Revolutionizing Arab Beats: Deena Abdelwahed’s Musical Odyssey
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Since launching her inaugural album, Khonnar, in 2018, Tunisian musical talent Deena Abdelwahed has aimed to redefine the popular sounds of the Arab realm. She ingeniously mixes elements from Egyptian mahraganat, shaabi melodies, and dabke tunes, infusing them with dynamic bass patterns and metallic electronic drum beats for a mysterious dance allure.
Deena seamlessly integrates conventional instruments like the bendir drum with pulsating techno rhythms and altered tunes. Her 2023 Flagranti EP intensifies the vibe by merging synths with high-toned darbuka beats. Abdelwahed’s knack for blending dark undertones with dance-friendly rhythms sets her apart.
In her follow-up album, Jbal Rrsas (translated as Mountains of Lead), she delves deeper into this theme, introducing brighter shades to her typical moody style. Reflecting the majesty of its name, this album showcases majestic synth tones, from a hazy mahraganat tune atop vibrant trap beats in the introductory track, The Key to the Exit, to resonant microtonal notes in the dabke-rich Six As Oil.
Her melodic layers and multifaceted beats in Jbal Rrsas set it apart. For instance, in Violence for Free, she layers multiple rhythms to produce a twist on footwork, accompanied by her contrasting vocals. In the track titled Naive, she crafts a rhythmic experience by overlaying breakbeats on a fuzzy synth, leading to a hip-invoking sway.
Abdelwahed’s robust and assertive tracks are undoubtedly influenced by her DJing background and her passion for blending musical styles. Though the album consists of just seven pieces, it could benefit from more of her soulful vocals; however, it still offers a profound auditory journey with its expansive soundscape and distinct beats.
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