Since the August 2020 release of Shamstep band 47Soul’s Semitics album, steadfast member, El Far3i has been on a rich vein of form as a solo artist. Following on from his politically-charged, acoustic number, ‘Law Sarakhna’, in July, the Palestinian-Jordanian vocalist and rapper has recruited two Amman neighbours that have also been busy in 2021.
Earlier this year, Zaid Khaled and Idreesi teamed up for the utterly infectious and anthemic ‘3ala Nar’, produced by Egypt's El Waili. Since then, Khaled has spent time in Egypt, performing and collaborating, while we last saw Idreesi in hip-swaying, toe-tapping single, ‘Amman’.
Throwing these three very distinct artists together is a recipe for unpredictability, and what we get is ‘Manga’ a softly swaying dancehall and reggaetón-inspired piece.Produced by Lord Akira, the wavy beat is maybe a surprise setting for a song that, according to El Far3i, was born of the concept of rebuilding life following the anxiety and depression of the last 18 months of the pandemic.
There’s an undoubted and unashamed tropical touch to the song, but also an underlying melancholy, a duality that allows it to stand up to repeated listens.
