DUBAI: Being an immigrant means many different things to many different people. As Toronto-based Syrian/Lebanese duo Kazdoura explore in their new single, ‘Khayal,’ one key issue is the often difficult ‘shadow existence’ of immigrants.
The phrase ‘shadow existence’ describes the haunting and intense memories of war, displacement, and longing for a home left far behind, contrasted with an uncertain civic and social identity in their host country.
Kazdoura brings that evocative message to life in their new single, ‘Khayal.’ The lyrics detail an immigrant’s fractured emotional state, while the music creates a connection that speaks directly to the listener.
That connection is created by a Middle Eastern neo-psychedelic sound whose primary influence is the vibrant Turkish rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. It features a groovy bass line, Middle Eastern guitar, electric sitar, synths, and soulful saxophone, complemented by enchanting vocal melodies in Syrian Arabic.
‘Khayal’ is the latest addition to Kazdoura’s back catalogue. The cross-cultural Syrian Lebanese duo made their name with soulful renditions of Arabic fusion that are equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, often flawlessly blending Arabic with jazz, funk, soul, and trip-hop.
The band was founded in the summer of 2020 by Syrian singer and songwriter Leen Hamo, who is passionate about classical Arabic music, and versatile jazz-trained Lebanese multi-instrumentalist Johnny Abou Chacra.
Songwriter Leen, who has often stated that all her song lyrics are personal in origin, captures this mood perfectly when she says:
“Those of us who had to leave our home country in the shadow of war are burdened by loss, loss that is far from one-dimensional; it is a loss of home, of community, of culture, of country, indeed, a loss of self and identity. Going by the feedback so far, we have successfully conveyed this to our audience, making for a shared emotional experience, which is, after all, what music is all about.”
Kazdoura released their debut EP ‘Wain’ in June 2022. It was supported by major radio stations across North America, including CBC, CUIT, CKUA, and the Tracks from Abroad Podcast. The group is now recording a new album, which they expect to release in March 2025.
