<p>Loved the new album! And the Tarab Podcasts are sooo good! can't wait for a Tarab x Harfan Harfan collab 😌💯</p>

<div>Yasmine Hamdan, one of the most influential voices in contemporary Arabic music, sat down with the Tarab Podcast for a deep conversation about her journey. Known for co-founding Soapkills and pioneering an alternative Arabic sound that blends heritage with electronic and indie influences, Yasmine has long been a bridge between past and future in the region’s music.</div><div><br></div><div>
Yasmine Hamdan’s new album, I Remember I Forget (« بنسى وبتذكر »), was released on September 19, 2025 via Crammed Discs. The 10-track album, co-produced with Marc Collin, explores themes of memory, identity, and the turmoil of Lebanon through a blend of traditional Arabic sounds and electronic textures. </div><div><br></div><div>
In the episode, she also discusses “Iza”, a track that was inspired by a taxi driver in Beirut, and how everyday stories echo into her music.
</div><div><br></div><div>The Tarab Podcast itself is dedicated to exploring the intersections of Arabic music, culture, and global sound. It provides a space for Yasmine to reflect on her creative path, the legacy of Soapkills, and her evolution as an artist balancing roots and innovation.
What stands out is her reflection on how Arab artists constantly traverse the line between tradition and experimentation. </div><div><br></div><div>She hints at the challenge of being heard, not just locally but across borders, and the role that supporting platforms and global audiences play in making that possible.</div>

Yasmine Hamdan on Tarab Podcast: New Album & New Horizons

<div><strong>🎸 About Cairokee
</strong></div><div>Cairokee is an Egyptian rock band that came to prominence after the 2011 Egyptian Revolution with their politically charged, protest-oriented music. </div><div>Their upcoming Europe Tour 2025 includes both classic hits and material from their latest works, making this a must-see for fans across the continent.</div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div><strong>📅 Cairokee Europe Tour</strong></div><div>Nov 19, 2025 - Milan, Italy</div><div>


Nov 22, 2025 - Utrecht, Netherlands</div><div>Nov 24, 2025 - Barcelona, Spain</div><div>Nov 26, 2025 - Paris, France</div><div>

Nov 29, 2025 - Berlin, Germany&nbsp; </div><div>

Dec 1, 2025 - Vienna, Austria&nbsp; </div><div>


Dec 4, 2025 - Geneva, Switzerland </div><div>Dec 7, 2025 - London, UK</div><div><br></div><div><em>Note: Show times and ticket prices may vary depending on the country.</em></div>

Concert

Cairokee | كايروكي

Cairokee Euro Tour

<p>The song is on repeat!!! I can't stop listening to it 🔥🔥🎵</p>

<div>This is “<strong>Danger - خطر</strong>”: Felukah and Zina Louhaichy capturing the spirit of a generation that’s Arab, African, diasporic, and moving on its own terms. The video shines a spotlight on Arab women laughing, letting out zalghouta, and moving freely in heels or djellabas. Unapologetic, joyful, and powerful in the way they claim space.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Lyrics That Land</strong> </div><div>Felukah opens with an intimate confession:<br> “<strong>الدنيا بين يديك / And I let you in my life / Thought you'd be a danger (خطر، خطر) / So I made you mine.</strong>” It’s a play between trust and risk, danger and desire. </div><div><br></div><div>Then comes the flex that bridges worlds:<br> “<strong>Before the Luks, Lauryn Hill... فيها أم كلثوم</strong>”: placing Lauryn Hill’s soulful legacy side by side with Umm Kulthum, the eternal voice of the Arab world. This isn’t name-dropping, it’s lineage-claiming. Felukah insists Arabic women belong in the global canon of artistry.</div><div><br></div><div> Her verses also speak to diaspora weight: hustling between degrees, shifts, and stages, she carries multiple worlds “<strong>all up in my Nike 8s / Or in my Amina Muaddis.</strong>” It’s style, struggle, and swagger: the reality of migration in a verse.</div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div><strong>Symbols in Motion</strong>&nbsp; </div><div>The video is packed with layered cultural cues: old-school cassettes, keffiyeh, henna tattoos, bold necklaces, Moroccan and Egyptian flags, and flowing silhouettes that remix tradition with streetwear edge. Friends gather around her, rooting her voice in community rather than isolation. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>A Visual Manifesto</strong> </div><div>“خطر” is more than a track; it’s a statement. Felukah raps:<br> “<strong>I am your favorite artist's favorite rapper / بنت من البلاد / I represent diaspora too / I am the one who started up a movement.</strong>” She isn’t just performing; she’s documenting a moment where Arabic rap claims its place on the world stage. </div><div><br></div><div>With danger / خطر, the movement feels undeniable.<br></div>

