Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. They’ll be sharing their top arts, culture and lifestyle picks with all of us – from the books and podcasts shaping the way they think, to the music, food, places and brands that bring magic to their everyday.
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This month, the fabulous best-selling author and journalist Alya Mooro is sharing her insider secrets and hot tips with us, from the book she couldn’t be without to the women who inspire her.
Growing up between the UK and Egypt, Alya’s dual cultural background has given her unique insight, which she has poured into her best-selling book, The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes. Combining Alya’s skill as a journalist and her personal journey navigating the western and Arab worlds and the norms, restrictions and stereotypes which they each force upon Middle Eastern women, The Greater Freedom is a triumphant exploration of what it means to live as you actually are.
It’s easier to be yourself if you can see yourself.
Alya Mooro
Read on for an insight into what brings Alya joy and inspiration, and fuels the incredible work she produces.
AN ARTIST, DESIGNER OR CREATOR WHO INSPIRES YOU
Basma Khalifa is an incredible Sudanese born, London-based writer, director and filmmaker. We connected belatedly last year after she told a mutual friend – and I quote – “I don’t have the capacity for new friendships right now.” Joke’s on her because I am now her favourite friend, collaborator and business partner (haha).
We have been working on a number of different projects together, including an upcoming docuseries, and it’s been such a pleasure and learning experience to see the way that she advocates for herself in all aspects of her life and work. She’s been teaching me so much about the power of believing in yourself and having your own back. A true testament to the fact that we always meet people at the right time, and that there’s always something that can be learned from everyone you encounter.
Image: @basmakhalifa
ALL-TIME FAVOURITE ALBUM
I adore Lizzo and her song (and album) Special make me feel powerful AF. I recently got flown to Qatar for a talk that I was nervous about for WEEKS and in the days before my flight I attended her sold out show at London’s 02; this song in particular made me feel so emotional to watch live. The lyrics are so, so powerful and emotive and the way she owned herself and the stage was so empowering to watch.
In doing so, she gave everyone in the audience permission to take up space in their own lives and loves, too and it was clear to see the impact from the audience’s reaction; I wasn’t the only one crying! I listen to it whenever I need a little pick me up that’s not Nicki Minaj screaming “I’m a motherf*cking monster!” Which also does the job very well.
Image: @lizzobeeating
A BOOK YOU CAN’T PUT DOWN
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton is my forever favourite book recommendation, despite the very many books I read on a monthly basis. I just love the way he writes and the nuance and honesty with which he approaches interior thoughts. I read it after a breakup and it really helped shift me into this new and deep rooted understanding that everything is temporary. The book follows a love affair as the couple meet, fall in love, break up and then each go about their own lives, each falling in love with other people. It’s a different kind of happy ending, important in and of itself.
GO-TO PODCAST
I’ve been following Libyan-American storyteller Noor Tagouri‘s work closely ever since I was commissioned to interview her for the cover of GQ Middle East a few years ago. Her latest offering, the incredible REP podcast has become a fast favourite of mine. The 11 episode series is a story about the stories we tell, in particular those around Muslims, and how that impacts everyone. It’s super thoughtful and well guided and always leaves me with new or deeper ways of looking at things.
FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
I am a loyal foodie and once I find something and somewhere that I love, I dream about it at night – literally. The crab linguini at Oliveto’s in London has been occupying my dreams ever since I first tried it some 15 years ago now. I go very often and I *always* order the same thing. With extra crab, of course.
Image: @olivorestaurants
A SMALL BUSINESS MAKING WAVES
One of my best friends, Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden, is a very talented jeweller. We first connected after I fell in love with her gold burger rings. These days, she takes commissions and creates gorgeous one of a kind pieces under RRH Jewellery. She recently made me an evil eye necklace which I absolutely adore!
Image: @rrhjewellery
FAVOURITE PLACE ON EARTH
Los Angeles. I’m lucky in that I’m able to work from anywhere and my favourite place to decamp to is LA. I try to spend a couple of months there every year. It always broadens my mind and inspires me and I always meet incredible people there. It serves as a catalyst in one way or another, every time. The sunshine doesn’t hurt, either!
WILD CARD
My friend Tahmina Begum’s newsletter The Aram is one of my absolute favourites to receive in my inbox. It’s always so beautifully written and I love the emphasis she places on rest and joy.
Image: @thearamnewsletter
For more from Alya, don’t miss her monthly newsletter, A Greater Conversation. A project which evolved from the keen response to her book, A Greater Freedom, her brilliant newsletter focuses on exploring and deconstructing modern life as a Middle Eastern woman, and includes Alya’s latest recommendations and insights on books, articles, podcasts, TV shows and more.
