JaJaJaJa has released an engaging gourbi-rock single, “Blues El Bilad,” infusing North African rhythms with immersive and humorous storytelling elements this July 25. From the outset, the song invites listeners into a moody, entrancing atmosphere, opening with a chiming guitar riff alongside calm, smug vocals of Chakib Mataoui (Chekbo). Beneath this, a thumping beat grooves along, making heads nod instinctively, and as the song progresses, the rhythm shifts into an exotic beat, adding a mystical touch that’s both enchanting and energizing.
The song is as much about atmosphere as it is storytelling. The lyrics weave a compelling tale of a young guitarist living in a city devoid of rock music who manages to win over his neighbors by playing Blues El Bilad. The narrative is layered with cultural references, drawing from North African life and diaspora experiences, all while being framed in the context of traditional rock storytelling.
Musically, JaJaJaJa delivers a dynamic soundscape. With tender vocals seeping in along with featured backing vocals in the bridge, the song gets even more harmonious and intriguing, pulling off a soulful aesthetic too. Funky rhythms intertwine with the pulsating beat of the drums and bring an almost trance-like quality to the song.
The Arabic lyrics, rich with imagery and emotion, resonate deeply, especially when combined with the band’s eclectic instrumentation. With inspirations ranging from Cheikh Sidi Bémol to Led Zeppelin, the band pulls off a seamless mixture of nostalgia, modernity, and cultural fusion. If you like what you hear, check out “Blues El Bilad” by JaJaJaJa.
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Review by: Naomi Joan