Toronto-based Syrian-Lebanese duo's single explores the ‘shadow existence’ of the immigrant experience
Being an immigrant means many different things to many different people. As Toronto-based Syrian/ Lebanese duo Kazdoura explores in their new single, ‘Khayal,’ one key issue is the often difficult ‘shadow existence’ of immigrants. The phrase ‘shadow existence’ describes the haunting and intense memories of war, displacement, and longing for a home left far behind, contrasted with an uncertain civic and social identity in their host country.
Kazdoura brings that evocative message to life in their new single, ‘Khayal.’ The lyrics detail an immigrant’s fractured emotional state, while the music creates a connection that speaks directly to the listener.
That connection is created by a Middle Eastern neo-psychedelic sound whose primary influence is the vibrant Turkish rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. It features a groovy bass line, Middle Eastern guitar, electric sitar, synths, and soulful saxophone, complemented by enchanting vocal melodies in Syrian Arabic.

‘Khayal’ is the latest addition to Kazdoura’s back catalog. The cross-cultural Syrian/Lebanese duo made their name with soulful renditions of Arabic fusion that are equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, often flawlessly blending Arabic with jazz, funk, soul, and trip-hop.
Kazdoura is a Toronto-based band serving Arabic fusion with a modern twist. Equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, their style is a cross- cultural blend that mixes Arabic with jazz, funk, soul, and trip-hop. Singer Leen and multi- instrumentalist Johnny Abou Chacra founded the project together. Leen is a Syrian singer whose passion for classical Arabic music led her to collaborate with classical and contemporary artists to reinvigorate and introduce this music. Johnny is a jazz-trained musician who jumped at the idea to learn and play songs from his Lebanese background.

The band was founded in the summer of 2020 by Syrian singer and songwriter Leen Hamo, passionate about classical Arabic music and versatile jazz- trained Lebanese multi-instrumentist Johnny Abou Chacra.
Songwriter Leen, who has often stated that all her song lyrics are personal in origin, captures this mood perfectly when she says: “Those of us who had to leave our home country in the shadow of war are burdened by loss, a loss that is far from one- dimensional; it is a loss of home, of community, of culture, of country, indeed, a loss of self and identity.
Going by the feedback so far, we have successfully conveyed this to our audience, making for a shared emotional experience, which is, after all, what music is all about.” Kazdoura released their debut EP, “Wain,” in June 2022, which received support from local radios in Canada, including the CBC. They are now recording their new full album, slated to be fully released in March 2025.
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