Danger Never Sounded This Good: Felukah’s “خطر” 🎬⛵️

<div>Cyphers, raw bars, and the unfiltered energy of Arab rap, that’s what Rap Shar3 captures. It’s where voices from the corners and tunnels spit truth, no permission asked.</div><div><br><strong>Blvck B</strong>, born in Khartoum and now moving between Sudan and Egypt, started out dropping raw freestyles that spread fast online. From those street bars he built <a href="https://harfanharfan.com/artist-profile/3660" target="_blank">Rap Shar3</a>, turning it into a space where underground voices could connect.</div><div><br>Diving in with “كانت أيام يا وطني”: a track that’s been echoing since its drop, carrying both power and pain. <strong>HYPER249</strong>, a fast-rising rapper born in Khartoum and currently making moves from Egypt, flows with a bare delivery that lands heavy without flaunting it.</div><div><br>It’s more than a song, it’s a statement, and at Harfan Harfan, we break it down, line by line, through annotations, playlists, and the community that keeps this culture alive.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>So what makes this performance stand out</strong></div><ul><li>HYPER249’s delivery is stripped-down, no filter, no gloss.</li><li>The hook “وطني” (my country) feels like a heartbeat, fragile but relentless.</li><li>It’s a cipher that travels beyond its corner, turning a street performance into an anthem for displacement.</li></ul><div><strong>What it’s about </strong></div><div>“Kanet Ayam Ya Watani - كانت أيام يا وطني” is an anthem of loss and longing, echoing the wounds of a fractured homeland.</div><div><br></div><div>يا حليل زمن نميري… الزمن الواحد كان ما ف زاتو"<br> النص اتشرد النص التاني ماتوا… ساب البلد "ذكرياتو وحاجاتو </div><div><br></div><div>👉 Explore the <a href="https://harfanharfan.com/song/723?annotation=667-29-113" target="_blank">annotation</a> on Harfan Harfan! and yes, you can add your own. Drop facts, bios, media, and earn points for every contribution.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Tap into the sound 🎧</strong></div><div>You’ll also find “Kanet Ayam Ya Watani - كانت أيام يا وطني” on Harfan Harfan’s playlist <a href="https://harfanharfan.com/playlist/5" target="_blank">هيب • هوب</a>&nbsp;- curated to highlight rap that moves, shakes, and documents a region’s voice.</div>

Rap Shar3: the streets speak. 🗣️🔊

<div>AMMAN, we are back.&nbsp;🔞 </div><div><br></div><div>On&nbsp;September 18, 2025, we return with a bigger venue, a heavier lineup, an exclusive show, and merchandise. A live performance at Madaboun. Expect an exclusive show. </div><div>Line-up: </div><div>- Shabjdeed </div><div>- Al Nather </div><div>- Daboor </div><div>- Fawzi </div><div>- Smokaholic </div><div>- Touch </div><div><br></div><div>MC: ABU3LI </div><div><br></div><div>Promoted by&nbsp;Al Wahida Presents Powered by&nbsp;The Foundation Venue:&nbsp;Madaboun</div><div><br></div><div>Limited tickets. </div><div>Exclusive Merchandise. </div><div>Exclusive music. </div><div>ALL SALES ARE FINAL. </div><div>NO REFUNDS. </div><div>EVENT ORGANIZERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO DENY THE ENTRY OF ANYONE.</div>

Shabjdeed & Al Nather | شب جديد والناظر

Daboor | ضبور

BLTNM

<p>Both amazing concerts!!! totally agree with what you said 🔥🔥🔥🔥</p>
<p>Can't wait for more.</p>

