French/Lebanese producer Yet More has long sought to mix things up – drawing on elements of hip hop, rock, soul and funk for his releases on labels such as Innervisions, Siamese, TAU and more.
His latest release is a remix of Gharam Electric’s Ya Boy, released on 26 April, which sees him bring his signature style to Wassim Bou Malham’s recently-released electronic stomper.
For this week’s #MyRecordBag, we asked Yet More to delve into the archives and uncover his must-have Arabic classics.
As he told us, “It’s an immense challenge to fully capture the extraordinarily diverse heritage of Arabic music in just a handful of songs. However, I’ve decided to reflect both the present and the past by carefully selecting 15 records that encapsulate my childhood memories, my cultural roots, and my profound love for Arabic music.
“These tracks span various eras, genres, and regions, offering a glimpse into the vast tapestry of Arabic musical traditions. From timeless classics by legendary voices to contemporary fusions that blend ancient melodies with modern beats, this curated collection celebrates the enduring power of Arabic music.
“While this selection merely scratches the surface of Arabic music’s boundless richness, it serves as an invitation to embark on a captivating journey of discovery. I hope you enjoy!”
Le Beirut – Fairuz
“When discussing Arabic music, one name stands out – Fairuz. Le Beirut is an ode to my hometown and a masterpiece by the Voice of Lebanon.”
Ela Habibi – Amr Diab
“Egyptian icon Amr Diab is a renowned figure in the Arab world, and for good reason. The father of many belly dancing anthems, Ela Habibi is a must-discover track.”
Ayonha – Hamid Al Shaeri
“Habibi Funk, a Berlin-based label (and DJ), has been unearthing lost Arabic funk and soul gems from the 60s-80s. Ayonha – meaning ‘her eyes’ – is one of many treasures Habibi Funk has allowed us to rediscover. Explore their captivating discography.”
Ya Bnayya – Omar Souleyman
“Omar Souleyman is a true character – one of the first to blend electronic and Arabic music innovatively. Ya Bnayya may seem off-putting initially, but Souleyman’s magic soon draws you into this ode to my beloved Syria.”
La Hafla – Acid Arab, Sofiane Saidi
“No discussion of electronic Arab music is complete without mentioning Acid Arab. La Hafla – meaning ‘The Party’ – is a quintessential Arab electronic record.”
Beirut Ma Bet Mout – Yuksek
“Beirut doesn’t die. This song was part of a compilation raising funds for Beirut after the 2020 explosion. Beirut’s resilience shines through.”
Helwa Ya Baladi – Dalida
“While known as an Italian-born, French-bred singer, Dalida had Egyptian roots and sang beautifully in Arabic.”
Soulan – Acid Arab, Les Filles de Illighadad
“This Acid Arab record is a secret weapon every DJ should possess. Don’t hesitate to increase the BPM – it speeds up perfectly!”
Sidi Mansour – Cheba Yamina, Moving Still
“This reinterpretation of the classic Sidi Mansour by Moving Still is a banger. Check out Disco Arabesquo for more hidden gems in the same style.”
Alf Leila We Leila Remix – Disco Misr
“Arabic music and disco blend marvelously… And when you add the mother of Arab music, Oum Khaltoum, to the mix: the combo is dangerously groovy.”
Embembelelah (Jade’s DiscoSpaceDrumBuka Remix) – Mashrou’Leila, Jade
“Jade is a phenomenal DJ and talented producer (when time permits…). Blast this at home, and your furniture will shake!”
Lmchi w Rjou3 – TAXI KEBAB
“Fast, funky, quirky – the way we love it. TAXI KEBAB produces singular modern pieces with a sexy Arabic twist.”
Brazil – Afroto, Marwan Mousa
“A little Egyptian rap never hurt anyone! Catch me or Jade playing this gem’s edit worldwide.”
Ya Boy (Yet More Remix) – Gharam Electric, Yet More
“Wass Bou Malah, the man behind Gharam Electric, is the most knowledgeable person I’ve met regarding Arab music. An insanely talented artist, I’m proud to have retouched Ya Boy to give it a dirty club spin.”
Elyanna – Ganeni
“I’ll conclude with my favourite young Arab talent, Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna. I’ll have the privilege of releasing a remix of the first single from her forthcoming debut album. Stay tuned!”
Thanks to Yet More for his selections. Keep up to date with his latest releases and tour dates here.
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