Karim Osama Gets Passive-Aggressive on New Single 'Kadaba'

Released just ahead of Valentine’s Day, ‘Kadaba’ sees Karim Osama refining his signature sound, a blend of hip-hop, lo-fi textures and shaabi music. Osama takes full control of the production here, following in the footsteps of his self-produced previous tracks like ‘Taw3ya’. The track flows with smooth, atmospheric beats that build up to powerful, bass-driven drops.

Osama’s delivery blends intimacy with frustration, conveying the difficulty of holding on to someone despite the pain.

The lyrics of ‘Kadaba’ present a battle between yearning and anger, unfolding with raw vulnerability and an aggressive vocal performance. Osama delves into the complexities of obsession, longing and heartbreak, speaking to the tension between obsessive desire and the emotional exhaustion it brings. The repeated refrain, “ما فيش غيرك” ("There’s no one like you"), encapsulates his emotional fixation.

Though the track doesn’t feature a collaboration with El Waili, the influence of the trending Egyptian producer's style is evident in Osama's production through its fusion of shaabi, lo-fi elements and bass-heavy drops, highlighting Osama's growth as both a performer and a producer.

While the song doesn’t break new ground in terms of production, its emotional depth and the way Karim Osama navigates these intense feelings make ‘Kadaba’ a standout. At just 23, Osama has spent the past three years channeling his raw emotions into music, cementing his place in the Egyptian scene.