<div>Beirut isn’t just making noise, it’s booming.</div><div><br>On the weekend of August 1st, the city showed up for two standout hip-hop shows: <strong><a href="https://harfanharfan.com/artist-profile/3637" target="_blank">Bu Nasser Touffar</a></strong> at Metro Al Madina in collaboration with Beirut Records and <strong>Bu Kolthoum</strong> at KED, organized by Madad. What stood out wasn’t just the talent, but the back-to-back momentum. Two nights, two venues, and two very different energies that both point to one thing: the scene is alive, growing, and louder than ever. </div><div><br></div><div>The weekend kicked off with Bu Nasser Touffar dropping his new album Limbo live on stage. Opening the night were rising acts 3yooni, whose live oud twist gave the set a distinct and almost hypnotic edge, and Nuj, an emerging voice worth watching. But once Bu Nasser hit the stage, it became clear: this wasn’t just a show, it was a homecoming. The crowd? Pure superfans. Chanting every lyric, demanding deep cuts like <em><a href="https://harfanharfan.com/song/550" target="_blank">Tatleet</a></em> and <em><a href="https://harfanharfan.com/song/549" target="_blank">Hexaphobia</a></em>, and forever going back to those <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNDVwvmtrAY/?igsh=MTN2OGRrNmlnMmc4Zg==" target="_blank">OG songs that built the bond between artist and audience</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>Then came Bu Kolthoum’s long-awaited first performance in Beirut. The Damascus-born, Amsterdam-based artist finally brought his full energy to a packed KED, and they wanted to bring a live element to the stage, so <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madad.live/?hl=en" target="_blank">Madad</a> delivered. A brass section joined the set, with Ali Jradi on saxophone, Simon Salemeh and Mario El Hajj on trumpet, and it changed everything. The crowd was wall-to-wall, the sound was massive, and the vibe? Unmatched. He even dropped an unreleased track, and when El Rass jumped on stage as a surprise act, the room lit up. Two shows. </div><div><br></div><div>Two legends. A city that’s showing up for hip-hop, consistently, loudly, and together. </div><div><br></div><div>And we’re not stopping here 🎤 🗓️</div><div> August 23rd in Beirut: <a href="https://harfanharfan.com/announcements/event/16" target="_blank">Shabjdeed</a> @ Metro Al Madina📍<br></div>

🔥 Back-to-Back Fire 🔥  Beirut’s Hip-Hop Scene Lights Up

<p>Weeeeeheeeeee can't wait for this concert!! I couldn't see Shabjdeed when he last came to Beirut, so I'm so excited he's back!!&nbsp;</p>

<div>The iconic Jerusalemite rapper has become one of the leading figures in Arabic hip-hop, known for his lyrical mastery, bold style, and ability to build immersive musical worlds. His fearless authenticity and dynamic performances have earned him a global fan base and sold-out shows across the Middle East and Europe. His debut album Sindibad el Ward (2019) with Al Nather was hailed as a milestone for Arabic hip-hop, with the single Mtaktak recognized by the BBC as one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever. Their 2024 follow-up Sultan further cemented his status with its innovative sound and intricate storytelling.</div><div><br></div><div>Saturday 23 August 2025 Starting 8:30 PM </div><div><br></div><div>🎧 Lineup<br>— Opening Set: DJ Wad Na3na3<br>— Opening Act: BILLY TSTRK<br>— Headliner: Shabjdeed<br>— Closing: DJ Wad Na3na3</div><div><br></div><div>Presented by Al Wahida presents and Metro al Madina</div>

Shabjdeed Live

<p>Hi Hala!</p>
<p>Congrats on the platform, it looks SO GOOD &amp; SO EXCITING!</p>
<p>So happy to be part of the community, can't wait to see what's coming next 😈🌞🎵💯</p>

<p>Proud of you Hal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watching this space</p>

<p>👏👏 finally the exposure our artists deserve!&nbsp;</p>

<p>What a great idea!!! So beautifully written! Thank you for creating this platform ♥️</p>

<p>Great idea beautiful platform !! grateful for such an initiative and eager to learn more and the MENA artists 😍</p>

