Jamila & The Other Heroes Reimagine the Middle East on ‘Border Syndrome’

Labelling their sound ‘psychedelic desert funk’, Jamila & The Other Heroes come good with their new single. Border Syndrome imagines a Middle East free of borders. Jamila brings this powerful concept to life through thought-provoking lyrics as she embraces her Palestinian roots.

Born in Berlin and the daughter of a Palestinian refugee, Jamila relives a first-hand experience in Sinai last year. After a full-on grilling from officials, Jamila wrote Border Syndrome as a poem before setting it to music. In an English spoken word section, Jamila voices: “I park my dignity with the waves of the Red Sea while they strip search my soul.” Later she intones: “Let‘s build a place of togetherness where everyone is allowed – no matter what name or passports.” Check out Border Syndrome below.

Sonic Fusion

Inspired by an Erykah Badu and Hiatus Kaiyote concert in New York, the vocalist formed Jamila & The Other Heroes in 2016. Sonically, they merge psychedelic rock with elements of funk and Arab folklore to create their own distinct sound. It’s a sound that pays homage to Dina El Wedidi, Erykah Badu, Akua Naru, El Morraba3 and Fatuma Diawara. And there’s a raw tinge of The Brand New Heavies in there too.

Call for Change

Jamila’s will to positively change the world informs her lyrics, evidenced throughout the band’s 2019 debut album Sit El Kon. Translating as The Grandmother of the Universe, the album packs psychedelic guitar riffs, wavy bass runs and Arab percussion sounds with hip-hop and rock influenced drum beats. Listen to the full album here.

Mission

A cultural activist, Jamila established the Arab Underground Programme at Fusion Festival, which brought hundreds of Middle Eastern artists together. Out now on Slowtrane, Border Syndrome reinforces the band’s mission. Jamila & The Other Heroes preach a message of togetherness – their response to existing exclusion mechanisms. More power!

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