Fatima Al-Qadiry – Spiral

Kuwaiti electro-adventurer challenges taboos over experimental arab-tronica

Kuwaiti producer Al-Qadiry has built an impressive reputation in the Western electronic underground, with globalist influences and activist music. Her latest production is the first to prominently feature her Arabic roots, and her most activist to date, tackling queerness and sexuality, taboo subjects in her corner of the world. Spiral features lyrics from a viral Egyptian movie scene, roughly translating as “I am dressed like a belly dancer, in a whorehouse, breaking down!” which became a queer meme. The head-spinning production and Arabic rhythms make the title literally come to life.