Some artists have been strategizing their quest for world domination since they first entered this realm, while others accidentally discover it. Zeyne, an emerging talent from Amman, Jordan, always recognized her musical abilities but wasn't always prepared to showcase them to the world. From taking piano lessons at a young age to singing privately for her mother, Zeyne never anticipated her life would take this direction. “Not a single inch in my body thought I could do it,” she shared with CLASH. “It was definitely something so personal that it was just between me, myself, and I.”
Originally intending to work at a public relations firm in the UK, the pandemic altered the course of Zeyne’s career. Upon her return to Amman, she started sharing cover songs on Instagram, which quickly garnered her a devoted fanbase. Zeyne’s music reflects her unique sound, blending Eastern and Western influences. Additionally, she is making waves as a rising fashion icon: featuring on the inaugural cover of Rolling Stone MENA, there’s little doubt that Zeyne is on her way to becoming a global pop sensation.
Nonetheless, Zeyne’s main focus remains on music. She thrives on the energy from her fans and draws inspiration from her heritage, infusing ceremonial aspects of her culture into her expressive performances, which shine in her interactive live shows. One prominent element is her background in Dabke, a dance form deeply rooted in Palestinian and Levantine culture. The opening track of her debut album ‘AWDA’ (meaning “return” in Arabic), titled ‘Asli Ana’, pays significant homage to the Levantine folk dance.
‘Asli Ana’ serves as a compelling introduction, addressing the theme of “decolonizing your mind; letting go, and freeing yourself from the narratives imposed on you,” Zeyne explains. “I felt it was really important to create a song and message like that during a time when I perceived my culture and my people were being subjected to ethnic cleansing and erasure.”
Not merely an auditory experience, Zeyne has produced an accompanying short film that highlights the richness and diversity of her culture, serving as a poignant reminder that “we exist, and our existence is our resistance.” Joyful and beautifully arranged, Zeyne includes a recitation of Palestinian author Mahmoud Darwish’s renowned poem ‘On this land…’ in the album’s finale track ‘Kollo Lena’, deepening its significance within a pop music framework.
The decision to include the poem was not an initial certainty: Zeyne and her team opted to incorporate it later during production because “it fits so well with the song’s sentiment, which speaks to the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people. It made the most sense to conclude the album with this uplifting and hopeful message.”
Addressing themes of mental health, self-determination, and Arabic pride on ‘AWDA’, Zeyne balances these profound subjects with lighter moments. In ‘liya’, her tribute to “unserious men,” she delves into the chaotic world of contemporary dating. “I dedicate this song to the boys, because, really, I can’t even call them men, but, yeah, it’s just kind of a funny, sassy, sarcastic jab,” she quips.
Walking the line between playful and serious topics, Zeyne understands that to thrive in the industry, she must be a versatile artist. Committed to her craft, with both songwriting skills and charisma, Zeyne aims for ‘AWDA’ to capture “the full spectrum of emotions, even if you don’t understand the language.”
Zeyne recalls a recent performance in Norway, where an enthusiastic crowd allowed themselves to be enveloped by her spiritual music; a moment in which music became a shared experience, with people from diverse backgrounds dancing and cheering together. “The album is called ‘AWDA’ for a reason. It means return,” she concludes, a concept deeply connected to Palestinian resistance, as well as the audience that will surely return to Zeyne as she establishes her presence.
Words: Lauren Dehollogne
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Certain artists have been planning their quest for global dominance since they first appeared in this world, whereas others accidentally find their way into it. Zeyne, an emerging talent,