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The video for London-based Ethiopian\u2013Egyptian musician Alewya\u2019s new track Maktoub<\/em> sees her riding pillion on a motorcycle across the vast, otherworldly desertscape of Afar, Ethiopia. One of the hottest recorded places on Earth, Afar\u2019s volcanic terrain sits at the junction of three tectonic plates \u2013 a neat backdrop for an artist whose music is born from collision, folding East African rhythms, Arabic melodies, and contemporary club influences into one.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a location chosen with purpose. \u201cIt is the birthplace of humanity, and a land where a new ocean is forming beneath my feet,\u201d says the musician. \u201cThe 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\u2026 It felt right to create from the closest place to the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n Taken from her debut record Zero<\/em>, the track itself echoes these themes of ancestry, destiny and belonging. Its title is an Arabic word meaning \u201cit is written\u201d or \u201cdestined\u201d, while its production samples legendary Ethiopian singer-songwriter Teddy Afro, whose music formed part of Alewya\u2019s own upbringing.<\/p>\n Speaking to us about her new music, Alewya shares exclusive behind-the-scenes imagery from the making of the Maktoub <\/em>visuals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n