Published
Tue, Sep 12, 2017, 16:53
- The conceptual record celebrates "evil queens."
Next up on Hyperdub is a five-track EP from Fatima Al Qadiri.
The title, Shaneera, is an Arabic word that literally translates to "outrageous, nefarious, hideous, major and foul." It's used as a slur against people who deviate from traditional gender norms, though it's been re-appropriated as queer slang in Kuwait and some Arab countries. "Shaneera refers to a gender-defying persona (or temporary state or action), of being an evil queen," the label writes. "You know a shaneera when you behold one."
The EP features a number of artists from the Arab Gulf region. That includes Bobo Secret, who does most of the vocals on the EP; Lama3an, a Kuwaiti artist and fashion designer; Chaltham, an art world collaborator of Al Qadiri's; and Naygow, a singer who has requested anonymity to avoid persecution. On the cover, Al Qadiri is pictured as Shaneera—her "evil extreme femme alter ego"—and the record deals with notions of high femininity and drag.
Listen to "Alkahaf," featuring Bobo Secret and Lama3an.
Tracklist
01. Shaneera feat. Bobo Secret & Lama3an
02. Is2aleeha feat. Bobo Secret & Chatham
03. Alkhaf feat. Bobo Secret & Chaltham
04. Spiral feat. Bobo Secret
05. Galby feat. Nayglow
Hyperdub will release Shaneera on October 13th, 2017.