By Lebanese indie music icon Zeid Hamdan has signed with PopArabia, with new music on the way from his Bedouin Burger project. Under the exclusive deal, Hamdan will record new Bedouin Burger material for release this year. PopArabia has also acquired Hamdan’s back catalogue of master recordings and published works.
Hamdan said the team at PopArabia understand his vision. “This is the right deal at this time in my career,” he said, “with a team that has global reach and has fought for artist rights in this region.”
Leading Light
Named a “Leading Light in Lebanese Culture” by CNN, Zeid Hamdan is a diverse artist and producer. Musically, he blends his Middle Eastern roots with a spectrum of influences including punk, electronic and folk. His early work with Soapkills married rock and electronic music as he pioneered a regional independent scene.
Hamdan channeled his brand of indie-alternative rock through his bands, The New Government and Zeid and the Wings. At the same time, he pushed musical boundaries in the region through his imprint, the Lebanese Underground.
Over his career, Hamdan has scored music for dozens of films, television series, documentaries and global advertising campaigns. In 2019 he produced the music for Lebanese director Nadine Labaki’s ‘Capernaum’. Highlighting the plight of Syrian refugees, the film was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.
Fusion
Hamdan changes musical direction again as Bedouin Burger with Syrian singer Lynn Adib. Under the moniker, they create a fusion of Bedouin music and contemporary electronica. Bedouin Burger debut Taht El Wared (Beneath the Roses) blends Arabic poetry with analogue synths, snippets of Egyptian pop and Hamdan’s trademark indie-pop sound. Listen to the track below.
Pioneering Spirit
PopArabia chief Spek said he was proud to be working with someone of Zeid Hamdan’s “immense talent and pioneering spirit”. “I am very proud that he has entrusted PopArabia with his diverse catalogue,” added Spek. “We look forward to working with Lynn and Zeid on bringing Bedouin Burger’s awesome music to the world.”
Also read: PopArabia Founder Spek Predicts Seismic Shift in Music Landscape
