Shams Debuts With Reimaging of Abdelhalim Hafez Classic 'Ahwak'

Syrian singer, Shams, has announced her arrival with a vibrant and playful debut single that manages to be both contemporary and rooted in Arab music heritage. Produced in collaboration with Egyptian multi-instrumentalist, Kubbara, and released on RAAD Records, ‘Ahwak’ draws from the famous song of the same name by Egyptian great, Abdelhalim Hafez, offering a tongue-in-cheek tribute and response.

Musically, Kubbara skillfully blends pop accessibility with an undeniable Arabic rhythm that leans toward a clean, polished sound. The core of the track's infectious bounce comes from the steady maqsoum beat, which trickles along in a recognisable dum-tak rhythm. This classic Arabic pattern provides an instantly recognizable cultural anchor, while Kubbara’s production layers a sophisticated and driving pulse. The sound is further defined by the shimmering guitars that dance over the beat, adding a layer of contemporary pop texture, all of which compliments Shams’s lively vocal delivery and gives the track a distinct jangle and a sense of forward movement.

The total effect is a track that respects the legacy of the original ballad but reinvents it entirely through its modern arrangement, cheeky lyrical attitude and savviness to evolve Arabic musical language for today's audience. It's a buoyant, energetic and intelligent pop debut, with Shams able to honour Arab musical heritage while pushing it into the future.