Any of you dear readers in Kuwait ever tuned into the El Diwaniyyah show on Marina Fm 88.8? According to a Kuwaiti friend of mine who listens to it in his car, it’s one of those reality radio shows that just makes you laugh out loud as it covers love, life and the universe and encourages audience participation via live calls or SMS.
Speaking Up For Love
I was really interested to read Jewaira’s blog about the shows (I’ll get to her a bit later, but I am already a fan), and this lady blogger’s admission of unease when a female Kuwaiti art teacher called in an apparently started flirting with the host.
Jewaira goes on to mention another female caller who dialled in to the show and stated she wanted to marry an American because Kuwaiti men had such a bad opinion of Kuwaiti women.
The controversial but razor-sharp Jewaira is careful to note that the show’s eyebrow raising calls come from both Kuwaiti men and women, and as I’m someone who admits her knowledge of Kuwaiti culture could be written on a grain of sand, I am delighted at the chance to glance into a culture I have always found mysterious and fascinating.
Scrolling down the commentary on this blog, you’ll find an array of praise and criticism for the show. My mouse ground to a sudden stop when I read the response from Talal Al-yagout, GM of Marina FM and host of the daily show, who had written in to defend El Diwaniyyah’s principles and ethics.
“The Questions are From the People to the People.”
Talal rightfully points out the authenticity and integrity of his show:
“We also try to give people a chance to listen to all tastes. We have the ability and technology to block anyone we want but try not to, as if we do that then we show the people one side of the story….Our comments come as honest as they appear on air.”
Speaking Up for Love and Liberty in Kuwait.
I was intrigued and impressed by his comments, especially after a few minutes of Google-stalking on our enigmatic host revealed that he is no stranger to broadcasting about love on Kuwaiti airwaves.
In 1994, just a few years after the first Gulf War, Mr. Yagout aired a weekly program on Kuwaiti radio called ”The Love Line,” every Monday night. Faxes and phonecalls poured into his studio, making the radio host a hero and heartthrob for teenage girls who’d call to invite him to their parties and explain their troubles.
Whether you agree or disagree with the content of these Kuwaiti shows, isn’t it great that everyone can voice their opinions, especially when it comes to love and matters of the heart and soul?