<p>I love this! So well written. always proud ♥️</p>

<div>Hi, I’m Hala.</div><div><br>In 2020, somewhere between lockdown boredom, endless scrolling, and a new group of friends, I came across a track that sparked something in me: “<a href="https://harfanharfan.com/song/553" target="_blank">Tar</a>” by <a href="https://harfanharfan.com/artist-profile/3637" target="_blank">Bu Nasser El Touffar</a>. That was my entry point. From there, I’ve been deep in this world; from El Rass to Synaptik, Palestine to Sudan, to the MENA region entirely. I discovered a scene... but not a space.</div><div><br>Bits and pieces were everywhere: lyrics scattered across websites, interviews on niche blogs, songs that came and went. But there wasn’t one place where it all came together. So we created one... and it’s finally live. 🎉</div><div><br>Welcome to <strong>Harfan Harfan</strong>, a platform by the culture, for the culture. A real home for underground music in the region, and everything around it. <br>Why? Because there are so many artists out here doing incredible work, but their lyrics aren’t archived, their stories aren’t told, and their fans have nowhere to talk about it. We wanted to build something that makes space for all of it: the nuance, the slang, the collaborations, the history, the jokes, and the hyper-specific references only your city would get. <br>And honestly? Another big reason was me (only half joking!). I couldn’t even understand half the references myself. I’d call my friends just to decode bars. To this day, I’m still confused: who is Ali Cheaib? @El Rass, if you’re reading this… help!</div><div><br>On our platform, you’ll find lyrics. Artist pages. Deep dives. Events. Playlists. Forums. Community picks. Scene reports. And bars. Lots of bars.&nbsp; Scroll, search, annotate, comment, contribute, discover artists you’ve never heard of - or just lurk and enjoy the chaos. This space is yours. You can also gain points, level up, and earn rewards as you go. 🎮 <br></div><div><br></div><div>And this is just the beginning. So what’s next?&nbsp; <br>We’ll be adding more artists, more lyrics, more features, and so will you 🫵 And soon: meet &amp; greets, exclusive podcasts, behind-the-scenes drops, fan picks, artist takeovers, and a few surprises 👀 <br>And your feedback? Always welcome. If something feels off, confusing, or could be better - tell us. Let’s shape it together.</div><div><br>Come look around. Say something. Share something. Or just vibe. We’re so happy you’re here. </div><div><br></div><div>– Hala <br></div>

🚀 From One Song to a Whole Scene

<div>Bu Nasser is a Lebanese rapper and writer known for his politically charged lyrics and commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities. Launching his career in 2009 with Touffar, he’s since built a powerful solo path rooted in resistance and revolution, performing across Lebanon, Europe, and Turkey. His 2025 album Limbo captures the tension of the present and past through bold lyricism and regional/global collaborations. Beyond music, he’s also a published novelist with critically acclaimed works featured in international literary circles.
</div><div><br></div><div>LynnMayya is a Syrian DJ, producer, and multimedia artist based in Austria. With roots as a bassist in Syria’s first female rock band, she now crafts dark, groovy techno sets infused with experimental sound design and socio-political themes. Through immersive audiovisual performances, she bridges art, technology, and activism, performing at major venues and festivals across Europe and the Middle East.</div><div><br></div>

LynnMayya | لين ميّا

NUJ | اخوك النوج

3YOONI | عيــونــي

Bu Nasser

<div>Bu Kolthoum visits Beirut for the first time with a brand-new live show.<br>He’s diving deep into his rich catalog, reimagining fan favorites with fresh energy and new live elements. And woven into the set are hints of what’s next.</div>

Bu Kolthoum | بو كلثوم

Bu Kolthoum

<div>Get ready for an unforgettable night as&nbsp;Cairokee, Egypt’s biggest rock band, takes over&nbsp;Beirut Hall&nbsp;on&nbsp;August 9! Known for their powerful lyrics, revolutionary spirit, and massive fan base across the Arab world, Cairokee is finally bringing their electrifying energy to BEIRUT.</div><div><br></div><div>🚫&nbsp;No Age Restrictions&nbsp;&nbsp; <br></div>

Cairokee

<div><strong>TootArd</strong> is a genre-fluid duo of brothers Hasan and Rami Nakhleh, known for blending global pop, quarter-tone melodies, and retro funk into a distinctive disco-driven sound rooted in SWANA traditions. Their boundary-pushing music bridges cultures and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Diouf</strong> is a collective and concert agency focused on curating powerful live music experiences. Driven by creativity and collaboration, Diouf connects global and local artists—bringing international acts to Lebanon while amplifying Lebanese talent across the region and beyond.</div>

