Etaf is blending alt-pop with traditional khaleeji music

“They call me whitewashed because I keep my armpits and my mustache / Tell them: we’re iconic, cool Arab!” sings Etaf in the teaser video for upcoming single “Hey Habibi”, which has since accrued millions of views on social media. These lyrics powerfully capture the Kuwait-born, Hackney-based artist. Their genre – just like their gender – is fluid, and they’re keen to share their distinct musical heritage with the world. In Etaf’s own words: “My music is about embracing who I am: an ‘iconic cool Arab’.” 

The Dazed Clubber – who was recently selected as the Dazed Club’s submission to perform at Brighton’s The Great Escape Festival last month – likes to confront big ideas head-on. On lofi rap single “Small Details”, Etaf speaks of ‘fucking the system’ of patriachy while, drawing on their family lineage in Palestine, 2024 single “Taboot” compares Palestine under Israeli onslaught to “one giant coffin” over stripped-back folklike instrumentation. 

Despite these disparate sonics (Etaf characteristically dismisses the idea of genre as “too western an idea for me”), their current goal is to introduce the traditional khaleeji (music from the Arabian and Persian gulf) to a global audience through blending it with catchy, alt-pop songwriting. “I think that we deserve a space in the global music industry,” says Etaf. “I want to share my experiences through uplifting lyrics and use music as a form of resistance to different systems of oppression. I like to resist through joy.”

Below, Etaf speaks to Dazed about carving their own unique identity, what defines an ‘iconic, cool Arab’, and their heart-wrenching dream collab. 

Hey Etaf! Where does your name come from?

Etaf: Etaf is a gender-neutral name, mostly common in Jordan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia, where it is mostly used for male-bodied Etafs. My father named me after his mother Etaf, who came to Kuwait from Gaza. 

Why did you choose to move to London from Kuwait, and how have you found it?

Etaf: I decided to move to the UK to explore myself and to understand who I am in a completely new context. London, and especially Hackney, gave me the opportunity to become the person I am today, a person whom I love so much. When I walk around Hackney, I feel seen, hot, sexy and cool and I have claimed my body. My body is no longer trapped within social constructs that do not fit my being. 

I grew up with little confidence around my body due to the norms and expectations that are imposed on AFABs [Assigned Female At Birth]. Hackney also introduced me to all my lovers, exes and besties – two of them are in my band. Both London and Hackney have been the inspiration behind my upcoming album and the stories, sounds and histories in these places have shaped both me and my work. 

Could you explain a bit about khajeeli music?

Etaf: Khaleeji music literally means music from the Arabian/Persian Gulf and holds within a number of upbeat and often danceable rhythms. The main instruments are usually tabla (a percussive instrument) and oud (a string instrument) and khaleeji music is known for interlocking different rhythmic layers within. That said, my music is not just traditional khaleeji music, but it has khaleeji elements in it. You can find that in a particular rhythm or beat, or in the structure of a song. However, I’m reversing the musical process as I’m singing in English, in a manner that is close to Arabic singing, while most artists sing in Arabic with global north instrumentation. 

Was it always your intention to incorporate these elements in your music?

Etaf: One of my intentions with my new music is to bring the khaleeji sound to a global level. I think that we deserve that space in the global music industry. I want everyone, regardless of where they’re from, to listen to my sound and dance.  

I also just simply relate to this sound and I like to hear it on stage and dance. It is part of my existence and upbringing. The khaleeji sound brings me joy, and it’s really fun, sexy and sensational. I am very comfortable with my identity, and my music is a representation of that. 

On the other end of the spectrum, you also seem to have rebelled against some Kuwaiti cultural norms, too, right?

Etaf: I’m just so allergic to any patriarchal norm that wants to control me or my body in any way. But Kuwait is my homeland and I love it there. I love being Kuwaiti. I think some people have a problem with me because I own the fact that I am Kuwaiti while they don’t think I represent them, but I don’t have to, I don’t want to represent them. Also, representation is diverse and relative. When I headlined in Kuwait, it was a full house, and I have a lot of listeners and audiences there who love me and relate to me. 

Can we expect ‘Hey Habibi’ to drop soon?

Etaf: ‘Hey Habibi’ will be released in July and we are having an exclusive music video screening on the June 27 at Gooldie Salon to give those who are curious a sneak peek. 

What’s a secret musical obsession we wouldn’t expect?

Etaf: I play seven instruments, including oud, guitar and piano, and own 16 instruments. 

Who’s your dream collab?

Etaf: My sister, Rema, who was an iconic singer-songwriter. She passed away three years ago. I never had the chance to collaborate with her. I will be sharing some of her songs with the world at some point in my career. May she rest in peace. 

“Hey Habibi” releases next month (July)