News Agency: “ALECSO Chair Launches Operetta ‘Peace for Libya’ Using Artificial Intelligence” — The ALECSO Chair for Valuing Joint Arab and International Work announced the launch of this new epic operetta, produced at the Chair’s headquarters in the United States of America, featuring a clearly high-quality musical performance upon listening.
Legal and Cultural Framework
The initiative and its commitment to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO Convention 2003
Intangible Cultural Heritage
The “Bridges of Melody” initiative adopts a pioneering approach in implementing the principles of UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) Presenting an innovative practical model that combines heritage preservation with technological innovation.
“These groups and communities continuously recreate it in a manner consistent with their environment, interactions with nature, and history, which fosters in them a sense of identity and a feeling of continuity.” — Article 2, UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003
The reinterpretation of classic Arabic songs in EDM, Soul, or Folk styles using artificial intelligence constitutes a form of “continuous re-creation” advocated by the Convention, while preserving the cultural essence of the original work.
Preservation through Innovation
Employing artificial intelligence to reinvent Arab musical heritage through contemporary methods, while preserving its cultural essence.
Digital Preservation
Publishing works on global digital platforms ensures their preservation and accessibility to millions of listeners worldwide.
International Cooperation (Article 19)
The project is sponsored by the ALECSO Chair (an Arab organization) and is being carried out from the United States, embodying Arab-international cooperation.
Awareness and Education (Article 14)
Introducing the global audience to Arab musical heritage and its prominent figures such as Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Hassan, and Al-Imam Al-Busiri.
A Bridge Between Generations and Cultures
Presenting heritage through a musical language that resonates with youth, and breaking down linguistic barriers through translation and cultural adaptation.
Initiative Leadership
The central figure behind the “Bridges of Melody” initiative
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Sarmani
Director of the ALECSO Chair for Valorizing Joint Arab and International Work
A Libyan architect and musical artist holding a master’s degree, residing in the United States of America. He leads the ALECSO Chair from its headquarters in the United States, striving to support the rapid transfer of knowledge and enhance cooperation between Arab and international institutions.
Al-Sarmani embodies the vision of the initiative in his artistic career, as he writes and produces song lyrics using artificial intelligence, transforming Arabic and Libyan classics into global musical works that address a broader human audience.
“Artificial intelligence here has not come as a substitute for human creativity, but rather as a supportive tool that enhances the ability of creators to convey their message more broadly and effectively.”
Legal Notice and Intellectual Property Rights
All works presented on this page are original artistic creations produced under the “Bridges of Melody” initiative, sponsored by the ALECSO Chair. Some works draw inspiration from classical Arab musical heritage, with explicit acknowledgment of the original creators and their rights. The song “I Forgot Sleep 2025” is inspired by “Ba’id ‘Annak” by Umm Kulthum (lyrics by Mamoun Al-Shenawy, composition by Baligh Hamdi, 1965) and is presented as a new derivative creative work with full reference to the original source. The works “We Argue and Reconcile” are inspired by the Libyan classical artist the late Mohamed Hassan. All rights are reserved to their respective owners. Republishing or distributing these works is prohibited without prior written permission from the ALECSO Chair.