This is one Arab talent to keep on our radars! And one amazing bridge builder: Since her debut single “We’ve Got Wings”, from back in 2015, Saudi singer and songwriter Tamtam has continued to work relentlessly to connect people and cultures. Forever embracing her Arab identity, she is definitely one of the most interesting connectors between the Middle East and the West: Her latest single, “Ismak”, is the latest part of her ongoing project that aims to bring cultures together and explode stereotypes.
The unapologetic 29 year old Saudi, born in Riyadh and based in Los Angeles, who dreams to sing with The Weeknd, is a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and, like her idol, her sound is not one to put in a box, with its Alternative R&B and Pop influences. You will love “Gender Game”, a song about her journey as a Saudi woman pursuing a career in music, and “Identify Myself”, with its lyrics that encourage us to identify ourselves as human beings first and foremost. Her 2018 single “Rise” has reached over 1 million Youtube views and, in 2019, she released her EP “Rough Around the Edges”, later performing her song “One Earth” at the Global Goals World Cup in New York.
What is the one thing you wish people would stop listening to?
Other people’s opinions
What creation of yours are you most proud of?
Currently, my song “Ismak”, and the music video.
What was your worst music faux-pas?
Not listening to my gut.
If you were to choose one of your songs, or that of any other artist, to listen to every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Michael Jackson
Who do you dream of singing with?
The Weeknd
When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter?
Never, I don’t believe in all nighters.
Name five people, dead or alive, that you’d like to invite to a private dinner party at your house.
Audrey Hepburn, James Brown, Quincy Jones, Um Kulthum, Frank and Nancy Sinatra and Omar Sharif. I couldn’t do less than 7!
What does the word “sustainability” mean to you?
It means making conscious decisions.
What would the title of your Netflix documentary be?
“Ready Now”
Describe the MENA region in 3 words.
Ready, inspired, historical
How is “Young, Arab and Proud” translated in your work?
It is who I am, so it is part of my work’s DNA.
What is Arab DNA made of?
Pride and consistency
What is the most common misconception about being an Arab?
Having oil in your backyard
If you could travel in time to meet any Arab icon, who would it be, and why?
Asmahan. I would want to see a day in her life.
What is something that makes you uncomfortable in the MENA music industry and that
you would like to see changed?
It’s just the beginning of the music industry here, in my opinion, there hasn’t been enough time for me to feel uncomfortable about anything, I’m simply excited for everything that’s happening.
What is one Arab tradition you would want to change, and what is the one you adore?
I wouldn’t change anything, I actually love abayas in Saudi, I hope women keep wearing abayas (colorful, dark, whatever inspires them and describes them).
What is the Arab dish you could eat every day?
A Syrian dish called “Harraa Isbao”.
What is your favorite Arabic song, that is often stuck on repeat in your playlist?
“3 Daqat” has been stuck in my head since it came out, so catchy!
Um Kulthum or Fairuz?
Tough question, but I relate to Fairuz’s lyrics more, so if I had to choose, I’d say Fairuz.
What is the one city in the MENA region you could live in forever, and why?
I want to visit all of them before I decide!
