On Set: Ziad Zaza & Zeina - 'Whyat 3oyono'

Having just dropped a surprise collaboration that’s gunning for the position of the track of the summer, Ziad Zaza and Zeina’s 'Whyat 3oyono’ brings together two distinct lanes of the MENA music scene, resulting in a Dabke-infused blend of hip-hop and Levantine pop. Directed by Yasmine Abu-Zeid and shot on location in Tunis, El Fayoum, the single and video grew out of a swift, unfiltered connection that bypassed the usual back-and-forth friction.

Bringing the track to life visually required pushing through the intense mid-day Fayoum heat. The setting wasn't just a picturesque backdrop, but a deliberate choice to mirror the song's grounded, authentic feel. Drawing on the cultural landscape where Zaza spent part of his youth, the shoot captured a raw, local texture that translates the track’s street-level romance directly onto the lens.

In the premiere episode of our new series 'On Set', we join Zaza and Zeina behind the scenes of their video shoot to discuss their effortless workflow, unpretentious work ethic, and instant rapport. Between the physical strain of the shoot and the thoughtful visual details, like nostalgic personal throwbacks layered into the set design, the project underscores a rare level of creative alignment. Driven by mutual trust and zero ego, Zaza and Zeina have carved out a distinct sonic and visual middle ground.