The video for London-based Ethiopian–Egyptian musician Alewya’s new track Maktoub sees her riding pillion on a motorcycle across the vast, otherworldly desertscape of Afar, Ethiopia. One of the hottest recorded places on Earth, Afar’s volcanic terrain sits at the junction of three tectonic plates – a neat backdrop for an artist whose music is born from collision, folding East African rhythms, Arabic melodies, and contemporary club influences into one.
It’s a location chosen with purpose. “It is the birthplace of humanity, and a land where a new ocean is forming beneath my feet,” says the musician. “The Afar people are warriors who have lived on their own terms for centuries, and the women carry a grace that makes me feel close to God… It felt right to create from the closest place to the beginning.”
Taken from her debut record Zero, the track itself echoes these themes of ancestry, destiny and belonging. Its title is an Arabic word meaning “it is written” or “destined”, while its production samples legendary Ethiopian singer-songwriter Teddy Afro, whose music formed part of Alewya’s own upbringing.
Speaking to us about her new music, Alewya shares exclusive behind-the-scenes imagery from the making of the Maktoub visuals.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source hero-magazine.com ’
