Reina Khoury has not only released her new single, she has also managed to sign an international deal for it. “Ahlami,” the new song by the Jordanian singer/songwriter, is being distributed via Levantine Music and Empire across the world and is set to build on her growing reputation, including three other singles. For the single, which was released on 02/02/2022, Amman-raised Khoury has tackled some powerful topics. And the “empowering yet vulnerable” song is the artist’s first one that’s completely performed in Arabic, with Arabic music.
““Ahlami” is about the struggles of an independent musician's career, specifically being female and being here in the Middle East, and the powerful mindset that we need to adopt in order to follow through and succeed,” Khoury said. It’s a powerful message that will resonate with many, and it’s given more impact thanks to the stripped back but emotive music.
Growing up surrounded by music from different genres in Arabic and English, Khoury seamlessly uses both languages to express her feelings. She describes her music as “nostalgic Arabic pop mixed with a strong influence from the Western pop culture.” Her musical history and YouTube channel show how the songbird has grown organically through her love of mashups, edits and covers. Her “Howeh El Hob” and “Lucid Dreams” mashup has well over one million views, while she’s also covered Ed Sheeran and A5rass in her own standout style.
Impressively, the singer who shares specific moments in her life through her work, manages to make every cover and mashup entirely her own. And she’s used that creativity on “Ahlami.”
Fans will be treated to many more releases as Khoury said she’s planning on steadily churning out songs. Describing her future releases as an “interesting surprise to say the least,” the talented songstress is undoubtedly on an innovative roll. And with restrictions lifting around the world, Khoury, who hopes people resonate with her collection of personal stories, is excited about the prospect of taking her music to them.
“I’m hoping to be able to perform live this year. Nothing feels better than connecting with the audience in person and singing the songs together,” she said.
