Concert for world music
Kazdoura
Arabic fusion, psychedelic funk, and soul!
Kazdoura—which means "to stroll" in Levantine Arabic—captures the spirit of movement, discovery, and joyful connection. The project was founded in Toronto by Syrian singer Leen Hamo and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra and grew out of their resilience and shared passion after they met by chance at a benefit event for Beirut in 2020. What began as a musical experiment has evolved into one of Canada's most vibrant bands, blending Arab heritage with modern global sounds.
At its core, Kazdoura's music blends traditional and contemporary Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul—a cross-genre sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Their songs have a vintage-tinged psych-soul vibe, where deep grooves meet shimmering melodies and Leen's captivating, ornate vocals in Syrian Arabic. The result is a sound that is irresistibly groovy yet emotionally rich – a reinterpretation of Levantine music for a new generation.
Kazdoura's debut album Ghoyoum, released in 2025, has reached over a million streams and resonates with audiences across all continents. The album's success led to nominations for "Best New Artist" at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards and "Album of the Year" at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, where they also took home the award for "Music Video of the Year."
Their rise has been marked by captivating live performances, from sold-out venues in Canada to international showcases at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, APAP, and Folk Canada. In 2024 and 2025, Kazdoura toured Canada, the UK, and Egypt, including acclaimed shows in Bristol, Falmouth, London, Cairo, and El Gouna, where audiences were captivated by their magnetic blend of rhythm and emotion.
Kazdoura is more than a band, it is a cultural bridge—an invitation to walk between worlds. Their music honors the deep roots of Middle Eastern traditions while celebrating the freedom of modern experimentation. They are currently working on their second album, further developing their signature sound and expanding their presence on the international stage.
At its core, Kazdoura's music blends traditional and contemporary Arabic music with psychedelia, funk, and soul—a cross-genre sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Their songs have a vintage-tinged psych-soul vibe, where deep grooves meet shimmering melodies and Leen's captivating, ornate vocals in Syrian Arabic. The result is a sound that is irresistibly groovy yet emotionally rich – a reinterpretation of Levantine music for a new generation.
Kazdoura's debut album Ghoyoum, released in 2025, has reached over a million streams and resonates with audiences across all continents. The album's success led to nominations for "Best New Artist" at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards and "Album of the Year" at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, where they also took home the award for "Music Video of the Year."
Their rise has been marked by captivating live performances, from sold-out venues in Canada to international showcases at WOMEX, Mundial Montréal, APAP, and Folk Canada. In 2024 and 2025, Kazdoura toured Canada, the UK, and Egypt, including acclaimed shows in Bristol, Falmouth, London, Cairo, and El Gouna, where audiences were captivated by their magnetic blend of rhythm and emotion.
Kazdoura is more than a band, it is a cultural bridge—an invitation to walk between worlds. Their music honors the deep roots of Middle Eastern traditions while celebrating the freedom of modern experimentation. They are currently working on their second album, further developing their signature sound and expanding their presence on the international stage.