Toronto-based Kazdoura releases new single ‘Khayal’

Kazdoura, the Toronto-based Syrian-Lebanese musical duo known for blending Arabic music with jazz, funk, and soul, has released their deeply personal and evocative new single, Khayal. The track, according to listeners and critics, is more than just music — it is a raw reflection of the emotional and psychological complexities faced by immigrants, particularly those who, like the band members, have experienced displacement, war, and cultural disconnection. “Their performances have been both enriching and impactful, highlighting their vital role in the Arabic community in Toronto,” says Kristyn Gelfand, Managing Director, Uma Nota Music and Production.

“Kazdoura has an extraordinary ability to bring people together through the power of music,” notes Jonathan Campbell, Head of Industry Programming, Small World Music. “The duo’s performances have quickly grabbed the attention of the downtown music scene,” opines Toronto Star. At the heart of the song lies the powerful concept of a “shadow existence”, encapsulating the haunting sense of living between two worlds — one left behind and one yet to be fully embraced. For Kazdoura, Khayal is not just a song — it is a reflection of their own journey as immigrants. Lead vocalist Leen Hamo, a Syrian refugee, brings an intimate perspective to the track, revealing the depth of loss that many immigrants experience. “The loss we feel as immigrants is layered and complex,” she says. “It’s not just the loss of our homeland, but the loss of time, of culture, of personal history. When you leave everything behind, you also leave a piece of yourself.” The feelings of alienation, loss and longing are perhaps what make Khayal resonate deeply with anyone who has faced the challenges of displacement. The phrase “shadow existence” captures the emotional essence of the song — being caught in a liminal space where the past never fully fades and the future remains uncertain. It is about more than just homesickness; it is the psychological toll of not being able to fully belong to either the place left behind or the new one that lies ahead. Kazdoura’s lyrics and evocative soundscapes give voice to this internal conflict, shining light on the often unspoken struggles of those caught between worlds, seeking identity in a foreign land. Musically, Khayal is a fusion of Middle Eastern neo-psychedelic rock, jazz, funk, and soul, that creates an introspective and hypnotic atmosphere.

The track’s groovy basslines, electric sitar, soulful saxophone and vocals in Syrian Arabic, mirror the duality expressed in its lyrics. The lush instrumentation guides listeners through a journey of emotional displacement, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of loss, longing, and the search for belonging. While Khayal is a deeply personal exploration of the immigrant experience, it is also a universal message of resilience. The song embodies the strength and determination required to move forward, even when burdened by grief and loss.

It is an anthem for anyone who has ever had to navigate the emotional landscape of leaving behind everything familiar and forging a new path in a foreign land. Khayal offers a sense of hope and solidarity, reminding listeners that even in the shadows of the past, there is always a path forward. Kazdoura’s music has resonated with audiences far beyond their home base in Toronto, where the duo has become a fixture of the local music scene. Their genre-defying sound and powerful performances have earned them spots at renowned festivals like the Small World Music Festival, the Taste of the Middle East Festival, and Union Station’s Summer Series.

In May this year, Kazdoura toured Egypt and the Netherlands, performing at iconic venues like Cairo Jazz Club and Makan. Kazdoura is preparing to release a full-length album in 2025. Khayal offers a glimpse of the duo’s continued evolution, blending their cultural heritage with modern musical experimentation, as they explore new creative boundaries while staying true to the emotional power of storytelling. Kazdoura’s forte is Arabic fusion with a modern twist. Equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, the style is a cross-cultural blend that mixes Arabic with jazz, funk, soul and trip hop. Singer Leen and multi-instrumentalist Johnny Abou Chacra, founded the project together.