TootArd | توت أرض

TootArd

<p>i wish i was in egypt for thattttt</p>
<p></p>
<p>my friends are going too!&nbsp;</p>

<p><br>أخيرا ويجز راجع يوم الجمعة اللي جاي على مسرح الساحل.<br>كل صيف لازم بيكون في أغنية لويجز معلقة معايا، الصيف ده اكتر اغنية هي الوعد.<br>ويجز كالعاده بيولع الدنيا في كل حفلاته، أنا مُتحمس أوي على الحفلة.... مين هيروح وايه أكتر أغنية مستنيين تسمعوها لايڤ؟<br></p>

🎤🔥 ويجز في الساحل يوم الجمعة

<p>Mural by Palestinian–Jordanian artist Mohammad Al-Shafie (Chaf), painted in Amman. His calligraffiti blends flowing Arabic script with street art, weaving local rap lyrics into the design. A reminder that the “sound of the region” isn’t only heard, it’s seen.</p>

735775bcfa6d48708ada4949de139982

Sound on the Walls

<p>Hi Hala! So excited to be part of this community 🌟</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm Ronny, based in the UAE. Been playing Synaptik's older stuff again, it just hits different lately. Also been loving TooDope from Sudan. Fire energy, distinct flow. 🔥</p>

<p>Hi Hala! Mabrouk 3al platform 2awal chi 🎵</p>
<p>Ana kamen saraha ktir 3am besma3 El Rass hal fatra.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bi fechelle khel2e 🔥</p>

<p>Hi Hala! Ana mabsouta ektechif new artists. Manne ktir exposed 3a hal scene. harfan harfan will be the platform where i'll deepen my knowledge&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hi Hala, great community. thanks for creating. I think this was a huge gap in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Love this Hala! Thanks for creating this. It looks so cool. Can't wait to dig deep into Arab RNB and Hip Hop!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>

<p>Hi, I'm Hala, founder of Harfan Harfan. 🇱🇧</p>
<p><br>Thought I’d go first: I’m based in Beirut, and I’ve been listening to a mix of:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">El Rass’s new album</li>
<li dir = "auto">Emsallam</li>
<li dir = "auto">Some of the newer Sudan stuff lately</li>
</ul>
<p>Now you! tell us where you're from, who you're listening to? <br></p>

october

👋 Introduce Yourself!

<p>The forums are running smoothly, but it would be great to have artist tags in posts, so you can click and see all conversations about them. Also, more playlists please!!!!</p>

<p>What’s working? What’s missing?</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is just the beginning and we’re learning as we go. What features do you love so far? What could be better? Drop any ideas, suggestions, or bugs here.<br></p>

🛠 Feedback + Ideas

<p>Ken already fi <strong>Synpatik</strong>, w zedo <strong>Bu Kolthoum</strong> the day he had his first show in Beirut!!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Synaptik + Bu Kolthoum side by side, and there’s space for a third #thethreemusketeers</p>
<p></p>
<p>if u could add one last person… who’d it be? 👀 👀 👇</p>

design

Wall of Fame: Who's Next? 😎

<p>Omg I'm so sad I missed this one 😫 Hoping to catch his next concert!</p>

<p>Bu Kolthoum’s first show in Beirut?!? Wow. Went to it over the weekend and it was the first time I see KED that packed. Every single person in the audience knew the words to every single song.</p>
<p><br>He also sang an unreleased song and brought EL Rasss as a surprise artist. 10000/10 show.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>How did you find it and what shows have you been to recently?</p>

Last show you went to?

<p>Honestly, I'd looove to see Bu Kolthoum collab with Nayt (from Italy)!!</p>
<p>They both have that cinematic/poetic thing going on. #chefskiss 🌝</p>

<p>cairo stand up 🖤<br>abyusif &amp; marwan pablo always in rotation. lately i’m also into wegz — his last drop’s been on loop.<br>collab i need? don bigg &amp; shabjdeed 👀</p>

<p>Marwan Moussa x Freek. Pure chaotic neutral energy. NEED.</p>

<p>If you could manifest any collab from the region (or beyond), who would you put together? Two artists, one track...</p>

7.09.24pm

What collab needs to happen?

<div>Explore Harfan Harfan's forums—a space to discuss Arabic hip-hop and rap, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with like-minded fans and contributors.</div>