Former Vogue Arabia cover star Zeyne has launched her new track which boldly celebrates her Palestinian-Jordanian identity.
Traditional Dabkeh meets modern R&B in Zein Sajdi aka Zeyne’s latest single titled ‘7arrir 3aqlak (Asli Ana)’, releasing on November 21. A deeply personal piece of work, the song is defined by the artist as not just music, but as a movement that seeks to pay tribute to her Palestinian and Arab heritage. “This track is about rejecting what’s expected of us,” Zeyne shares. “It’s about owning who we are, without compromise.”
The song opens with Zeyne reading a moving monologue about a family working hard to protect their cultural identity while living in a rapidly modernizing world. “The track questions why global norms have been allowed to define Arab identity and issues a rallying call for a collective reawakening and self-definition,” reads a statement about ‘7arrir 3aqlak (Asli Ana)’. Produced by Zeyne and Nasir AlBashir, the song brings together various talents from the region including co-writers Nasir AlBashir, Yazan Rousan, and Ehab Qawasmi. The region’s musical growth is evident in the track’s unique sound and lyrics that are sure to resonate with the singer’s Arab audience and the diaspora.
‘Asli Ana’ is accompanied by a striking music video directed by filmmaker Farid Malki and creatively envisioned by Farah Hourani. The beloved Dabkeh is reimagined as a living and evolving art form by choreographer Majdi Karakra, and features some of the region’s most accomplished dancers. Zeyne’s bespoke wardrobe for the film is equally meaningful as it blends traditional silhouettes with futuristic techniques to spotlight the region’s burgeoning fashion landscape. Some of the sartorial highlights of the film include a Gazan bride dress by Palestinian designer Reema Dahbour, a traditional headpiece by Zaid Farouki, and an FC Palestina jersey paired The Stahps jorts, and earrings from Mariam Al Haj Ibrahim’s Tamar Henna Jewelry. Traditional Palestinian tatreez, an art that originated 3,000 years ago, also makes an appearance in shades of deep red.
Below, check out some of the looks from Zeyne’s latest music video for ‘7arrir 3aqlak (Asli Ana)’.
Photo: Courtesy of Zeyne
Photo: Courtesy of Zeyne
Photo: Courtesy of Zeyne
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