Bedouin Burger's new EP fulfils the promise of one of the region’s exciting new indie acts.
A collaboration between pioneering Lebanese musician producer Zeid Hamdan and Syrian singer Lynn Adib, the BB EP is a vibrant collection of five songs blending pulsating and, at times, abrasive electronic beats with the rich sounds of Levant folk and balladry.
The fact it sounds so assuring is more impressive considering the uncertain circumstances that spawned the duo.
Bedouin Burger formed in 2020 in a Beirut at a standstill because of the first waves of Covid-19, when Hamdan holed himself up in a local studio working on beats and loops he would email to Adib in Paris.
Those early songs, Taht el Wared and Ya Man Hawa (not on BB), are defined by those straitened times.
“They basically feature just Lynn and I and the few toys I had in the studio,” Hamdan tells The National.
“But both are very important in that it went on to show our evolution and our changing circumstances.”
Bedouin Burger's early days were also an outlet for Adib to express grief for a personal loss.
Taht el Wared, meaning Beneath the Flowers, has her ghostly vocals hovering over a production that begins languidly, before evolving into a pulsating dance rhythm.
The song was inspired, Adib says, by her late husband, Nicolas Zwierz, who died of cancer in 2017.
“The lyrics and melodies I actually wrote two years ago, when I went to Poland to visit my husband’s grave,” she told The National in a previous interview.
“And I remember feeling so touched by the fact that he is alone there, lying beneath roses. So I wrote this song when I returned home and I wanted it to somehow sound like a celebration of this love we have.”
With Lebanon’s deteriorating economy forced Hamdan to relocate to Paris last year, the duo reunited in person and work on the EP began.
The resulting five songs are more detailed and fully formed, owing to the better studios and musicians available in the city.
It is a tight and cohesive listen, complementing both artist’s respective visions.
Acknowledged as one of the godfathers of Arabic indie music, Hamdan has been a trailblazer in Lebanon’s underground music scene since at least 1997.
He founded the seminal electro-pop band Soapkills with singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan, before producing a string of releases by cutting-edge Arab artists, including Maii Waleed and Maryam Saleh, as well as composer Khaled Mouzanar's score for Nadine Labaki's 2019 Oscar-nominated film Capernaum.
Damascus-born Adib is also known for her adventurous streak, with projects fusing Arabic jazz and soul with electronic music — a striking approach displayed on last year's album Nearness, created with French multi-instrumentalist Marc Buronfosse.
By combining their efforts, Hamdan says Bedouin Burger hopes to create a soundtrack for what it means to be an Arab today.
"I just feel like it's about providing a more realistic portrait of our generation," he says.
"We are deeply rooted in our parent's tradition, but at the same time we are the children of new technology and other modern influences.
“Lynn and I love traditional music but we can only express it in the way we know and not the way our parents did.”
This is epitomised in the instrumental Dabkeh, a thrilling electro hoedown pairing Arabic percussion and flutters of the flute with rampaging synths.
Above the intoxicating rhythms is Adib’s sensual wail, at once longing and euphoric.
Where Dabkeh felt more like a Hamdan production exercise, other tracks in the EP display a finer synergy between both talents.
Nomad is the most organic sound of the bunch.
Carried by the bluesy notes of the guitalele (a compact six-string guitar), which Hamdan describes as Bedouin Burger's signature instrument, Adib's frail vocals echo the tragedy of displacement.
Ethereal and sparse, it also illustrates Hamdan's measured approach in the studio.
"It's very important that each instrument has its importance," he says.
"So, for instance, in a song like Nomad, the main quality is Lynn's beautiful vocals, so my job is to empower the vocal and not compete with it.
“I am not one to over orchestrate, it's all a question of balance."
That poise is also found behind the scenes with Hamdan surrendering his normally tight grip on his projects to outside management.
In 2021 Bedouin Burger signed a recording agreement with Pop Arabia, the Abu Dhabi music publishing company, and independent New York music company Reservoir.
The regional and international ties have already borne fruit.
Last year they performed as part of the influential Tiny Desk concert series organised by American radio channel NPR, and at Riyadh's XP Music Conference.
With a second EP on the way later this year and an international tour in the works, Hamdan is now happy to focus on what matters.
“In the past, some of my projects didn’t reach the level they were meant to go,” he says.
"Now, with the experience that I have had with so many bands, I no longer want to do this alone. I want to implicate professionals, managers and agents to help.
“That way I can focus on the music and the rest will follow.”
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The five pillars of Islam
The years Ramadan fell in May
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Quran memorisation:
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers
1,228 - games at the helm, ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
1,549 - goals scored in Premier League matches by Wenger's teams.
10 - major trophies won.
473 - Premier League victories.
7 - FA Cup triumphs, with three of those having come the last four seasons.
151 - Premier League losses.
21 - full seasons in charge.
49 - games unbeaten in the Premier League from May 2003 to October 2004.
The five pillars of Islam
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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More on Quran memorisation:
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More on animal trafficking
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
How to keep control of your emotions
If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.
Greed
Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.
Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.
Fear
The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.
Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.
Hope
While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.
Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.
Frustration
Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.
Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.
Boredom
Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.
Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
FIGHT INFO
Men’s 60kg Round 1:
Ahmad Shuja Jamal (AFG) beat Krisada Takhiankliang (THA) - points
Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) beat Akram Alyminee (YEM) - retired Round 1
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Bhanu Pratap Pandit (IND) - TKO Round 1
Men’s 71kg Round 1:
Seyed Kaveh Soleyman (IRI) beat Abedel Rahman (JOR) - RSC round 3.
Amine Al Moatassime (UAE) walk over Ritiz Puri (NEP)
More coverage from the Future Forum
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Results
Men's finals
45kg:Duc Le Hoang (VIE) beat Zolfi Amirhossein (IRI) points 29-28. 48kg: Naruephon Chittra (THA) beat Joseph Vanlalhruaia (IND) TKO round 2.
51kg: Sakchai Chamchit (THA) beat Salam Al Suwaid (IRQ) TKO round 1. 54kg: Veerasak Senanue (THA) beat Huynh Hoang Phi (VIE) 30-25.
57kg: Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) RSC round 3. 60kg: Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 30-27.
63.5kg: Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE) 29-28. 67kg: Narin Wonglakhon (THA) beat Mohammed Mardi (UAE) 29-28.
71kg: Amine El Moatassime (UAE) w/o Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ). 75kg: Youssef Abboud (LBN) w/o Ayoob Saki (IRI).
81kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Khaled Tarraf (LBN) 29-28. 86kg: Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Emil Umayev (KAZ) 30-27.
91kg: Hamid Reza Kordabadi (IRI) beat Mohamad Osaily (LBN) RSC round 1. 91-plus kg: Mohammadrezapoor Shirmohammad (IRI) beat Abdulla Hasan (IRQ) 30-27.
Women's finals
45kg: Somruethai Siripathum (THA) beat Ha Huu Huynh (VIE) 30-27. 48kg: Thanawan Thongduang (THA) beat Colleen Saddi (PHI) 30-27.
51kg: Wansawang Srila Or (THA) beat Thuy Phuong Trieu (VIE) 29-28. 54kg: Ruchira Wongsriwo (THA) beat Zeinab Khatoun (LBN) 30-26.
57kg: Sara Idriss (LBN) beat Zahra Nasiri Bargh (IRI) 30-27. 60kg: Kaewrudee Kamtakrapoom (THA) beat Sedigheh Hajivand (IRI) TKO round 2.
63.5kg: Nadiya Moghaddam (IRI) w/o Reem Al Issa (JOR).
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
