Tamino is a Belgian-Egyptian artist, who’s debut album Amir consists of a range of captivating songs. Each song has a distinctive sound and his voice is recognizable throughout the album. Tamino’s ability to switch octaves effortlessly contributes to the essence of his records. It is hard to label his music as it is a blend of many sounds; however, alternative rock or indie rock is what his music is usually classified as. In an interview with NPR, Tamino recalls finding a guitar in his family home in Cairo and afterward learning chords on it. In the same interview, Tamino talks about his grandfather Muharran Foaud who was a famous singer and used his music as an influence “Left behind for Tamino were cassettes of his grandfather’s music. Tamino was able to incorporate the music on the cassettes into his own music for the album with the help of a friend….”The language is gonna be hard. I know it’s gonna be hard, but the one thing that’s not hard is the music,” he says. “It’s the one thing I’ve always had a connection to. It’s the one thing that just feels like it’s in me — like a homecoming.”( npr.org).
There is an indescribable component of his music that makes it mesmerizing and unforgettable. As you go through the record, his lyrics evoke a sense of curiosity which can be attributed to their poetic nature. Underneath, I have added a few snippets of his lyrics as well as links to some of Tamino’s live performances.
Habibi
“And as the full star tries his best to make the white pearl shine
Glances of a new day have arrived”
Sun May Shine
“Early spring arrived
Sober, light grey sky
Sun may shine, sun may shine
Just right now it won’t rise
In your sullen gaze
I see no care for this place”
Tummy
“Flying in the sky like cupid
Hypocrite
I saw someone change their habits
I’ve seen it
A sudden change of spirit”
Chambers
“I’ve given my words to you
I’d do it again”
So It Goes
“Tenderly, until all sound disappears
Now it shows, while wind is swinging the trees
Vigorously
Well, it has stopped to move me”
The Junction Journal 