Bayou returns with one more sensual and simmering pop tune that drips with his usual elegance. With his familiar Mediterranean beats, and singing in Arabic, ‘Egyptian Wifey’ is sure to make the fans of this multicultural singer swoon.
With his Egyptian roots set firmly in Cairo, Bayou was born in Jeddah and was raised in Dubai. Now living in Los Angeles, Bayou’s sound is born primarily out of an extensive set of influences that span halfway across the globe. The places that really mean something for Bayou are easily identifiable in his music too, with a particular sound that’s a fusion of Egyptian nighttime pop, warm and sensual, lush and luxurious sensibilities that scream out Dubai’s name, and a smooth sound to the production that is courtesy of high value Los Angeles production. The final results are sublime.
Bayou’s singing mixes Egyptian Arabic with English often, and with a larger portion of his fans being Arab, it is only natural that when he sings in his universally loved Egyptian accent, people vibe with it hard. The good news is that Egyptian Wifey has a lot of Arabic lyrics. In fact, the song’s charged chorus is mostly in Arabic, and it is a moment of musical relief. The composition is minimal and the chords are familiar, leaving the weight of change to fall upon the weight of the arrangement and words. The arrangement sounds rich and detailed. No two parts of the song sound the same, making it a dynamic affair that’s always exciting.
As for the words, it is the usual dish from Bayou. The romance is intense and is accentuated by the instrumentation, namely the deep, melodic sub bass, and snake-y, slick synth lines. The words might be flattering for some, but for others, 2023 might feel a little too late to say that your partner is pretty BUT strong and feisty, as if those things were mutually exclusive, and that’s because she’s an Egyptian “wifey”. The words are pretty standard for this genre and for Bayou’s more dedicated fans, they’ll be just fine. But it is a point worth mentioning.
Bayou’s newest song is sensual and dripping with character and drama. For long standing lovers of the genre and of Bayou, it will be an essential early summer hit. For newcomers, be wary of mild objectification of Egyptian women. It is mild, but it is there.
