A-WA

Review by Clara Kaul

The Short: A trio of Israeli-Yemenite sisters produce genre-bending music all while singing in the Yemenite Arabic dialect.

The Long: Tair, Liron, and Tagel Haim effortlessly combine electronic dance music, folk, hip hop, and traditional Yeminite melodies in their two full-length albums. Often inspired by the traditional stories of their family, the lyrics tell tales of resistance and resilience. A-WA’s songs range from melancholy ballads to punchy dance hits.

To Listen or Not to Listen: Listen listen listen! A-WA’s music transcends boundaries and challenges how we understand traditional folk music. It’s also a great way to learn Yemenite Arabic. If you’re looking for a good introduction, check out their Tiny Desk concert.