Kazdoura

In the organizer's words:

Kazdoura from Toronto combine traditional Arabic music with funk, soul, psychedelia, jazz improvisations and modern global sounds. The project was founded in 2020 by Syrian singer Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra, who have since translated their shared passion for Arabic music into a modern, cross-genre format. The band's name is derived from the Levantine-Arabic word for "leisurely stroll" or "ramble" and reflects the duo's playful approach: a sonic journey between cultures and styles in which oriental scales, ornamental vocals and rhythmically driving grooves meet western harmonies, electronic textures and improvisational elements.

Her debut album Ghoyoum (2025) shows the full range of her skills: from intimate, atmospheric ballads to energetic, funky tracks that combine Arabic melodies with contemporary production techniques. Their music reflects identity, belonging and life between cultures, skillfully balancing tradition and innovation and translating Arabic music into a global sound language. The result is a groovy and emotionally dense sound that interprets Levantine music for a new generation.