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Last week, the fashion world witnessed a unique event that fused the lines between art, culture and music.
Held at the Concrete venue in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, Bottega Veneta’s immersive Waves experience offered a blend of contemporary sound and traditional heritage. Amidst the stunning desert-inspired design, one artist stood out — Zeyne, the Palestinian-Jordanian singer who has quickly captured the hearts of listeners globally.
Zeyne’s Journey
Zeyne’s musical journey blends passion, heritage, and creativity. Born in Jordan to Palestinian parents, she grew up in a home where music was always present. From a young age, Zeyne’s family encouraged her to explore her musical talents. She began learning the piano at just three years old and was performing in a dabke (traditional Palestinian dance) group by the age of five.
However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdown that Zeyne fully embraced her musical calling, marking a turning point in her life. Stranded in Jordan when the pandemic closed borders, Zeyne found herself isolated. During this time, she began posting cover songs on Instagram to build confidence, and soon the world began to take notice of her talent. Her breakthrough came with Ma Bansak, a performance on the Colors show, which pushed her into the spotlight.
Her debut single, Minni Ana, blending Arabic R&B with contemporary Western influences, gained praise worldwide. Since then, Zeyne has continued to redefine the boundaries of Arabic music, releasing tracks like Balak, Bala Wala Shi, Atoul, and Ana Wein. These songs not only showcase her extraordinary voice but also her ability to tell deeply personal stories that resonate with listeners.
The Sound of Zeyne
Zeyne’s music is a reflection of her dual cultural heritage. With roots in Palestinian and Jordanian traditions, she blends sounds of the Arabic world with Western genres like R&B and soul. Drawing inspiration from Arabic legends such as Fairouz, Zeyne combines the beauty of Arabic melodies with contemporary Western rhythms, taking influences from Lauryn Hill and H.E.R. Zeyne’s sound highlights the power of cross-cultural collaboration, gainning her a unique sound and a loyal following, not just in the Middle East, but worldwide.
Her songwriting process is deeply personal, tackling topics not often discussed in her culture, such as mental health, anxiety, and the struggles of being a young woman. In her music, she gives a voice to those who feel silenced by society, particularly women.
Zeyne believes that music must come from the heart, which is why she focuses on writing songs that reflect her own experiences. Her first single, Minni Ana, explored her relationship with herself, while Nostalgia expressed her longing for Palestine, particularly Nablus, her family’s hometown. In Atoul, Zeyne delved into the complexities of falling in love, and in Balak (featuring Saint Levant), she captured the frustrations of a long-distance relationship.
Zeyne at Bottega Veneta’s Waves Event IN DUBAI
Zeyne’s performance at Bottega Veneta’s Waves event in Dubai marked a significant milestone in her career. Held at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue, the event combined fashion, art, and music to create an immersive experience in Dubai. The venue, designed by Lebanese architect Carl Gerges, featured soft, concentric seating and sand-coloured textures that reflected the timeless beauty of the desert, creating the perfect backdrop for Zeyne’s performance.
In this unique setting, Zeyne’s performance felt like an extension of the backdrop itself, blending contemporary style with rich cultural heritage. Her performance, alongside Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis, highlighted the event’s theme of cultural resonance, a key part of Bottega Veneta’s commitment to cultural advocacy to foster music, innovative sound, and creative exchange under the direction of Matthieu Blazy.
The Future of Zeyne
Zeyne’s unique ability to blend the old with the new and the West with the Arab world, positions her on a track to become a global popstar. Her collaborations with artists from across the MENA region and beyond, combined with her growing following from international platforms like Colors, have set her as a trailblazer in the new wave of Middle Eastern music.
Zeyne’s growth signals a new chapter in the evolution of contemporary Arabic music, bridging cultural gaps and resonating with a global audience. With her powerful voice, innovative sound, and commitment to strong storytelling, Zeyne’s influence is bound to grow, not just in the Arab world, but globally.
